Mountain Bay State Trail: A Wausau Rider’s Guide
Riding the Mountain Bay State Trail
The Mountain Bay State Trail runs 83 miles from Weston, just outside Wausau, to Howard Memorial Park near Green Bay, following a former Chicago and Northwestern Railroad corridor through Marathon, Shawano, and Brown Counties. That old rail bed gives the trail a gentle, consistent grade, which is part of why it ranks among the best bike trails in Wisconsin for riders who want mileage without steep climbs. The surface is gravel clay rather than pavement, so if you’re specifically hunting for paved bike trails in Wisconsin, plan your tires accordingly. A gravel bike, hybrid, or mountain bike will handle the terrain far more comfortably than a road bike.
The trail’s name comes from the two landmarks near its opposite ends, Rib Mountain and Green Bay, and the route in between passes through farmland, wooded stretches, and small towns that give the ride a changing backdrop mile after mile. There’s a short gap in the trail near Shawano, where cyclists use local roads to reconnect with the corridor, so it’s worth checking a current Mountain Bay Trail map before committing to a long stretch you haven’t ridden.
Wisconsin requires a state trail pass for cyclists 16 and older on the Mountain Bay Trail, though walkers and hikers don’t need one. Day and annual passes are available online through the Wisconsin DNR, at participating vendors, and at self-registration stations near several Marathon County trailheads. On the Wausau side, the official western terminus sits next to the Weston Municipal Center, with additional access points at Ringle, the Marathon County Landfill, and Norrie. That gives riders the flexibility to tackle a single section instead of committing to the full route in a single trip.
Where to Stay Near the Trail in Wausau
After logging miles on one of Wisconsin’s longest rail trails and exploring things to do in Wausau, most riders want a comfortable place close to downtown Wausau. The Stewart Inn puts you there. Set in a restored 1906 Prairie-style mansion designed by George Maher, a key figure in the American Arts and Crafts movement, the inn sits within six blocks of downtown restaurants and shops and about a 12-minute drive from the trail’s western terminus in Weston. Every guest room includes a king bed, an ensuite bath, and a gas fireplace, and mornings start with a multi-course, made-from-scratch breakfast.
For anyone building an adventure getaway around the Mountain Bay State Trail, staying at one of the top-rated Wausau hotels means you can pair a full day of riding with an evening wine reception and a genuinely restful night before heading back out. Among Wisconsin rail trails, few pair this easily with a historic, walkable home base.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Mountain Bay State Trail?
The trail covers 83 miles between Weston, near Wausau, and Howard Memorial Park near Green Bay.
Where does the Mountain Bay State Trail start and end?
Its western terminus sits next to the Weston Municipal Center outside Wausau, and it ends at Howard Memorial Park near Green Bay.
Do you need a Wisconsin state trail pass to ride it?
Yes, cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin state trail pass, available through the DNR online, at vendors, or at self-registration stations near several Marathon County trailheads. Hikers and walkers do not need one.
Is the Mountain Bay Trail paved?
No, the surface is gravel and clay, so a gravel bike, hybrid, or mountain bike will ride more comfortably than a road bike.
Book your stay at the Stewart Inn, one of the most established Wausau hotels, and make the Mountain Bay State Trail part of your next adventure getaway.