State trail · Wisconsin
Green Circle State Trail
A 31-mile loop encircling Stevens Point along the Wisconsin and Plover rivers, connecting city parks, Schmeeckle Reserve, wetlands, prairies, and boardwalks in a rare urban circular trail.
Length
31 miles
Surface
Paved, Natural, Boardwalk
Route
Loop
Endpoints
Encircles Stevens Point; multiple entry points around the city
Season
Year-round; fall color peaks October; some natural-surface sections may be muddy after heavy rain; no trail pass required
Plan your ride or walk
The Green Circle State Trail is an unusual treasure in Wisconsin's trail network: a 31-mile loop, including spurs, that encircles the city of Stevens Point rather than running point to point. The trail winds along the scenic Wisconsin and Plover rivers, passing through natural and wildlife areas, the Schmeeckle Reserve nature center at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, many city parks, forests, wetlands, and prairies, with boardwalks where the route crosses low or wet ground. A 4-mile spur on Hoover Road connects south to the Tomorrow River State Trail in Plover. The trail recalls the history of lumber-making and pioneer settlements in this central Wisconsin river town. No state trail pass is required, and the loop format means you can join anywhere in the city and ride or walk as much of the circle as you like without needing a car shuttle.
Getting there
Stevens Point is in central Wisconsin on US 51, about 110 miles north of Madison. The Schmeeckle Reserve at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is one of the most accessible entry points, with parking off Reserve Street. Multiple other city parks around the perimeter also provide trailhead parking.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Green Circle State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Green Circle State Trail?
The trail is 31 miles in total including all spurs, forming a loop around Stevens Point. You can enter at any point in the city and ride or walk as much of the circuit as you like.
Is the Green Circle State Trail a loop?
Yes. Unlike most Wisconsin state trails, the Green Circle encircles the city of Stevens Point in a loop, so no shuttle is needed. It is one of the few urban loop trails in the state system.
Is a trail pass required?
No. The Green Circle State Trail does not require a Wisconsin State Trail Pass. It is free to use for cyclists, walkers, and runners.
What is Schmeeckle Reserve?
Schmeeckle Reserve is a 295-acre nature preserve on the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point campus that the Green Circle Trail passes through. It offers a visitor center, nature trails, and wetland habitat, and is one of the best entry points for the Green Circle.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.