Hike, Bike, Run and Walk in WalCo

gowalco
Jun 18, 2024
7 min read

Whether you’re looking to participate in a run/walk for a cause or simply get out and enjoy the beauty mother nature has to offer, you’ll find plenty of options in Walworth County, Wisconsin.

Check out the list of events and locations for your guide to being active outdoors in WalCo.

Run/Walk Events

Sat, June 22Whitewater Trail Challenge, Whitewater10K, Half Marathon, 50K The Ice Age Trail is an iconic route covering vast and diverse natural areas, and is a longstanding magnet for hikers and runners. The Whitewater Trail Challenge course covers a small but scenic portion of the trail – an out and back from Rice Lake near the town of Whitewater.

Sun, June 30Kade’s Klassic & Sue Babcock Memorial 5K Walk/Run, Evergreen Golf Club, Elkhorn The charitable foundation selects a family with an ill or injured family mmeber or has a financial need to receive 100% of the golf outing and 5K run/walk proceeds.

Sat, July 6KNC 5K Run/Walk & Children’s 1/4 Mile Walk/Run, Williams BayThis event helps privately fund the 231 acre property all work that is done to maintain this beautiful natural area on Geneva Lake. The course follows the grass trails in the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy, through the hills, woods and prairie with a water stop on the course.

Sat, Aug 3, 2024Das “Run with Rotary” 5K Run/Walk with myTeam Triumph, Elkhorn Able-bodied Angel athletes guide Captain athletes with a disability in this run for inclusion!

Sun, Sept 22Discover Whitewater Series, 13.1M, 5K run | Kids run,Whitewater The Discover Whitewater Series, a half marathon and 5k, is held annually in Whitewater, WI every September. The race promotes the City of Whitewater and highlights its greatest features, along with encouraging a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages.

Sat, Sept 24Fontana Triathlon on Geneva Lake, FontanaThis two-day event will consist of pre-race activities on Friday followed by the Sprint Distance and Olympic Distance races on Saturday. There will also be a fun Post-Race Party and Awards Ceremony after the races. The Fontana-on-Geneva Lake Triathlon is a USA Triathlon Sanctioned Event. This is your chance to qualify for either the Olympic or Sprint Distance Age Group Nationals in 2025!

Sat, Oct 19Miles for SMILES & Breakfast at the Barn, DarienThis fundraiser for SMILES, a theraputic facility that provides both mounted and unmounted programs for individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities allows participants to eat breakfast in the barn with horses arms length away and participate in the 5K or Trick-or-Treat Trail with post-race activities.

Sat, Oct 19Elkhorn Oktoberfest-Live and Remote, ElkhornJoin us for the Elkhorn Oktoberfest 5K Run & 2 Mile Walk brought to you by the Elkhorn Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center. This race will be perfect for all levels of competitors.

Sat, Nov 9Veteran’s Day Run, White River Trail, LyonsThe White River Trail is a rails-to-trails crushed limestone path on the former SOO railway and it will be an out-n-back. This trail is canopied by trees and provides the perfect place to reflect on the selfless service the military provides and possibly see some autumn colors. Continue the festivities by supporting one of the local Lyons’ businesses for a bite or a pint that are steps away from the start/finish area.

Sun, Dec 8, 20249th Annual XC Thrillogy Hateya Trail Run/Walk/CaniCross, Lake Geneva Zip Lines & Adventures, Lake Geneva16M, 12M, 8M, 4M trail run This event provides single track fun that will definitely keep you on your toes. Runners and Walkers can enjoy the crunch beneath their feet (leaves and perhaps snow) for 4m, 8m, 12m & 16 miles. Walkers can choose between 4 or 8 miles. The finish of the XCThrillogy Hateya Trail Run is a time where everyone can sit around a bonfire outside or by the fireplace with a warm drink and the BEST company! Please BYO dessert to share!

Sat, Jan 25, 2025Abominable Snow Race, Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures, Lake GenevaThe Abominable Snow Race is the Midwest’s premiere Winter adventure. A Winter Obstacle Race held at Lake Geneva Zipline & Adventure Park. Fun for the whole family (ages 4+). Run Just for Fun (5k or 10k), go for distance (20k Yeti’s Challenge), or compete for cash and prizes (10k Elite/AG).

Bike Events & Mountain Biking

Sat, Aug 17Round ‘da Manure Bicycle Tour, SharonThe tour is a clover leaf series of four different loop routes & ice cream shop rest stops. Riders pick the routes they want to ride and redeem coupons for a snack or drink at the local ice cream shops. Everyone returns to Downtown Sharon, the hub in the center of the loops, for a pig roast.

Sat, Sept 21Annual Fat Tire Charity Ride, Lake GenevaThis fun bicycle ride for charity is on paved roads around Geneva Lake Wisconsin, beginning at 9AM with an unorganized start time. Begin the ride at your leisure, proceeding at your own pace. The ride is approximately 21.5 miles and the “rest” stops are evenly spaced. The ride is held rain or shine and travels through Lake Geneva, Fontana and Williams Bay with great views of Geneva Lake and Lake Como.

Alpine Mountain Biking, Alpine Valley Resort, Elkhorn/East Troy Enjoy an 8.1 mile, single track trail. From the start, the trail is an ascending, leg-burning climb in the trees up the side of the ski hill. Miles of twists, turns, punchy climbs, and fast descents await.

Avant Cycles, Lake Geneva Every Sunday, a group gathers for Sunday Coffee Rides with wheels out promptly at 7:30 am. It’s a casual pace, with a different route each week and a designated break to purchase a snack along the way. Details with changes for weather are on the Avant Facebook page. Or book a ride with a guide to see the best parts of WalCo.

Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures, Lake Geneva Enjoy over 12 miles of wooded single-track trails for hiking and mountain biking. Bike on intermediate to advanced and expert level skills. Elevation gains and lots of turns on our 100-acre property guarantee an exciting workout in a natural setting. The trails wind through the forest and feature obstacles on the intermediate and expert level routes including ladder bridges, jumps and switchbacks that make it a regional favorite.

John Muir Trails & Emma Carlin Trails, Kettle Moraine State Forest, WhitewaterThis is the famous “kettles,” and is made of fast track with some technical spots and challenging climbs. A lot of effort has been put into creating many miles of single track in this trail system over the years. There are over 27 miles of trails in the system with many loops to choose from; beginner, novice or technical riders. It’s trails have been an off-road Mecca since knobby tread met dirt. The one-way Emma Carlin Trails are at the extreme end of the riding scale. NOTE: State Park admission sticker required. Purchase onlineor in-person.

Grand Geneva Resort Mountain Biking Trails, Lake GenevaTrade-in your skis and snow pants for sneakers and shorts and hit the hill for a day of fun in the sun. 8.5 miles of trails, ranging from easy to expert. Rentals available.

White River State Trail, Elkhorn to SpringfieldThis 19-mile trail follows a former rail corridor as it travels between Elkhorn and Springfield in Walworth County and continues into Racine County, with a short gap in Burlington. The trail passes by numerous bridges, scenic vistas, quaint towns, farmlands and wetlands.

Walworth County Bicycle Map

Download the map to discover documented bicycle paths throughout WalCo.

Bike Rentals

Whether you’re unable to bring a bike with you or are making a decision on the fly, these businesses have rentals available to enjoy biking in WalCo. Check out the scooters and e-bikes, too. Avant Cycles, Lake GenevaGrand Geneva Resort Adventure Center, Lake GenevaLake Geneva E-Bike Company, Williams BayLake Geneva Scooter Tours & Rentals, Lake GenevaMidwest Action Cycles Scoot Jockey’s, Lake GenevaPedal & Cup, Springfield

Hiking

Along one of several lakes or streams, through the woods or down a former railroad line, check out these locations to discover more of WalCo, up close.

Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva Located on the shores of Geneva Lake, Big Foot Beach State Park offers five (5) miles of hiking trails.

Geneva Lake Shore Path, Lake Geneva, Williams Bay, Fontana Geneva Lake Shore Path is a dog-friendly lakefront trail which extends for 26 miles around Geneva Lake with an up close view of historic estates and stunning homes with beautifully landscaped yards and gardens. It is recommended that the trail is traversed in small sections and it can be accessed from several points. Dogs are welcome to accompany you on the trail but must be leashed, cleaned up after, and are not permitted to stray onto properties.

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit, Whitewater Hikers can enjoy miles and miles of rolling hills through pine plantations, prairies and southern hardwood forests. Trail maps help to prepare you for the distances you will encounter and the natural areas that will surround you when you hike. Hiking is available on the Scuppernong, Emma Carlin, John Muir and Nordic trails, as well as the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. There are also several shorter self-guided nature trails.

Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy, Williams Bay Uncover the unexpected on over four (4) miles of trails taking you through various areas of species of sedges, grasses, and hardwood trees. Indulge in bird or critter watching, as this area attracts over 36 different varieties of birds (most notably the impressive turkey vulture), along with deer, coyote, fox, raccoon, and opossum.

County Parks

Natureland Park, Whitewater Natureland’s 122 acres contain four (4) hiking trails which provide an opportunity to observe the beautiful Kettle Moraine terrain. Springs and wetlands support a variety of vegetation displaying the ecological diversity found in the park.

Price Park, Elkhorn Three nature trails are available at this County nature conservancy. Maps, overviews and virtual tours are available online.

White River County Park, Lake Geneva White River County Park is Walworth County’s largest park. With nearly 200 acres and two (2) miles of frontage along the White River, there are three (3) nature trails available.