Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Mountain-Bay State Trail

The Mountain-Bay State Trail is one of the longest rail-trails in Wisconsin. The trail travels for 83 miles between the two geologic features it is named for; Rib Mountain and Green Bay. On the western end, the trail ends in Weston, just east of Wausau. On the eastern end, the trail ends at Howard Memorial Park near the city of Green Bay. There is a short gap in the trail in the city of Shawano near the Wolf River, where local roads are utilized.

Part of the Mountain-Bay State Trail.
DNR Photo

The trail is operated and maintained by Marathon, Shawano and Brown counties. The trail passes through several small communities and a wide variety of landscapes including farmlands, forests, and wetlands, and features numerous bridge crossings over rivers and streams.

Along the Marathon County portion of the trail, there is a series of twelve interpretive signs picturing early history of the county and the former rail line on which the trail is constructed. In Eland, the Mountain-Bay State Trail connects to the northern segment of the Wiouwash State Trail.

Activities

The Mountain-Bay State Trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.

Wisconsin Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines [PDF 2MB]

Trail uses vary by county, remember to watch for postings along
the trail or contact the County Offices for more information.

Walking, Bicycling & In-line Skating

   The level grade and smooth surface make this trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. Each bicyclist age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin State Trail Pass while using the trail.

Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.

The fairly level grade and smooth surface make most of this trail accessible to wheelchair users and others with mobility impairments.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

 The Ice Age National Scenic Trail follows the Mountain-Bay State Trail corridor for about two miles between Ringle and Hatley in Marathon County.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is allowed in Shawano County only. Horses are not permitted on the trail in Marathon or Brown counties. Riders are asked to limit their use of the trail immediately following a heavy rainfall to reduce the amount of damage to the trail. Riders must pick up after their horse. Each rider age 16 or older needs a Wisconsin State Trail Pass while using the trail.

Winter Activities

Snowmobiles are allowed on the trail in Marathon and Shawano counties only. Snowmobiles are not permitted on the trail in Brown County. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits. The Mountain-Bay State Trail also connects to numerous miles of Marathon and Shawano county snowmobile trail systems.

   The trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed, and skiers and snowshoers must share the trail with snowmobiles.

More Information

See the links below for more information about activities, communities, area attractions, features and other useful links for the Mountain-Bay State Trail.

For more information, ask:

Brown County Parks Department
305 E. Walnut Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
(920) 448-4466

Shawano County Park Department
311 N. Main Street
Shawano, WI 54166
(715) 524-5165

Marathon County Parks, Recreation & Forestry
212 River Drive, Suite 2
Wausau, WI 54403
(715) 261-1550