Vilas County is home to more than 90 trails that are perfect for outdoor exploration, whether you’re biking, snowmobiling or just taking a scenic stroll through the Northwoods of Wisconsin. But did you know there’s a free app that will help you find and navigate these trails? Here’s how the Map It Vilas County trails app can help you on your next adventure in northern Wisconsin.
Where can I find the app? How much does it cost?
The Map It Vilas County trails app is free and available for Apple and Android users (get the Apple version here and the Android version here).
What kinds of trails are on the app?
The app features more than 90 trail maps throughout Vilas County. You can find trails for the following activities:
- ATVing/UTVing
- Biking
- Birdwatching
- Cross-Country skiing
- Equestrian
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Off-Highway Motorcycling
- Paddling
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
How does the app work?
After you’ve downloaded the app for your device, you can use it several ways. There are three main options on the app’s home screen:
- All Maps: Click on this to see trail maps in three different categories—ATVing/UTVing, snowmobiling, and silent sports. This will give you a countywide look at where trails are located; zoom in for more details.
- All Trails: Here, you’ll see trails for all outdoor recreation options listed alphabetically. (Note that ATV and snowmobile trails are generally listed under the name of the club that oversees them.) Click on a trail to get more information, including a trail map. The app’s search functionality allows you to sort trails by community, activity, length, and other filters, including whether a trail allows pets or has a water view.
- Trail News: Click on this to see important updates about trail conditions, trail closures, and more.
What kind of trail information can I find?
Once you select a trail, you’ll be able to see all the information for that trail, including location, length, descriptions, activities you can do on the trail, and a map of the trail in PDF form.
How do I use the app when I’m out on the trails?
Click on a trail name to bring up an interactive map, which will give you your location on the trail even if you don’t have a cell signal. (The app uses your phone’s GPS data to determine your location, which doesn’t require a cell signal.) From there, you can see where you are on the trail and your proximity to notable views, trailheads, and other important info.
What other features does the app have?
Recent updates to the app have added many other helpful features, including the ability to mark your favorite trails and check off ones you’ve completed. For more information about the app, click here.