🚲 Biking the Heart of Vilas County

Winding through towering pines, past shimmering lakes, and through charming Northwoods communities, the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail is one of Wisconsin's most beloved cycling routes. Whether you're a casual rider out for a morning cruise or a seasoned cyclist looking to log some miles, this trail delivers stunning scenery and small-town charm at every turn. Rent your bike from Coontail and hit the trail!

🗺️ The Route Overview

The Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail stretches across some of the most beautiful terrain in northern Wisconsin. The segment from Boulder Junction through Sayner to Manitowish Waters covers roughly 25–30 miles of paved and packed trail, passing through dense Northwoods forest, alongside pristine lakes, and through welcoming small towns. The trail is well-maintained, relatively flat, and suitable for riders of all ages and abilities.

📍 Boulder Junction — The Musky Capital of the World

Your journey begins in Boulder Junction, a quintessential Northwoods village nestled among hundreds of pristine lakes. Known as the "Musky Capital of the World," Boulder Junction is the perfect starting point — grab a coffee, top off your water bottle, and soak in the laid-back small-town atmosphere before you roll out. The trail picks up right in town, easing you into the forest almost immediately.

• 🏪 Trailhead access right in the village center
• ☕ Cafes and shops for pre-ride fuel
• 🎣 Famous for world-class musky fishing on nearby lakes
• 🌲 Surrounded by the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest

📍 Sayner — A Quiet Gem in the Pines

The trail winds northwest from Boulder Junction toward Sayner, a small community with deep Northwoods roots. Sayner is home to the Vilas County Historical Museum and is famously the birthplace of the snowmobile — but in summer, it's all about the lakes and trails. The ride between Boulder Junction and Sayner is particularly scenic, with long stretches of canopy-covered trail that feel like you're riding through a tunnel of green.

• 🏗️ Home to the Vilas County Historical Museum
• 🛷 Birthplace of the snowmobile (Carl Eliason, 1924)
• 🌿 Beautiful shaded trail sections through dense forest
• 🏊 Access to Star Lake and other nearby swimming spots

📍 Manitowish Waters — Lakes, Loons & Laid-Back Living

The trail continues northwest to Manitowish Waters, a stunning community built around a chain of ten interconnected lakes. This is Northwoods living at its finest — loons calling across glassy water, eagles soaring overhead, and a welcoming village with great dining and local shops. It's a perfect turnaround point for a day ride, or a destination to linger and explore before heading back.

• 🧡 World-class wildlife viewing — eagles, loons, osprey, and more
• 🍽️ Great local restaurants and bars for a post-ride meal
• ⛵ Access to the famous Manitowish Waters chain of lakes
• 🏕️ Camping and lodging options for overnight trips

🚴 Trail Tips & What to Know

• 🗓️ Best season: May through October
• 📏 Distance: Varies depending on route
• ⛰️ Difficulty: Easy to moderate — mostly flat with gentle rolling sections
• 🚲 Surface: Paved — suitable for hybrid and comfort bikes
• 💧 Water & restrooms: Available in each town along the route
• 🐻 Wildlife: Keep an eye out for deer, eagles, loons, and the occasional bear!
• 🧴 Essentials: Sunscreen, bug spray, water, snacks, and a trail map
• 🅿️ Parking: Available at trailheads in Boulder Junction and Manitowish Waters