Welcome To
Friends of the Mountain Bay State Trail- Shawano County
Mission & Vision
Mission: To maintain, promote and sustain the trail for current and future generations. To promote healthy activities. To share culture and ecological knowledge. To enhance the local economies of interest.
Vision: Obtain more resources to maintain and beautify the trail through interpretive signage and community partners. This will highlight our state trails usability for all local citizens and tourists.
Friends of the Mountain Bay State Trail – Shawano County
- A 501c3 non-profit community service organization.
- Started as a Leadership Shawano County project
- Part of a network of Friends groups that provide support to state parks and trails
The Mountain Bay Trail is one of the longest rail-trails in Wisconsin, travels 83 miles between Weston and Howard trail heads. There is Mileage in three counties: Marathon, Brown, and Shawano. All on an abandoned rail bed except short gap in Town of Richmond where local roads are used. Shawano county has the most mileage (53 miles)!
Walking and bicycling are growing national trends for recreation, health, fitness, and transportation. Walking and biking trails are beneficial for attracting businesses and recruiting employees. Which will also help with building tourism.
Shawano County is also uniquely positioned to capitalize on the trend. The city of Shawano is halfway between Wausau and Green Bay. Wausau has been rated the 2nd best small town for biking in the U.S. and Green Bay has the Fox River Trails, which is Wisconsin’s busiest trail.
