Discover these fabulous biking destinations in Boulder Junction

July 12, 2021

Go further on your next bike ride in Boulder Junction. Explore a longer route on the 52-mile Heart of Vilas County Trail, roll through the woods in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest or find a cool treat at the end of your ride. Here are three biking destinations you shouldn’t miss.

Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System

The Heart of Vilas County bike trail travels for more than 50 miles throughout the Northwoods, connecting Boulder Junction with communities across the county, including St. Germain, Sayner, and Manitowish Waters. (The trail also extends to Mercer in neighboring Iron County.) The trail—designated as a National Recreational Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior—consists of smooth asphalt, so it’s an easy ride for everyone. It also passes through various types of Northwoods terrain, offering riders a beautiful scenic experience. Accessing the trail is easy; a good place to park in Boulder Junction is at the Sports and Recreation Park on Hwy M (next to the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce.)

Learn more about the trail here.

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest

This massive state forest spreads across three counties in Northern Wisconsin, covering more than 225,000 acres. There are lots of ways to explore the forest, including hiking trails and great lakes for boating and fishing, but riders will find lots of great roads and trails to explore. Except for designated nature trails, all trails in the forest are open for biking, and the Lumberjack Trail is a popular mountain biking destination (note that a state trail pass—available at the trailheads—is required for designated mountain biking trails). The Heart of Vilas County trail also passes through a section of the forest, passing the Crystal, Firefly, Muskie, and North and South Trout campgrounds.

Learn more about biking in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest here.

Bikeable restaurants and sweet treats

If you’re staying at one of the lodging properties in or near downtown Boulder Junction, it’s easy to follow the Heart of Vilas Trail along Hwy M (Park Street) and Hwy K (Main Street) to find tasty, cool treats at the end of your ride. Older riders can find craft beers at Aqualand Ale House, and kids of all ages can get ice cream or other frozen goodies at Mad Dog Jake’s.

See more Boulder Junction restaurants here, and find lodging options (downtown or otherwise) here.