Cyclists can now enjoy over 30 miles of paved bike trails in Vilas County.
The town of Boulder Junction has finished an expansion of the bike trail system that connects Boulder Junction, Sayner and St. Germaine. Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Theresa Smith is hoping the expanded trail will be a boost for tourism.
“Biking’s been a really big draw. And they spend a lot of time enjoying the outdoors and the state forests as well as going into town, as well as getting an ice cream cone, stopping for a cup of coffee, maybe having lunch. So it does really help tourism in our area, it just gives people more to do while they’re here vacationing.”
The newly opened section runs more than two miles north of town along Highway M, and more than a mile west along Highway K to Camp Manitowish YMCA. Smith says the new paths will make bike travel safer.
“Instead of using the road to get maybe from Dairyman’s – which is where one of the trailhead locations is at – it gives a safe way to get from that area down to Main Street Boulder Junction.”
The expansion has been in the works for 8 years. There’s no fee to ride the trail system, though Smith notes donations are always welcome.
