The Pedal to the Kettle

Lapham Peak Trails

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The open land and confined character of this new 4-mile loop make it impossible to get lost, and the wide, grassy trails contain no surprises. While this is appealing to some, many will complain bitterly that the new trail is a mere shadow of the old. The track it replaced used cross-country ski trails and took in 230 feet of the nearby Lapham Peak (the highest point in southeast Wisconsin at 1,230 feet) with several long, steep, heart-in-your-throat climbs. You can still get in a good workout by riding 1.2 miles up the paved park road to the observation tower, a climb of 380 feet. A hike to the top of the observation tower is rewarded by a grand overview of the undulating kettle moraine ridge to the south and the lake country to the north.

Lapham's big appeal these days is that it is a legal place to ride that is very close to Metropolitan Milwaukee. A good novice or beginner area, it also has a soda machine, warming building, and porta-potties at the trail head parking area. For all other services, head to Delafield, an interesting community, especially if you are into shopping for antiques. Check out the historic Gothic architecture of St. John Chysostom Church at the top of the hill on county road C (Lakeland Drive), or tour Hawks Inn, a restored stage coach stop to the east on county road DR (Main Street). For bike stuff, there is Wheel & Sprocket to the east at I-94 and WI 83 or the Bicycle Doctor to the west on I-94 and 1.5 miles north on route 67.

The Lapham trails are well maintained. They are marked for one-way travel in a counterclockwise direction except for three east-west, two-way connector trails. They are also shared with horses, but, at least at this time, such use is light. Trails may be closed due to wet conditions. Call ahead to check. A map is available at the park office or fee station.

Wisconsin State Forest parking and trail pass fees can be paid at the park entrance or office.

Length: 4-mile outer loop with three shortcut options.
Difficulty: Moderate with no real need for technical riding; the ability to shift gears is about all you need.
Terrain: Rolling with many short climbs (20'-30' moderate slopes and a few 50' gaspers) that will get your pulse up somewhat; for a harder workout you can always hammer. You can max out on a long 380' climb by ascending the paved park road to the observation tower on the east side of county road C.
Surface: Open, mowed, grassy trails that are also shared with horse.Scenery: Mainly open fields; there is a nice view of the forested slopes of Lapham Peak across county road C.
Recommended season: April through November.
Trail head: From I-94 take the Delafield/county road C exit. Travel south 1 mile to the Lapham Peak Unit entrance on the east side of the road. There is a brown sign with a mountain bike silhouette at the trail head.

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