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Print Friendly MapThe Heart of Vilas Bike Trail, recognized as a National Recreation Trail, is a 52 mile bike trail that spans the width of Vilas County and some of Iron County Wisconsin.
The trail spans the towns of Mercer, Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, Sayner and St. Germain and is made up of five distinct trail sections, listed (west-east) below:
Mercer Hike and Bike Trail (9 miles)
Manitowish Waters Bike Trail (18.6 miles):
Starting from the Manitowish Waters Town Hall, where the trail's western endpoint is located, the Manitowish Waters Bike Trail winds north through the town and from there, carves a rural route from Manitowish Waters all the way to Boulder Junction. The trail's route passes through the Papoose Creek Pines State Natural Area, past Big Lake and Clear Lake until reaching Boulder Junction.
The eastern end of this trail along Main Street connects with the Crystal Lake Trail. A spur along County Highway M heads north from Boulder Junction Main Street.
This portion of the trail features fixtations (a bicycle repair and pump) at the intersection of Hgwy K & H just outside of Boulder Junction and along 5733 Airport Rd. in Manitowish Waters (town hall).
Crystal Lake Trail (11 miles)
Plum Lake Trail (5 miles)
St. Germain Hike & Bike Trail (12 miles)
There is parking at the Manitowish Waters Town Hall (5733 Airport Rd), Koller Memorial Park (6011 County Hwy W), and just north of Manitowish Waters at 190 County Hwy W.
See TrailLink Map for detailed directions.
We parked at Kohler Memorial Park. It is a very nice park with indoor plumbing. Headed out East and missed our turn, not really the fault of the trail as it was marked. There were other trail markers for activities going on in the area, that confused us as to which way to go. We were off track about a mile. Once back on the trail we rode out about 8.5 miles. A total of 18.5 miles out and back. As more trails are added in this area watch the markers carefully to stay on the trail you want. The trail is 100% paved. It isn't real wide and winds through wooded areas. As it is a popular trail, ride on the right side only and single file with a group. When winding you cannot see what is coming toward you. Several times riders coming towards us had to vere to the right to stay on their side of the trail. There are several rolling hills that you can easily coast down and coast partially up and pedal with little effort. (67 & 68 year old on human power bikes did fine). There is a pit toilet about 2 miles from the park. An easy ride.
Beautiful fall colors this weekend. We had a great walk along this awesome trail
Smooth, paved surface but only 8 ft wide. Follows natural contours ( more uneven than road contours) . Varies from curvy paths through park like woodlands, to rough ( but new) bridges at the bottom of short but steep hills.
The trail was beautiful and pristine! Stayed at Big Lake so I was able to travel to MW and BJ. Both cute cites with things to do. While on the trail the maintenance crew was tending to it cutting, raking and blowing debris away. A must ride!
We parked at North Lakeland Discovery Center. There was ample parking and bathrooms. We rode east 3 miles until a thunderstorm turned us around. The trail is paved asphalt and well maintained. It is a a flat easy ride. The only negative was that it followed the road and was not as scenic as we had hoped. Very little of the short section we rode was in the woods. Just be prepared for seeing traffic next to the trail. Overall, it was a nice ride that we would do again.
First time on this trail. We rode from the intersection of Roads H and K, few miles west of Boulder Junction, to the west end of the trail at Powell Road and then back to our starting point. Probably the nicest trail we have ever ridden. They actually mow the grass on either side of the trail! Smooth ride. As old people, we were glad we had our e-bikes and there were lots of hills - not long, but some were steep. Several rest stops along the way with good signage. Nice bathrooms too!
Spectacular ! My wife and I rode from Mantiowish Waters to Boulder Junction.
We have traveled across the country in an RV and this is the best landscaped trail we have ever ridden. Hats off to the maintenance team and the private parties that keep this trail intact.
Best trail I’ve ever ridden. Manicured is a fair description. I need a second home nearby. ¿
It was a challenge finding the trail from where we parked. Advise you park at a designated trailhead and backtrack to ride the whole thing. They could do a better job of marking the trail when it veers off. In Boulder Junction you will be riding on the rode in traffic. It is a fairly level trail. There are two manageable hills.
Bike trail is in very good condition! Being fall, a few areas had a build up of leaves but just added to the great experience of biking in the woods. Tried to bike to breakfast in Boulder Junction but restaurant was closed during the week during the off season.
This is a excellent trail, Very well maintained. We did all three trails in three days. Beautiful in the fall. Bathrooms are clean, and maintained.
This is the best trail we’ve ever ridden (and we’ve ridden a few). Smooth asphalt free of bumps from tree roots or frost heaves. Lots of gentle curves and hills. Well maintained bridges and a very clean pit toilet along the way. Would ride this all the time if I lived here!
Loved this trail … it’s the best asphalt surface I’ve ever rode on. In fact, we encountered lawn mowers followed by people blowing off the clippings (& pine cones) behind them. The highly cared for trail has beautiful pine trees the entire way - great trail.
Very well maintained with asphalt for easy riding. The grass along the sides was freshly cut and manicured. We parked on Main St in Boulder Junction so we could refresh with a cold one at the Alehouse.
This paved trail is for all bike rider levels.
I just recently rode this trail 3 days in a row. It is so beautiful. It is in great shape and very well taken care of. I love how the trail has so many curves to it,and most of it cuts through a forest of trees. You go by parks, and lakes, and over bridges. Those bridges vibrate when you go over them. If you get a chance to ride this gem,you will love it,it is the best trail that i have ever ridden.
One of the best paved trails I have ever been on. This trail has plenty of room and beautiful scenery. Perfect for taking a short ride with the fam and stopping to pick berries on the side of the trail if your looking for them. Or great for a faster paced workout. Love these trails.
First time on the MW trail couple weeks back. Being first time out this summer, my wife and I couldn't quite do the entire trip to Boulder Junction & back but really enjoyed the ride & scenery. We will definitely be back again & spend more time in MW.
Rode from Rest Lake Park to the parking area just short of Boulder Junction and back, about 26.6 miles. The trail is beautiful with it winding through the woods and wetlands. Though not flat, the hills are short and fairly easy. The pavement is in excellent condition, and well maintained. Even the sections that share the road right of way on the shoulder are very wide and there is no feeling of traffic being too close. Will most certainly add to my list of those trails to ride again.
The MW trail is now 14.5 miles long and connects with the Heart of Vilas Trails giving you access to 45 miles of trails. Combined with nice country roads, I road 11 days in a row, never doing the same route. The MW trail is a paved curving trail that is mostly flat. Scenery is nice, the bridges are nice (one is a bit rough if you go fast) and the people are great. Lot's of parking along the way. Once you get past P and head towards Boulder Junction (and beyond) the trail becomes a bit more rolling.
The Manitowish Chain is 10 very clear lakes with many options for lakeside cabins. You can bike, hike, kayak, boat, fish and more without leaving town!
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