Beginner

One of the most carefree ways to explore Vilas County is on two wheels. Leave the car parked and breathe in the fresh Northwoods air as you pedal through a dramatic wooded landscape. The summer riding in Vilas County is outstanding – the days are warm but not oppressively hot like biking destinations in the south. Vilas County routes will take you past sparking lakes, through old-growth forests and into charming Northwoods towns. Whether you follow a route to get exercise or to find ice cream, you’ll have an unforgettable ride. If you like to bike in places that are flat, safe and relaxing, you have a plenty of options in Vilas County. You also don’t need to bring a bike along on your trip to enjoy a ride – local shops rent quality bikes, including new, name-brand trail bikes. A few great shorter-distance trails that are perfect for families: the Three Eagle Trail, the Presque Isle/Winchester Bike Route and the Land O’ Lakes Bike Trail.

Intermediate

There’s a beautiful paved bicycling trail that’s a great place for a summer ride. The Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System runs through some spectacular scenery, connecting Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, Sayner/Star Lake and St. Germain. It’s a fantastic way to log some miles while enjoying the tranquil experience of paved trail riding. A beautiful portion of the trail to explore is the east shore of Trout Lake near Boulder Junction. It’s a great place to spot bald eagles – look for them along the lakeshore. The route also includes scenic bridges, and it crosses rapids of the Manitowish River and Rice Creek. The system totals more than 45 miles and features lots of places to access the trail, so there are lots of nice short, medium and longer riding options.

Advanced

Riders who like to log some miles will enjoy spending time in the saddle in Vilas County. Road bikers: fill up your bottles and grab some fuel. You’ll find endless miles of scenic rolling paved routes that skirt lakes and pass through heavy forests. Vilas County area shops also sell spare tubes and other supplies to keep you rolling. Want a longer ride? Check out the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System, a 45-mile route that connects the communities of Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, Sayner/Star Lake and St. Germain. This scenic route skirts the shores of several gorgeous lakes, including Trout Lake, Plum Lake, Crystal Lake and Rest Lake. The route also crosses the Wisconsin River and Rice Creek. Want to get off road? Mountain bikers will find plenty of challenging singletrack in Vilas County. Check out the Anvil Lake Trail in Eagle River, the WinMan Trails in Winchester or the Razorback Ridges Trails in Sayner/Star Lake. Located on 1,300 acres of private and public land, the trails offer challenging mountain biking.

 

Want more trails info?

Download the Map It Vilas County trails app or order the Vilas County Silent Sports Trail Map today.