Rail trail · Wisconsin
Wiouwash State Trail
A 20-mile rail-trail through the Wolf River watershed of northeastern Wisconsin between Oshkosh and Hortonville, traversing wetlands, farm fields, and hardwood forest in Winnebago and Outagamie counties.
Length
20 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Oshkosh to Hortonville
Season
Best May through October; the wetland sections attract migrating waterfowl in spring and fall; a Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists 16 and older
Plan your ride or walk
The Wiouwash State Trail takes its name from the four counties it was originally planned to traverse: Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano. The 20-mile open section runs from Oshkosh north to Hortonville through the quiet agricultural and wetland landscape of east-central Wisconsin. The trail follows a former rail corridor through marshes and tamarack bogs that are among the better wildlife-watching spots in the Fox River valley region, with sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and white-tailed deer commonly seen. The crushed-limestone surface is flat and well maintained, making it a good family trail that sees lighter use than the more tourist-oriented rail-trails in the Driftless Area to the west. Oshkosh provides the full range of services at the southern trailhead.
Getting there
The southern trailhead is in Oshkosh at Lakeshore Municipal Golf Course, accessible from US 41 northbound, about 90 miles north of Milwaukee. The northern terminus is in Hortonville, which can be reached via Wisconsin Highway 15. Parking is available at both ends and at a mid-trail access point near Larsen.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Wiouwash 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 Wiouwash State Trail?
The currently open section of the Wiouwash State Trail is about 20 miles, running from Oshkosh north to Hortonville on a flat crushed-limestone surface.
What does Wiouwash mean?
The name Wiouwash is a portmanteau of the four counties the trail was originally planned to connect: Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano. The open section currently runs through Winnebago and Outagamie counties.
Do you need a pass for the Wiouwash State Trail?
Yes. Cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass, available as a daily or annual pass. Walking, running, and other non-motorized uses are free.
What wildlife can you see on the Wiouwash State Trail?
The trail passes through wetland and marsh sections of the Wolf River watershed where sandhill cranes, great blue herons, and migrating waterfowl are frequently spotted. White-tailed deer are common throughout the corridor.
More Wisconsin trails
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