Length: 2.4 miles
Surface: Crushed granite trails and sidewalks
Parking: Stevens Point Care Center on Sherman Ave. (south), downtown Stevens Point (north)

Map: Click here to view a map of the trail [PDF]
Section Page: Click here for more information about this trail

The Westside Loop of the Green Circle includes visits to woodlands, riverside, and wetlands as it weaves its way along the Wisconsin River, circles through an adjacent wetlands area, and skirts urban areas. It is suggested that birders plan to spend 2-3 hours walking the 3.5 mile loop. Migrating loons, many duck species, and Tundra Swans highlight early spring and late fall. Summer sees a colony of over 600 nesting Cliff Swallows under the County HH bridge as the trail crosses the Wisconsin River. Birders find it hard to not to spend an hour watching these birds catch insects above the river and return to feed their young.

While walking the trail, it is not unusual to see eagles fishing, rafts of Goldeneye, Green-winged Teal, Coots, Bufflehead, and Mergansers plying the river. Belted Kingfishers, Pileated Woodpeckers, and orioles are also frequently spotted. Spring brings a host of warblers along the river as they migrate north. April/May is the best time to catch this wonderful migration. Summer displays of Cedar Waxwings feeding on emerging mayflies are a common sight. The wetlands section of the trail is home to all kinds of wetlands birds including Red-winged Blackbirds, Savannah Sparrows, Great Blue Herons, and Sandhill Cranes. Prepare for a few mosquitoes on warm, moist summer days.

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The Green Circle Birding Trail is sponsored by The Aldo Leopold Audubon Society (ALAS)