Things to Do in Marathon County

Marathon County offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, road cycling, jogging, and touring cycling. The region features lush woods, rolling hills, serene lakes, and meandering rivers. Over 30 routes are available on komoot, with an average rating of 4.84 stars.

Notable hiking destinations include Rib Mountain State Park, which offers over 13 miles (21 km) of trails, and Dells of the Eau Claire Park, featuring more than 5 miles (8 km) of trails along the Eau Claire River. Big Eau Pleine County Park also provides nearly 10 miles (16 km) of multi-use trails. More information can be found in the Hiking in Marathon County guide.

Yes, Marathon County provides options for easy hikes suitable for various skill levels. Trails at Dells of the Eau Claire Park offer accessible paths along the river. For specific recommendations, consult the Easy hikes in Marathon County guide.

Marathon County features over 100 miles (161 km) of designated bike routes, including the 83-mile (134 km) Mountain-Bay State Trail. The region is also developing the 'Granite Belt,' a gravel trail system utilizing existing rural roads. Explore routes in the Road Cycling Routes in Marathon County guide.

Nine Mile County Forest & Recreation Area is a primary destination for mountain biking, offering 13.45 miles (22 km) of single-track trails. Sylvan Hill Park also provides challenging downhill options. The Marathon County Solid Waste property in Ringle has additional trails for summer and winter use.

Rib Mountain State Park features a 60-foot (18 m) observation tower with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Dells of the Eau Claire Park showcases picturesque waterfalls and rapids along the Eau Claire River. The Wisconsin River also offers scenic paddling opportunities.

The Mountain-Bay State Trail extends for 83 miles (134 km) through Marathon County, offering a long-distance route for cycling and other activities. The Dells of the Eau Claire Park trails also connect with the Ice Age Trail, providing access to a longer network.

Jogging can be enjoyed on many multi-use trails throughout the county, including those in Rib Mountain State Park and Dells of the Eau Claire Park. Paved paths are also available in various county parks, such as Marathon Park. Refer to the Running Trails in Marathon County guide for specific routes.

Marathon County is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 370 visitors having explored its routes. The region features 34 routes across various sports, which have received an average rating of 4.84 out of 5 stars.

Komoot offers several guides for Marathon County, including Hiking in Marathon County, Easy hikes in Marathon County, Road Cycling Routes in Marathon County, Running Trails in Marathon County, and Cycling in Marathon County.

The Wausau and Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department can be reached by phone at +1-715-261-1400. Additional information is available on the official website at co.marathon.wi.us.

The 'Granite Belt' is a new initiative in Marathon County designed to create an organized gravel trail system. It leverages the region's red granite-based rural roads to attract gravel bikers. This project utilizes existing roads to form a unique network for cycling.