Way up north in Vilas County lies a gorgeous bike trail that stretches for more than 50 miles. A bicycle really is the best way to explore this part of our great state and the Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System connects St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer as it winds through the Northern Highland American Legion Forest.
There are 20 different parking lots along this trail, meaning you can sign on for as many or as few miles as you think you can handle.
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The trail runs past numerous lakes and streams and the scenery is truly stunning the whole way.
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Much of the path travels through the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. Established in 1925 to protect the headwaters of the Wisconsin, Flambeau and Manitowish rivers, the forest occupies more than 232,000 acres in northern Wisconsin. You never know what you might pedal past while you’re on the trail, from beautiful plants and trees to animals that live right here in the forest.
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There are waysides, restrooms and stopping points all along the trail, as well as campground and hotels. You could spend a few days exploring this beautiful part of the state. If you’re leisurely, you might stop off in Sayner to explore the Awassa Nature Preserve & Hiking Trail, a flat, easy hike.
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The views on this trail are just truly breathtaking and you won’t get them by exploring the area in any other way.
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The path takes you in among the forest and right along lakeshores, providing a stunning and unique way to immerse yourself in the Northwoods.
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You never know what you might find along the trail. Numerous bridges take you over all the beautiful lakes and rivers.
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You’ll find yourself wanting to stop and take in the beauty and peacefulness around you again and again along this ride.
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Exploring the Northwoods this way is truly an adventure with tons of options for side trips, hikes, and more.
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The very best part of this trail is that there’s a stopping point right at Crystal Lake, which just so happens to have a gorgeous beach waiting for you to enjoy.
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You’ll work up a sweat biking the trail, but you’ll know you have this beautiful, clear lake waiting for you at the end as a reward.
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Pack a picnic lunch and spend your morning working up an appetite. End up at Crystal Lake where you can refuel and relax after your hard work and then take a dip in the water to complete your cool down. It’s the perfect end to a wonderful day on this spectacular trail.
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Everything you could ever want to know about the trail is available on their website, including detailed information on each segment, where you can rent bikes and where the super convenient bike fix stations are located along the route. They’re really thought of everything.
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You can start the Heart of Vilas Trail at the main trailhead behind the St. Germain Chamber of Commerce, where Highway 70 meets Highway 155. The Chamber of Commerce Address is 473 WI-70, St Germain, WI 54558.
Looking for more family biking adventures? Check out how the Elroy-Sparta Trail takes you through abandoned train tunnels.
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