Get out and discover Vilas County on two wheels—as bikers travel through the county’s welcoming communities, they’ll find dozens of routes to explore, from short scenic loops to challenging single-track terrain. Here are a few rides that shouldn’t be missed.
Find more information on biking in Vilas County here.
Navigate your way on Vilas County’s bike trails with the free Map It Vilas County trails app.
Boulder Junction – Lumberjack Trail
This scenic trail system in the Northern Highland-American Legion (NHAL) State Forest winds along several scenic waterways, including White Sand Lake, the Fishtrap Flowage, and the Manitowish River. Trail segments range from 1.5 miles to nearly 6 miles, and the Lumberjack Trail connects to the Escanaba-Pallete Lake Trail to the south. A Wisconsin state trail pass is required and can be purchased at the self-registration station at the trailheads on Concora Road and Hwy. K.
Conover & Phelps – Conover-Phelps Trail
This flat, level trail connects Conover and Phelps via a 10-mile aggregate and asphalt route that follows the former route of the Chicago Northwestern railroad. The trail passes through woodlands and wetlands and offers nice views along three water crossings. The western trailhead is located at Conover Town Park, and the eastern trailhead can be found at Lakefront Pines Park in Phelps.
Eagle River – Anvil Lake Trail
Part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the Anvil Lake Trails—part of the National Recreational Trail System—offer riding for all levels of mountain bikers, from beginners to experts. The site’s seven trails pass through the scenic national forest and connect to the Nicolet North Trail System to the east. Parking is available at the Anvil Lake Campground entrance on Hwy. 70 and on Military Road.
Land O’ Lakes – Eagle River-Land O’ Lakes Bike Route
This 22-mile route connects Land O’ Lakes in northern Vilas County to Eagle River in the southern part of the county. The route follows quiet forest roads and passes several calm Northwoods lakes along a generally level path that has some gentle hills. Parking is available on the eastern end of the route in Eagle River.
Manitowish Waters & Winchester – WinMan Trails
It’s easy to see why the WinMan Trails, located halfway between Manitowish Waters and Winchester in northwestern Vilas County, are a popular destination for mountain bikers. The trails sit on 1,300 acres of public and private land and offer rides for all abilities, from beginners to experts. WinMan boasts more than 23 miles of flow, cross-county, and downhill single-track trails. Trails are free to use but donations are accepted.
Minocqua Area – Raven Trail
Another NHAL State Forest trail system, the Raven Trail near Clear Lake east of Minocqua offers nearly 15 miles of trails. Most of the system is for intermediate riders, but there is also a 4.5-mile expert loop. There is also a bike skills course on the trail system that includes log rides, bridges, teeter totters, and rocky areas. A state trail pass is required for biking where noted.
Phelps – Vista Lake Bike Routes
Ride through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest—a sprawling natural area that covers 11 counties in northern Wisconsin—on these three trails near Phelps. The trails range from 2.9 miles (a loop around Vista Lake) to 13.1 miles (a longer ride that passes Imogene Lake, Dewey Lake, and the Bearskin River). The trail surface is mostly gravel but some include sections of pavement or hard-packed loam.
Presque Isle – Pipke Park Trail System
This short but scenic trail takes riders on a trip through beautiful scenery and a little Northwoods history. The Pond Trail (approximately 1.5 miles) loops around a set of “hot ponds”—heated mill ponds that didn’t freeze, allowing lumber companies to store logs all winter long—and consists of an aggregate surface. A trail pass is not required.
Sayner-Star Lake – Razorback Ridges
This beautiful trail system 2 miles west of Sayner offers more than 16 miles of mountain biking trails that that pass through some gorgeous Vilas County scenery. (Note that the trails are also open to hikers.) The trail system—also a popular cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destination in winter—is a community project between the Sayner-Star Lake Lions Club and the Wisconsin DNR. No trail pass is required (but donations are appreciated), and the trailhead is on Razorback Road off Hwy. N.
St. Germain – Heart of Vilas County Trail
The Heart of Vilas County Trail is actually a great way to see several communities throughout the county—the paved route spans more than 50 miles and passes through St. Germain as well as Sayner-Star Lake, Boulder Junction, and Manitowish Waters before ending in Mercer in neighboring Iron County. In St. Germain, the main trailhead is located in the Bike & Hike Park behind the St. Germain Chamber of Commerce on Hwy. 70. No trail pass is required.
