Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail

While primarily designed for cycling, the trail offers a pleasant hiking experience. It features a smooth asphalt pavement throughout its more than 50 miles. The terrain is generally flat to rolling, with gentle dips and rolls through landscapes shaped by glaciers, making it suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels.

The entire 66 km (approximately 41 miles) trail is quite long for a single hike, taking around 17 hours to complete end-to-end for a continuous hike. Most hikers choose to explore shorter sections, utilizing the numerous access points and parking areas to create shorter, more manageable walks.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trail. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all trail users and to protect local wildlife. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

The trail is beautiful year-round, but the best times for hiking are typically late spring, summer, and early fall. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, and the surrounding forests, wetlands, and lakes are vibrant. Fall offers spectacular foliage. While open in winter, sections may be used for other activities like snowmobiling, so check local conditions.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike or bike on the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail itself. The trail is located within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, but general access to the trail does not require a state park sticker. However, if you plan to use specific state park facilities or parking lots within the forest, a vehicle admission sticker might be required.

The trail is well-equipped with over 20 designated parking areas along its extensive length. These are conveniently located in or near the communities it connects, such as St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer, making it easy to find an access point no matter where you wish to start your hike.

Hikers are treated to diverse and picturesque scenery as the trail meanders through the vast Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. You'll pass wild forests, wetlands, and prairie areas, with glimpses of undeveloped glacial lakes like John Junior Lake and Trout Lake. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as bald eagles, loons, and white-tailed deer.

Yes, the trail is highly celebrated for its connectivity. It links several communities, offering easy access to amenities like restaurants, shops, and lodging. Near Sayner, it connects to the Awassa Nature Preserve & Hiking Trail. The trail also passes by areas with good options for shorter, scenic hikes, particularly near Crystal Lake and Trout Lake, and offers a historical dimension by passing old logging camps and the Vilas County Historical Museum.

Yes, the trail is well-serviced with numerous restrooms and picnic spots located at various intervals along its length. While there are no dedicated water fountains directly on the trail, its connectivity to communities means you can easily find water, food, and other amenities in the towns it passes through.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail, the Manitowish Waters Bike Trail, and the Saint Germain Bike Path, offering a connected network of paved trails for exploration.

The Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail is designated as a National Recreation Trail, an honor recognizing its exemplary management and positive representation of the region. Its smooth, paved surface, diverse scenery through the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, and unparalleled connectivity to charming communities and amenities make it a standout experience for hikers and cyclists alike.