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Open the Outdoors
- Oconto River State Trail
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- Rail trail: Yes
- Length: 8 miles
- Surface: crushed limestone
- Counties: Oconto
- Communities: Oconto, Stiles Junction
- Master plan
- Contact information
- For information, contact:
- Oconto County Forestry/Parks Department
301 Washington St
Oconto WI 54153
920-834-6995
Wisconsin State Park System Oconto River State Trail
DNR Photo
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.
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.
Trail activities
The 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.
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.
Winter activities
Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The trail also connects to numerous miles of 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. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.
No Hunting and trapping allowed on trail
Hunting and trapping are not allowed on the trail corridor. For more information, please see:
Directions
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 0.25 miles south of the intersection of U.S. Highway 141 and State Highway 22 on Duame Road.
