The River Trail is a project that would add 10 miles to the already stunning Heart of Vilas trail system. With Vilas County being a premier bicycling destination, the River Trail would be a great addition for cycling locals and tourists alike.
The River Trail Commission (RTC), with the support of the Great Headwaters Trail Organization (GHTO) is hoping to build two sections of the proposed River Trail that will connect to the Heart of Vilas trail system. The first section will be a 3.3 mile, 10-foot wide asphalt trail with 2-foot wide shoulders. This section will be on the south side of STH 70 going from the eastern end of Old Hwy 70 on toward Eagle River to Sunset Road. It will be the first trail section of the 10-mile River Trail which, when done, will connect St. Germain to Eagle River.
The second section of the River Trail will be a 1.7 mile, 10-foot wide asphalt trail with 2-foot wide shoulders. It will be the second trail section of the 10-mile River Trail. This second section will be on the south side of STH 70 going from Sunset Road to Zeman Road. Both sections will be non-motorized, multi-use paths along a stretch of STH 70 that has a 55 MPH speed limit.
Local stakeholders and project leads applied for Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding in the very competitive spring 2023 round, but did not receive funding. Another TAP application was submitted on behalf of the Vilas River trail for the fall 2023 round.