Wiouwash State Trail (South)
The Wiouwash State Trail follows a former route of the Chicago and Northwestern Railway. The line first belonged to the Milwaukee, Lake Shore and Western Railway, but the C&NW Railway took it over in 1893. The trail name is derived from the first two letters of each county through which it passes: Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca and Shawano. Each county manages their portion of the trail. Currently, it does not travel through Waupaca County. The trail is 40 miles long, but is separated into northern and southern sections.
The trail’s southern section travels nearly 23 miles from Hortonville to Oshkosh. Similar to the northern section, the elevation drops as the trail heads south. The limestone surface is smooth and in good condition. Any standard bicycle may be used on this section of the trail.
As it travels through Outagamie and Winnebago Counties, the trail leaves Hortonville and goes through Medina and Larsen, before ending in Oshkosh. Trailheads are located in each community and at certain intersections with roads. North of Larsen, the Wiouwash State Trail intersects the Friendship State Trail as it heads east to Menasha.
The Wiouwash State Trail runs through forests and farmlands. It also crosses wetlands, native grass prairies, and several rivers. The trail passes through the 4,000-acre, Rat River Wildlife Area. A large variety of birds may be seen in this large, marshy lowland preserve.
North of Oshkosh, the trail skirts Sunset Bay on Lake Butte des Morts. It also crosses the start of the Tribal Heritage Trail. This 1.8 mile paved trail parallels Interstate Highway 41 on a causeway and bridge over Lake Butte des Morts. It features 13 kiosks that present the history of Native American nations in Wisconsin.
After passing Lake Buttes des Morts, the final section of the Wiouwash State Trail runs next to the Fox River, and makes its way to downtown Oshkosh. It runs through Shapiro Park and ends at Carl E. Steiger Park near the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh campus.
A paid permit is required to use the Wiouwash State Trail. The fee is $5 for daily use, or $25 annually. Horseback riding is permitted on the trail, except on the final paved section in Oshkosh. Always practice safe bicycling and obey all posted rules.
Route Descriptions