Biking & Hiking

Explore Our Bike Trails

Manitowish Waters is a growing outdoor recreation mecca with bike trails connecting communities near and far. Our bike trails are endless and ideal for all levels, from families with young children to touring groups and dedicated riders. Bikers from all over the world consider Manitowish Waters’ bike trails to be some of the best, spanning miles of pristine woods and waters.

Interested in renting bikes? These businesses will help get you set up. Delivery available!

River's Edge Outfitters
Located on Hwy 51 & the bike trail between Manitowish Waters and Mercer
715-543-8070
Rents mountain bikes, e-assist, cruisers, fat tire, and youth bicycles

Coontail
Boulder Junction | Minocqua
888-874-0885
Rents cruisers, mountain bikes, e-assist, fat tire, and kids' bikes

BCycle Station
Self-serve station in downtown Manitowish Waters
Rents by the half-hour. Download the app, create your account, and off you go!

BCycle Station

Manitowish Waters Paved Bike Trail

The Manitowish Waters Bike Trail is a portion of the 52-mile Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System – a trail system featuring modern trailheads and access to beaches, restaurants, shops, and other attractions.

Begin at the Manitowish Waters Community Center trailhead on U.S. Hwy. 51 and Airport Road, with a playground, restrooms, and water. Head north through the trees and along the Manitowish River to Mercer. Or, pedal 1.2 miles to County Hwy. W, continue past Koller Park, the downtown business district, North Lakeland Discovery Center, and Rest Lake Park. From there, the bike trail goes east as it shadows County Hwy. K, passing Serbin Park – a trailhead with parking, a restroom, and access to Rest Lake.

The Rice Creek trailhead, located halfway to Boulder Junction on Newcomb Lane, offers a restroom, picnic tables, and a picturesque bridge spanning Rice Creek. It is approximately 16 miles to Boulder Junction.

Parking is available at the Discovery Center, Rest Lake Park, Koller Park, downtown M.W. or at the Community Center.

Learn more about the Bike Trail or to make a donation at  MWBikeTrail.org

WinMan Trail System

Located just 3.5 miles north of Manitowish Waters, WinMan Trails offers over 23 miles of flow and cross-country mountain biking. Designed for all levels of riders from beginner to advanced, the trail system offers ride-around and A/B options for most of the features. Trails are all specifically used for mountain biking and are all one-way singletrack. WinMan also maintains over 6 miles of trails for running and hiking. All trails are dog friendly for well behaving companions. Indoor restrooms and changing rooms are open from 7 AM to 9 PM daily. Other amenities include a bike wash, picnic tables with umbrellas, fire pits and a chalet with a microwave, sink, and comfortable seating. There is no fee, although a suggested daily donation of $15/individual or $25/family is encouraged for non-members.

North Lakeland Discovery Center Trails

With 12 miles of off-road, multi-use bike trails, North Lakeland Discovery Center offers beginner and intermediate riders a peaceful experience pedaling around the lake and along the Manitowish River. North Lakeland Discovery Center is located across from Rest Lake Park, just off the paved bike trail; located 1.5 miles east of the intersections of U.S. Hwy. 51 and County Hwy. W. Open to the public from dawn to dusk.

MECCA Trails

Mountain bikers will find wildlife watching an added amenity to the beautiful vistas of the Little Turtle River & Flowage at MECCA Trails. From open wetlands to aspen and pine plantations, trails offer an exhilarating and peaceful encounter with nature. MECCA Trails can be accessed from two trailheads – Take Hwy. 51 to FF to Popko Circle East to Joe’s Shack Rd, or Hwy. 51 to Beachway Dr. to Mercer Lake Circle/Fierick Rd.sk.