Mountain Bay State Trail
The Mountain Bay State Trail is one of Wisconsin’s longest rail-to-trails bike paths. Opened in 1996, it is 83 miles in length. The trail begins near Wausau in the village of Weston, and terminates in the village of Howard by Green Bay. The trail takes its name from the fact that it travels from Rib Mountain to Green Bay.
The trail follows the route of a former Chicago and Northwestern Railway line. A branch line from Eland to Wausau was built in 1880 by the Milwaukee, Lakeshore, and Western Railway. This railroad company was purchased by the Chicago and Northwestern Railway in 1893. They lengthened the line to Marshfield, where it connected with the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway (also known as “The Omaha Road”). Twenty years later the line was further improved, and by 1907 had been extended to Green Bay. The line operated over 70 years, and in 1982 was closed due to declining use.
Along its 83 miles, the trail crosses Marathon, Shawano, and Brown Counties. In Marathon County, the trail passes through Ringle, Hatley, and Norrie. In Shawano County, it passes through Eland, Shepley, Bowler, Thornton, Shawano, Bonduel, and Zachow. Pulaski and Anston are found on the trail in Brown County. Local establishments in many of these small communities cater to trail-goers.
Between Ringle and Hatley, the route is shared for 2 miles with the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. At Eland, the Mountain Bay State Trail joins the northern segment of the Wiouwash State Trail for a short distance. For 3 miles west of Shawano, the trail follows county and town roads. Parking facilities and restrooms are found at various locations on the trail.
Because the trail traverses three counties, slightly different rules and regulations apply. For example, horseback riding is allowed on the trail only in Shawano County. Marathon and Brown Counties have placed gates at most road crossings.
The trail’s crushed limestone surface varies in condition. Sections in Marathon and Brown County are well groomed and in excellent condition. As the trail moves through the forests of rural Shawano County, conditions are not always the best. But the scenery throughout the trail’s forested sections make up for where the surface conditions are less an ideal.
A wide variety of landscapes are seen along the route. Scenes range from hilly farmland to thick forests and low wetlands. The trail crosses many creeks and rivers. Near Bowler, it passes through a covered bridge over the North Branch Embarrass River. In a wet marshy area in western Shawano County, the trail crosses a long boardwalk. At the community of Norrie, the trail runs by Norrie Lake, a great place for a dip on a warm summer day.
A State Trail Pass is required to on the Mountain Bay State Trail for bicyclists ages 16 and older. The cost is $5 for daily use or $25 for an annual pass. Obey all posted trail rules.
Route Descriptions