Rail trail · Wisconsin
Mountain-Bay State Trail
One of Wisconsin's longest rail-trails at 83 miles, stretching from Weston near Wausau east to Green Bay through the communities of Kronenwetter, Hatley, Eland, and Shawano in central Wisconsin.
Length
83 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Weston (near Wausau) to Howard Memorial Park near Green Bay
Season
Open year-round; best for biking and walking May through October. The corridor is heavily used by snowmobiles in winter.
Plan your ride or walk
The Mountain-Bay State Trail is one of the longest rail-trails in Wisconsin, covering 83 miles from Weston (just east of Wausau) to Howard Memorial Park near Green Bay. Its name references the two geographic anchors at either end: Rib Mountain on the western side and Green Bay on the east. The trail passes through a mix of central Wisconsin landscapes, from the more urban surroundings near Wausau and Green Bay to forested corridors, farmland, and the Wolf River community of Shawano in the middle. A short gap in Shawano uses local roads to bridge the Wolf River crossing. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists 16 and older. In winter the corridor is a popular snowmobile route. The trail is managed cooperatively by Marathon, Shawano, and Brown counties.
Getting there
The western trailhead is in Weston, just east of Wausau off County Road NN. The eastern terminus is at Howard Memorial Park near Green Bay. Access points and parking are available in communities along the 83-mile route, including Hatley, Eland, and Shawano. Contact Marathon County Parks (715-261-1550) or Brown County Parks (920-448-4466) for current access information.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Mountain-Bay State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
What to pack
Plan with our tools
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Mountain-Bay State Trail?
The Mountain-Bay is 83 miles long, one of the longest rail-trails in Wisconsin. It runs point to point from Weston near Wausau to Howard Memorial Park near Green Bay. There is a short gap in Shawano where local roads connect the two trail segments around a Wolf River crossing.
What does the name Mountain-Bay refer to?
The name references the trail's two geographic endpoints: Rib Mountain on the western end near Wausau, and Green Bay on the eastern end. Rib Mountain is one of the highest points in Wisconsin and is known for its ski area.
Do you need a pass for the Mountain-Bay State Trail?
Yes. Cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass. The trail is managed cooperatively by Marathon, Shawano, and Brown counties, so contact the relevant county parks department for any access updates along specific sections.
Is the Mountain-Bay State Trail good in winter?
Yes. The corridor is a popular snowmobile route in winter when snow conditions allow. The trail is open year-round, but winter closures or restrictions can apply to certain sections; check with the managing county for current conditions.
More Wisconsin trails
Looking for parks instead? Browse state parks by state.