The Mountain-Bay State Trail runs 83 miles across north-central Wisconsin between Green Bay and Rib Mountain east of Wausau. The trail occupies the old rail corridor of the former Chicago and Northwestern Railroad and is one of the state's longest rail-trails. In Shawano there is a gap, requiring you to use roads roughly 2 miles of roads (S. Washington St., W. Green Bay St., Locust Rd., Oak Ave.). In Eland, the Mountain-Bay State Trail connects to the northern segment of the
Wiouwash State Trail.
Cyclists 16 years and older and equestrians need a
Wisconsin State Trail Pass to use the trail. Horseback riding is allowed in Shawano County only. Snowmobiles are allowed on the trail in Marathon and Shawano counties only. The trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing but it's not groomed, and you must share the trail with snowmobiles.
There are gates at most road crossings in Marathon and Brown counties. There are no gates on the trail in Shawano County. The trail is remote in places, so bring plenty of water; bikers will want to have extra tubes.
For more information about the Mountain-Bay State Trail, contact the following county departments:
Brown County Parks Department
305 E. Walnut Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 448-4466
Shawano County Park Department
311 N. Main Street
Shawano, WI 54166
(715) 524-5165
Marathon County Parks, Recreation & Forestry
212 River Drive, Suite 2
Wausau, WI 54403
(715) 261-1550
Access the Mountain-Bay State Trail in the following counties:
Marathon County
In Weston the trail is adjacent to the Weston Municipal Center (5550 Municipal Street). Parking is also available in Ringle, Hatley and Norrie.
Shawano County
The trail roughly parallels State Highway 29 and parking is available along the trial in Eland, Bowler, Shawano and Bonduel. Restrooms and other facilities are found in local parks. There are several parking and pay box locations located along the trail. There is a short gap in the trail in Shawano.
Brown County
The eastern terminus is on Lakeview Drive, near State Highway 41. From Green Bay, take Velp Avenue west to Riverview Drive, where you turn right; go left on Lakeview Drive and continue for about 0.2 mile. The eastern trailhead is on the left side of the road and a small parking lot is on the right. In Anston you can park off Woodside Drive. Both the Lakeview Drive and Anston parking lots have porta-potties. Parking is also available in Pulaski.
This commentary applies to the trail between Eland and the Joe Bikeler's bike shop in Shawano. While I did meet a couple of bikers and two horseback riders, the trail does not appear to be heavily used. It is an easy trail to ride. Even after a week of ...
My friend and I chose this trail this year because we live in Green Bay. Started in Anston. Brown County Park Rangers were made aware of our vehicles being parked there overnight. No problems and they were very friendly. Rode to Hillside Drive just east ...
I ride a tadpole recumbent trike and found the trail to be mostly two ruts. That said, I also had no problems with the wheel spacing riding on either side of the rut or two wheels in the run and one in the center. The elevation between ruts and center ...