Trails

Mountain Biking

Sylvan Hill Park Bike Trail
On August 31, 2017, the newly developed Sylvan Hill Park Bike Trails opened for public use.  This loop trail system has around three miles of trails with four downhill options for riders with different skill levels.  This bike park includes a pump track, a small skills area to help riders hone their abilities, and the large loop system circling the park.  Some of the trails require advanced riding and jumping skills.  There are signs explaining difficulty levels, and ‘filter’ features at the beginning of the more difficult runs.  If a rider can traverse the filter jumps, they should feel comfortable riding the rest of that run.

Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area
Open for mountain biking from May 1st through October 15th, the cross-country ski and snowmobile trails are marked and mowed during the summer months to provide over 43 km of varying terrain. The trail system includes open tracks with minimal to moderate grades, as well as single-track routes through heavily forested areas. These trails offer a challenge for all ages and abilities.
Address: 8704 Red Bud Rd, Wausau, WI 54401.  For more information or trail maps, contact the Wausau and Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department on the web at www.co.marathon.wi.us/parks.asp or phone 715-261-1550. 

Mountain-Bay Trail
Created from a former railroad corridor that stretches from Weston to Green Bay, the Mountain-Bay State Trail is an 83-mile scenic trail.  The Marathon County portion contains 18 miles for hiking and biking in the summer.  The trailhead is located behind the Weston Municipal Center at 5500 Schofield Avenue.  Parking and restroom facilities are available.  Daily or season passes are required for trail use for bicycles.  More information is available at www.mountain-baytrail.org. 

Greenwood Hills Country Club and Event Center
Home of the Badger State Games Winter Fat Tire Biking event, Greenwood Hills grooms double-track trails for skiers and snow bikers, and single-track trails for snowshoers and snow bikers.  Trail use will require the purchase of a Winter Trail Option (WTO) Membership for $30 per person, giving you access to use the Greenwood Hills winter trails for XC Skiing, Fat Tire Biking, and snowshoeing.  WTO members have access to the clubhouse restrooms Mon–Fri from 9am–5pm.  Your membership also gives you access to the private member’s bar, Mulligan’s Lounge, available Wed–Sat evenings from 4–8pm with food and beverage service for WTO members and their guests.

Wausau Wheelers
The Wausau Wheelers is a bicycle club consisting of road riders, mountain bikers, and commuters. Riders of all age groups and skill levels are welcome to participate. The club leads road and mountain bike rides every week from mid-May through September. All rides have a group leader and last 1–3 hours depending on the daylight
and the preferences of the group.  Riders meet and depart at the Aspirus YMCA parking lot on the corner of County Hwy X & Howland Ave. in Weston. Helmets are required for all riders.  Visit their website for more specific information about their weekly or special event rides, www.wausauwheelers.org.

Central Wisconsin Offroad Cycling Coalition (CWOCC)
Central Wisconsin Offroad Cycling Coalition (CWOCC), an IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) chapter, holds group rides for all levels of mountain bike riders and other events at the Nine Mile Recreation Area.  Beginner, moderate, and experienced groups are led through Nine Mile’s single track trails by an appointed group leader.  There are a variety of distances and terrain skill levels from which riders can select.  Additionally, CWOCC and its members also contribute to the development of area trails, including the Sunny Vale County Snow Bike Park trail. Visit their website www.cwocc.org for more details. 

Snowmobiling

It stands to reason that the state’s largest county would have the most trails, over 880 miles for snowmobilers to enjoy.  The trails are maintained by 29 snowmobile clubs and a fleet of 47 major pieces of grooming equipment to create one serious sledding destination.  There are miles of great snowmobiling adventures that await you. 

Out-of-state snowmobile licenses are required for non-residents and can be purchased at the Department of Natural Resources and any retailer authorized to sell state recreational licenses.  Visit the Marathon County website:  www.co.marathon.wi.us or call 888-WI-VISIT to request an Official Marathon County Snowmobile Map.  

Many of the snowmobile trails are open to ATV use as long as the temperature is below 29° and snow conditions are favorable.  More ATV trail information is also included in the Marathon County Snowmobile Trail Map.  There are also 11 miles of ATV trails at the Burma County Forest that are open from May through September. 

For trail conditions or a copy of the Marathon County Snowmobile Trail Map, call 888-575-SNOW (7669) or 715-261-1550. 

Cross-Country Skiing

Choose from four courses that accommodate all levels of expertise. Beginners will enjoy classical skiing across gently rolling terrain on the Ringle Trail.  The Sylvan Hill Trail has a popular in-town location and is serviced by the Wausau and Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department.  Intermediate skiers will enjoy the remote Big Eau Pleine Park Trail, a scenic trail along the Eau Pleine Reservoir, featuring rolling and wooded terrain.  The best facility in the area is at the Nine Mile County Forest and Recreation Area, offering 33 km of trails to choose from and even lighted trails so you can ski at night.  Visit www.co.marathon.wi.us or call 888-575-SNOW (7669) for updated snow conditions and other trail information.

For more trails view the listings below.