Rock River Run Motorcycle Ride

Rock Stone River

If you’re looking for a scenic motorcycle route in Wisconsin or Illinois, you’ll want to check out the Rock River Trail. 

The Rock River Trail is a National Water Trail that runs along the Rock River. This trail spans 320 miles and passes through 11 counties within Wisconsin and Illinois, offering beautiful nature views and small-town encounters. 

You can turn this stunning trail into a multi-day motorcycle trip. Read on to learn what you need to know about taking a Rock River Run motorcycle ride.

What Is the Rock River Trail?

The Rock River Trail is a National Water Trail that runs along the beautiful Rock River, a tributary of the Mississippi River. The Rock River is approximately 299 miles long and passes through parts of Illinois and Wisconsin.

The Rock River Trail spans 320 miles, extending past the river slightly. You can experience this trail through several transportation methods, including:

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Paddling
  • Driving

If you’re a motorcyclist, we highly recommend traversing the trail on your bike. You can turn the path into a three- or four-day trip and camp in between travel days. Alternatively, you can stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast in a small town along the route. 

Even better, the Rock River Trail organizers offer a commemorative patch for anyone who finishes the trail, which you can use to remember your experience. You’ll also receive recognition on the 320-Mile Wall of Fame. 

Here is a trail map with step-by-step instructions, courtesy of the Rock River Trail website. 

Shorter Routes Within the Rock River Trail

If you don’t have time to complete all 320 miles of the Rock River Trail, don’t sweat it. You can still experience the beauty of this trail and pass through several quaint towns by taking a shorter route. 

The Rock River Trail organization has put together a few shorter motorcycle rides within the Rock River Trail that you can traverse on your bike instead. Here are our favorite routes to consider for your Rock River Run motorcycle ride:

Lake Koshkonong Loop

The Lake Koshkonong Loop is a 30-mile route that goes around Lake Koshkonong. This lake spans 10,595 acres within Jefferson, Rock, and Dane Counties in Wisconsin. The route around the lake offers beautiful views of the sparkling blue waters and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the natural beauty. 

Lake Koshkonong is shallower than most other lakes of its size, reaching a maximum depth of seven feet. You can swim, fish, boat, and participate in watersports on the lake during your journey. 

Beloit to Waupun

If you want to experience a significant portion of the trail, you can ride from Beloit, WI, to Waupun, WI. This route will take you along the entire length of the Rock River Trail within Wisconsin. It begins at the Illinois-Wisconsin border and spans 148 miles to Waupun County Park. 

Waupun County Park is a 103-acre park with beautiful nature trails and campsites. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can camp a night or two at this park before continuing your Rock River Run motorcycle ride. 

Rock Island County Loop

The Rock Island County Loop is a 30-mile loop in Illinois that passes along both sides of the Rock River. This loop is a great ride when you don’t have much time but want to experience as much of the Rock River as possible. 

The loop begins in Colona and travels east on the northern border of the river, then crosses over the river on the 11th Street bridge. Then, it continues back to Colona on the southern edge of the river. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident one the team at Law Tigers is here to help. We are a group of motorcycle attorneys who also love to ride, so we are particularly passionate about protecting the rights of riders across the USA. Please feel free to contact us at 1-888-863-7216 for a free consultation.