Photo: Wisconsin DNR
This 8-mile trail passes through the forests and farms of Oconto County between the communities of Oconto and Stiles Junction. Outside of Oconto, the trail parallels the Oconto River. The river has a long history of human activity, dating back 6,000 years to the early Native Americans who lived along the river, to the fur trading and logging operations of the last few centuries, to present-day recreation activities such as canoeing and kayaking.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Oconto River State Trail?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; boating & paddling in June–September; biking in May–June and September–October; and snowmobiling in January–February.
What can you do at Oconto River 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, boating & paddling and biking. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, boating & paddling and biking.
Do you need a state park sticker at Oconto River State Trail?
No. Oconto River State Trail doesn't require a vehicle sticker or a state trail pass.
What state parks and trails are near Oconto River State Trail?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Copper Culture State Park (4 mi), Potawatomi State Park (27 mi) and Heritage Hill State Park (28 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Boating & paddling
- Hiking
- 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
- Copper Culture State Park (4 mi)
- Potawatomi State Park (27 mi)
- Heritage Hill State Park (28 mi)
- Mountain-Bay State Trail (32 mi)
- Ahnapee State Trail (32 mi)
Closures and alerts for Oconto River 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.