Wisconsin's Fox River State Trail begins in downtown Green Bay and just south of the Mason Street Bridge merges into the 25-mile Fox River State Recreational Trail which travels to the Brown/Calumet County line. The first 6 miles of the urban section of the trail is asphalt until Rockland Road in De Pere where it becomes crushed gravel. The southern portion of the trail south of Heritage Road allows horseback riding on bridle paths alongside the trail corridor. A "Health Trail" along a portion of the Fox River Trail in Allouez provides trail users with an outdoor fitness challenge course. An Annual State Trail Pass or a Daily Pass is required for bicyclists, rollerbladers, and horseback riders over 16 years old. There is no fee for pedestrians. The daily fee in 2009 was $3 ($20 annual pass) and can be paid at self-registration stations along the trail. Maps are also available at these kiosks.
Historically this has been a well-traveled route -- first by Native Americans, then French explorers, traders, and missionaries, and later the Milwaukee and Northern Railway Company. In 1989, after 116 years as a rail corridor, rail service was discontinued and the bike trail plans began.
The first 5 miles of the trail is alongside the namesake Fox River and you'll find some industry and the backyards of riverfront homes, restaurants and a bike shop.
Rest benches are liberally sprinkled along the route. Artwork is prolific along the downtown secment of the trail. Restroom facilities are located at St. Francis Park, Fox Point Boat Launch, Voyager Park, and Bornier Street Boat Launch. Porta-poties are located at Midway Road and the Greenleaf trailhead.
South of Rockland Road, we found the previously heavily-traveled trail numbers diminishing as the surface changed from asphalt to crushed stone. The route then becomes rural, passing corn fields and occasional homes as it traverses through several small communities before reaching Greenleaf, its southern trailhead. Equestrians can use accompanying bridle paths from Heritage Road in De Pere south to the trail's end.
The Fox River Trail is a Wisconsin state trail and that website details trail parking locations.
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