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Opened in 2019, the Schrader Connection transformed a 1.7-mile stretch of a former Canadian National railroad line into a crushed-stone path that provides a shorter, pleasant route between two segments of the Green Circle Trail, the area's crown jewel trail system, as well as a useful off-road route from the town of Whiting into southern Stevens Point. The trail is named after the retired parks director for Stevens Point, Tom Schrader, a leading advocate for both this connection and the larger area trails network.
The southern end of the trail in Whiting connects with the Paper Mill Trail segment of the Green Circle Trail, which forms the southern end of a nearly thirty mile loop around the area. The Schrader Connection heads north along the former rail corridor, passing through neighborhoods and newer subdivisions, and comes to an end at Bliss Avenue in Stevens Point, just a short block south from the River Pines Trail segment of the Green Circle Trail. Bikes that can handle the crushed-stone surface, as well as walkers and joggers can take full advantage of this quicker off-road route that avoids having to follow the winding path of the Wisconsin River.
On the northern end of the trail, parking is available at the Stevens Point Dog Park (601 Mason Street).
At the South end where the trail turns left to cross the railroad, there should be a trail notched into the east side of the railroad embankment all the way to Tommy's Turnpike another half a mile away. (The Iverson Park trail near Patch Street is an example of this type of construction.) In that area it would line up with the future Okray Ave trail that Plover wants to install. This would lengthen this trail from its current length of just under 2 miles to around 4 miles long ending at River Road in Plover. Most likely this trail would need to be blacktop the whole way because it would a direct line to Plover and a lot of people will go on it. in
In winter the snow plowed off the trail ¿can be used for groomming a ski trail alongside it.
We parked at the dog park and it was about a .25 mile walk (turn right when leaving the dog lot) to the trail. The trail is gravel and very similar to the Tomorrow River Trail...same gravel, long, straight and relatively flat. Very easy to walk and follow. Not good for sightseeing. Seemed a lot more windy on the trail then at the dog park. ¿¿¿¿¿
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