Mountain-Bay State Trail
A crushed-stone rail trail crosses farms, forests, the Eau Claire River, and small communities between Marathon and Brown counties.
Artwork inspired by Aaron Bohrod
Mountain-Bay follows a former Chicago & North Western corridor from the Wausau area toward Green Bay, linking glacial terrain, agricultural communities, river crossings, and forest. Its length and relative quiet make it useful for seeing central Wisconsin as a connected working landscape rather than a string of attractions.
Crushed limestone, road crossings, limited services, wind, and county-by-county maintenance shape a long ride. Snowmobiles share portions in winter, and bicyclists need a state trail pass. Break the route into segments anchored by confirmed parking and water; a map line alone does not guarantee a staffed depot or open business.
- Endpoints
- Weston and Howard
- Origin
- Former C&NW railroad
- Use
- Walking, cycling, winter recreation
Quick guide
- Select a county segment
- Surface, maintenance, crossings, and nearby services vary across the long corridor
- Select a county segment
- Surface, maintenance, crossings, and nearby services vary across the long corridor
Build a long rural trail from dependable stops
- Select a county segment
- Surface, maintenance, crossings, and nearby services vary across the long corridor.
- Confirm water and return
- Small-town businesses and fountains may be seasonal or closed when a rider arrives.
- Read the working landscape
- Farms, river crossings, woodlots, and rail geometry explain the region better than a speed target.
- Check winter sharing
- Snowmobile operations and conditions change the trail’s sound, surface, and safe use.
Good to know
Services can be far apart and a trail pass is required for adult bicyclists; carry repair supplies and more water than an urban route demands.
Notice these
- Eau Claire River crossings
- Rural depots
- Rib Mountain horizon