Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Oconto River State Trail

This 8-mile trail passes through the forests and farms of Oconto County between the communities of Oconto and Stiles Junction. Outside of Oconto the trail parallels the Oconto River. The river has a long history of human activity, dating back 6000 years to the early Native Americans who lived along the river, to the fur trading and logging operations of the last few centuries, to present-day recreation activities such as canoeing and kayaking.

Trail Location

Trail Activities

Trail Facts

Rail Trail: Yes
Length: 8 Miles
Surface: Crushed Stone
Counties: Oconto
Communities: Oconto, Stiles Junction

Copper Culture State Park, which is near the trail, sits on the banks of the river and features a Native American burial ground and museum. The Copper Culture burial ground is the oldest cemetery site in Wisconsin and possibly the oldest site in eastern North America.

Activities

The Oconto River 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]

Walking and Bicycling

The level grade and smooth surface make this trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. The Oconto River is popular for paddle and float trips as well as fishing. Users can float part of the river and safely walk or bike back on 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.

Winter Activities

The entire trail is open to snowmobiling when Oconto county snowmobile trails are open. Snowmobile operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits. The trail provides numerous connections to county snowmobile trails.

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 Oconto River State Trail.

How to Get There

Oconto is about 33 miles north of Green Bay on U. S. Highway 41 along Lake Michigan.

The historic Stiles Junction Railroad Station is on the corridor near the west end of the trail. This 1881 depot is on the Wisconsin Historic Register. The depot is about a 1/4 mile south of the intersection of U.S. Highway 141 and State Highway 22 on Duame Road.