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The Friendship State Trail runs between Stevens Point and Manitowoc in eastern Wisconsin in two disconnected segments of the trail for 18.3 miles.
Note: The gravel surface of the trail can be rough and prone to washouts.
About the Route
In the east, a 4-mile stretch joins the small towns of Brillion and Forest Junction along US 10. The crushed stone pathway offers scenic woodland and rural countryside views from a former Chicago and North Western Railway corridor. Biking, walking, and horseback riding are permitted year-round, as well as snowmobiling in the winter.
The trail's southeastern end is not far from the Brillion State Wildlife Area, which offers hiking trails through a mix of marsh, forest, and prairie habitats. From its other endpoint, trail-goers can connect to the Fox River State Trail, which continues 25 miles north to Green Bay.
A longer stretch of the Friendship State Trail is open farther west between the eastern limits of Menasha and Clayton in rural Winnebago County. The trail begins by paralleling Plank Road/State Route 114 but quickly turns south at the edge of the Heckrodt Wetland Reserve. Along the Lake Winnebago waterfront, the paved pathway runs through Jefferson Park, which features ball fields, picnic pavilions, open space, and a public pool.
An on-road route leads from the park to the stunning Friendship Trestle. The 1,600-foot-long converted railroad bridge over Little Lake Butte des Morts is the longest pedestrian bridge in Wisconsin. A unique, short lift bridge over the Menasha Lock allows boats to pass under the trail at the trestle’s eastern end.
In the Town of Menasha on the western shore of the lake, the trail runs along Jacobsen Road to US 10. The trail is never far from the highway for the rest of its trek westward, and the surface changes from asphalt to crushed stone. Between Pioneer Road and Hickory Avenue, the trail intersects the Wiouwash State Trail, which travels south to Oshkosh and north to Hortonville. The Friendship State Trail currently ends in the west at County Road M.
Connections
At the western end of the eastern trail segment, trail users can connect to the Fox River State Trail.
Near the western end of the trail, trail users can connect to the Wiouwash State Trail.
The Friendship State Trail runs between County Rd. M (Larsen) and Oneida St. (Menasha) and Fox River Trail (Brillion) and Center Rd. (Brillion).
Parking is available at:
See TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
The trail has some nice parts , however it goes through town a lot and some parts are not clearly marked which way to go. Some parts are washed out so can be difficult to keep steady in those areas.
Wash out and loose gravel.
Out of all the trails I’ve done, I like this one the least. Half of it’s in town and on side streets with poor signage. Once you hit the gravel part, it’s super shotty for the first 2 miles since they redid culverts n put new gravel in..I’m talking huge sharp stones that are loose. Once u get past that the rest of the decently packed gravel trail runs along the highway. I was also lunged at by some Boxer who was potentially trying to bite my ankle. It was on a leash but the owner could not control it..she just looked at me n walked away.
It stops due to construction of houses along the highway. Very rough terrain lots of grass and not maintained. It's nice over by loop the little lake. Haven't tried the Brillion segment. Would be nice if they maintained it!
Went east and west of Loop the Little Lake Trail. East is on mostly side streets to a park. West is only paved halfway and noisy from Hwy 10.
Started at the Umland Road parking area. First few miles were crushed stone. A few areas required some caution, especially the downhill, cause of slight water damage to the trail. Very enjoyable ride. Was surprised how few people were on the paved section of trail. Really enjoyed the Trestle Bridge
I thought this segment of the trail was a very good trail. Well marked in Brilllion. Although, there were some portions of the trail that had small weeks growing through, I thought I was well maintained. I hope they are able to connect the segments soon.
Struggled to find trail in Menasha. The trestle bridge is nice, really nice. But both sides of the bridge, not so nice. Won't do it again.
beautiful, safe and effective way to get to fox river trail in forest junction. Packed gravel. Neat old buildings in Forest Junction.
The trail extends along hwy 10 nearby Larsen, and continues all the way to the Trestle Bridge in Menasha. Although the trail is soft in places, it offers some hills, beautiful scenery, and the main attraction-the bridge! Plan on about a 12 mile ride one way.
Convenient trail along highway 10 linking Brillion to Fox River Trail
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