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Print Friendly MapThe Conover-Phelps Trail connects its two namesake communities in northern Wisconsin along the former Chicago & North Western Railroad, providing views of woodlands and wetlands along the way. In addition to walking and biking, the trail is open for snowmobiling in the winter.
Beginning on its west end, the trail provides access to Conover Community Park and includes three scenic water crossings in its first few miles.
An extension of the trail was completed in 2021 along County Highway K into downtown Phelps, bringing the rail-trail to a total of nearly 11 miles. Even better, the trail is part of a developing 40-mile system of bicycling and pedestrian trails underway in eastern Vilas County.
Parking is available at either end of the trail. On its east end, parking is available near the intersection of County Highway K and Song Hill Lane in Phelps. On its west end, a parking lot and restrooms are available at the Community Park (4679 Park Circle) in Conover.
Started in Phelps right next to Candy/IceCream store! Nice place to relax and overlook the lake with clean bathrooms. Rode to Conover and had a great time at Club 45 (great burgers) which was 1.5 miles off the trail. Nicely paved riding out of Phelps with fun hills and curves. Trail flattens out a few miles out of Phelps. Pretty ride to Conover through the woods.
Started in Phelps becomes very hilly, pavement ends after two miles. Then crushed gravel, trail flatten out. Pretty remote not my favorite. Stay with the Villas county trails. ¿¿
We parked at the trailhead in Conover. Rode east for 9.5 miles. Approximately the first 4 miles is crushed stone and somewhat loose. My reason for only 4 stars. There are no outhouses in the area we rode. It was a steady climb out. About a mile before our turnaround there was a loose gravel portion with a steady climb that turned to paved with a higher grade. We only rode about 1/2 mile on the paved hills and it was breathtaking. Not in the view sense either. (67 and 68 years riding on human power bikes). The return trip was much easier, the grade allowed for momentum in the climbs going down one hill and up the other with little effort. The trail crosses the highway twice. Both are at straightaways on the road making vehicle traffic visible to safe crossing.
This is a beautiful trail and well maintained. We rode from our cabin just outside of Phelps to Conover. The trail was quiet and peaceful. Lunch at the Boathouse in Conover was delicious and the service and atmosphere outstanding. The return ride was equally enjoyable. Perfect on a beautiful fall day.
Beautiful Northwoods bike trail. Lots of wildflowers blooming in the open areas. The last couple of miles riding into Phelps is hilly & paved-ends at the lakefront & treated ourselves to ice cream with homemade waffle cones
We rode the trail in August 2021. The trailhead park in Conover is very nice, with excellent bathrooms and a bike tool stand including a pump. Within the first mile, however, you cross US 45 twice. It was a Tuesday, but the traffic was still heavy. I can't imagine crossing this with little kids. Once these crossings were done, the trail was great. A nice mixture of wetlands, forest, and dark hemlock stands. Halfway between Conover and Phelps there is a picnic table and a bench overlooking Muskrat Creek. The Phelps end was paved, but had road crews still working on it. Will ride again but will find a new starting point.
Lots of different scenery... Trail is definitely maintained.. trail now extends into Phelps which was a surprise... Very nice ¿
We run and bike on this trail all the time. It is pretty flat. Crushed gravel. We leave from the current Phelps trailhead and run/bike toward Conover. Typically we are 5 miles out and 5 miles back. My son loves the trail for high school cross country training. It is 2020 now and the last 2 miles to the ice cream store in Phelps still isn’t done. But hopefully soon!
Had a great ride, started in Phelps and ended at the “Boathouse” in Conover, but closed on Monday’s so settled for my bottle of water and carrots.
We had a beautiful day for a ride. We found the trail of crushed stone was packed and easy to pedal. Only complaint is the deer flies! But hey....we are in the Northwoods, so you have to expect some bugs. They weren’t horrible. We just pedaled faster! Wild scenery. Plenty of shade. Loved the wetland irises and other flowers. It was peaceful and quiet. All in all, a good ride. A nice little park in Conover provided a goid picnic lunch spot We will do this again sometime.
Though largely a straight line, this trail has the perfect northwoods mix of of prairie, woodland, and marshland. I wouldn't mind seeing it stay natural as the 2.9 miles as it is and not continue on to Phelps.
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