Photo: Wisconsin DNR
This county-operated trail meanders for more than 89 miles through the Nicolet National Forest in northeastern Wisconsin. The trail follows the same corridor built by railroad companies in the late 19th century to open up Wisconsin's pine and hardwood forests for the timber industry. The Nicolet State Trail runs through several small communities from Gillett in Oconto County to the Michigan state line.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Nicolet State Trail?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in September–October; biking in May–June and September–October; mountain & fat biking in June and September–October; and ATV / UTV / off-road in June–October.
What can you do at Nicolet State Trail in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, mountain & fat biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, biking, mountain & fat biking and ATV / UTV / off-road. Summer (June–August): hiking, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and horseback riding. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and horseback riding.
Do you need a state park sticker at Nicolet State Trail?
No. Nicolet State Trail doesn't require a vehicle sticker or a state trail pass.
What state parks and trails are near Nicolet State Trail?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Wolf River State Trail (12 mi), Governor Thompson State Park (21 mi) and Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest (21 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain & fat biking
- ATV / UTV / off-road
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October
Visiting
- Admission: A state trail pass is not required on the trail.
- Hours: The trail is open year-round.
- Phone: 920-834-6995
Nearby
- Wolf River State Trail (12 mi)
- Governor Thompson State Park (21 mi)
- Governor Earl Peshtigo River State Forest (21 mi)
- Pine-Popple Wild Rivers (33 mi)
- Pike Wild River (36 mi)
Closures and alerts for Nicolet 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.