Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The Mountain-Bay State Trail is one of the longest rail-trails in Wisconsin. The trail travels for 83 miles between the two geologic features it is named for; Rib Mountain and Green Bay. On the western end, the trail ends in Weston, just east of Wausau. On the eastern end, the trail ends at Howard Memorial Park near the city of Green Bay. There is a short gap in the trail in the city of Shawano near the Wolf River where local roads are used to connect the trail.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Mountain-Bay State Trail?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; biking in May–June and September–October; horseback riding in June and September–October; and snowmobiling in January–February.
What can you do at Mountain-Bay State Trail in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking and biking. Summer (June–August): hiking, biking and horseback riding. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, biking and horseback riding.
Do you need a state park sticker at Mountain-Bay State Trail?
Not for the trail itself: walking and hiking Mountain-Bay State Trail are free. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass for biking: $5 a day or $25 a year. If you park in a lot inside a state park, forest or recreation area, that lot still needs a vehicle sticker.
What state parks and trails are near Mountain-Bay State Trail?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Newton Blackmour State Trail (22 mi), Wiouwash State Trail (26 mi) and Oconto River State Trail (32 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · September · October
Visiting
- Admission: A state trail pass is required for bicycling.
- Hours: The trail is open year-round.
- Phone: 920-448-4466
Nearby
- Newton Blackmour State Trail (22 mi)
- Wiouwash State Trail (26 mi)
- Oconto River State Trail (32 mi)
- Heritage Hill State Park (35 mi)
- Copper Culture State Park (35 mi)
Closures and alerts for Mountain-Bay State Trail: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.