The Green Circle Trail
Stevens Point, WI
Frequently Asked Questions - What is the Green Circle?
- Can I walk my dog or other pet?
- How long is the Green Circle?
- What will I see?
- What is the most scenic portion?
- Where can I get a map?
- What are the hours?
- Where can I park?
- Where are restrooms?
- Is there water and food available along the trail?
- Is there a fee to use the trail?
- Can I rent bicycles along the Green Circle?
- What is the teepee-looking structure off Business 51?
- How many people use the trail?
- Can I bike the entire trail?
- Can I do a portion of the trail?
- May I cross-country ski or snow shoe on the trail?
- How safe is the trail?
- What should I do if I see a limb down or other safety concern?
- What are the rules of the Green Circle Trail?
- How can I help support the trail?
- Can I sponsor a memorial bench along the trail?
What is the Green Circle?
The Green Circle is a 26-mile recreational trail. It is thought to be the only trail system in the country to encircle a community, according to National Park officials. Popular among local hikers and bikers, it is a destination for visitors throughout central Wisconsin and beyond. A circle of cooperation among communities, corporations, private land owners and individuals inspired to create a nature trail around the Stevens Point urban area led what has become The Green Circle.
Can I walk my dog or other pet?
Pets are allowed on all segments of the trail, except the University Trail through Schmeeckle Reserve. They can be walked on the Hoover Road Trail spur, but are not allowed in Village of Plover parks. Dogs must be on leashes no longer than eight feet and should be managed in a way that poses no threat to other trail users or wildlife.
How long is the Green Circle?
The total length of the official Green Circle is 26 miles. This includes the hiking/biking main loop (made up of 11 trail sections) of 24.6 miles, and the Whiting Park Walking Trail (open only to foot traffic) of 1.4 miles. The Green Circle connects with several trail spurs that can expand the possible routes. These include: Hoover Road Trail Spur at 4.9 miles, Heartland Trail Spur at 2.8 miles, Westside Loop Trail Spur at 2.4 miles, the Stevens Point Sculpture Park trail at 0.4 mile, and Schmeeckle Reserve trails at 3.2 miles. It also connects to the Tomorrow River State Trail, a 30-mile railroad corridor trail that travels from Plover to Manawa.
What will I see?
For miles, the Green Circle follows the scenic Wisconsin and Plover Rivers, which are historically significant to the lumber-making pioneer roots of the region. The trail meanders through forests, prairies, wetlands, meadows, and quiet neighborhoods, providing excellent opportunities to observe wildlife and wildflowers. The Green Circle links together several parks and natural areas: Pfiffner Pioneer, Bukolt, Zenoff, Yulga, Iverson, Plover River, and West River Parks in the City of Stevens Point; Upper Whiting Park in the Village of Whiting; Little Plover River, Worzella Pines, and Lake Pacawa Parks in the Village of Plover; and Schmeeckle Reserve on the UW-Stevens Point campus. It also travels through wooded lands owned by paper mill companies, Sentry Insurance, and private landowners.
What is the most scenic portion?
This depends on your definition of scenic. To follow the Wisconsin River, take the Riverfront and Stage Coach segments to the north, the River Pines and Paper Mill trails to the south. For views of the Plover River, take the Paper Mill, McDill, Whiting Park, Iverson Park and Plover River segments. Most of these segments include wooded areas. Some is paved, and much is crushed granite or mulch.
Where can I get a map?
You can download a map from this website. Or pick up a free brochure when you're in Stevens Point at the following locations: Schmeeckle Reserve Visitors Center (2419 North Point Drive); the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (340 Division Street North); the Stevens Point Parks and Recreation Department (2442 Sims Avenue); and Portage County Parks office (1903 County Road Y). Free parking and additional information also are available.
What are the hours?
The trail is open from 6:00 a.m. to 11 p.m., except for the University Trail through Schmeeckle Reserve, which closes at sunset. The trail is not lighted, so using it during the daylight is advised.
Where can I park?
Numerous parking areas are available for free along the route, including along the riverfront in downtown and parks along the route in Stevens Point, Whiting, and Plover. See map for details. If you want to pick up a map or ask questions, the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center (2419 North Point Drive) is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It also offers free parking for Green Circle trail users from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where are restrooms?
Public restrooms are available year-round at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center (open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily). From the first weekend in May through the second weekend in October, restrooms are also available at Bukolt and Pfiffner Pioneer Parks (Riverfront Trail), Zenoff Park (Brickyard Trail), Iverson Park (Iverson Park Trail), Lower Whiting Park (Whiting Park Trail), and Little Plover River and Worzella Pines Parks (Hoover Road Trail).
Is there water and food available along the trail?
Drinking water is available year-round at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center (open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily). From the first weekend in May through the second weekend in October, water is also available at Bukolt and Pfiffner Pioneer Parks (Riverfront Trail), Zenoff Park (Brickyard Trail), Iverson Park (Iverson Park Trail), and Little Plover River and Worzella Pines Parks (Hoover Road Trail).
Several restaurants can be found in downtown Stevens Point near the intersection of the Riverfront Trail and the River Pines Trail, especially along Main and Clark Streets. Several more restaurants, gas stations, and a grocery store can be found along Business 51 south of the intersection of the Brickyard Trail and University Trail. A few restaurants and gas stations are located where the Iverson Park Trail crosses Highway 66. A gas station and restaurant are located where the Mainland Meadows Trail crosses Business 51.
Is there a fee to use the trail?
No, but donations are welcome to help maintain the Green Circle. Consider joining hundreds of individuals who value this terrific resource. Support trail construction and improvements, land purchases, and ongoing maintenance with an annual gift. Click here for more information about donating.
Can I rent bicycles along the Green Circle?
Nature Treks is a local company that provides bicycle rentals to trail users. They have two rental sites, conveniently located near the Green Circle: in Iverson Park (along the Iverson Park Trail) and in Bukolt Park (along the Riverfront Trail). Visit their website for more information: http://web.mawebcenters.com/nature3/Treks.ivnu
What is that teepee-looking structure off Business 51?
This is the trailhead for the Green Circle located just west of Schmeeckle Reserve. The shelter has a picnic table, maps, and other information about the trail. The teepee design was inspired by a structure at a historic site in western Minnesota that protected petroglyphs. It is intended to attract attention -- and visitors. Designed by Revelation Architects-Builders of Stevens Point, the construction supervisor, Stan Schmeeckle, is the grandson of Fred Schmeeckle, for whom Schmeeckle Reserve is named.
How many people use the trail?
Over 100,000 people use the Green Circle each year. Nearly half are bicyclists, 27% hike, 15% jog, and 9% walk dogs on the trail.
Can I bike the entire trail?
You can bike the entire main loop of the Green Circle, which is 24.6 miles (made up of 11 trail sections). Most of the trail is surfaced with crushed granite, so an off-road or hybrid bicycle is recommended. Bikes are not allowed on the Whiting Park Walking Trail. There are several other trails that the Green Circle connects with, most of which also allow biking.
Can I do a portion of the trail?
Certainly – but you may need transportation between two points. Or reverse your walk or bicycle route. Use the map to determine other street routes to make a loop.
May I cross-country ski or snow shoe on the trail?
The entire Green Circle is open for cross-country skiing. Sections groomed for classic skiing include the Plover River ski trails (6.2 miles) and Iverson Park (2.4 miles). Snowshoeing and winter hiking are allowed on all segments except for groomed ski trails.
How safe is the trail?
The trail is maintained by Portage County Parks staff, with assistance from Stevens Point Parks and Schmeeckle Reserve staff. County Parks staff and Stevens Point police patrol the trail periodically. In addition, volunteers known as Green Circle Trail Minders are also available to provide information and assistance when needed. They are readily identifiable with bright green Hi-Viz wristbands bearing the Green Circle logo. Trail Minders include members of the Green Circle Board and Point Pursuit Mountain Bike Club.
To enhance your safety, follow these tips:
- Know the nearest safe spots (public areas)
- Tell a friend or family member where you’re heading
- Watch for sudden movements
- Walk/run/bike with one or several buddies, or with a dog.
- Avoid walking or running after dark.
- Carry a flashlight
- Wear light-colored clothes
- Carry a cell phone. If you sense danger, leave the area or call a friend and describe your whereabouts.
- Do not use headphones
Contact us to report trail obstructions or other safety concerns. During the week, you may also call the Portage County Parks Department, 715-346-1433. On weekends, call Schmeeckle Reserve at 715-346-4992. In case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
What are the rules of the Green Circle Trail?
For the safety and enjoyment of all Green Circle users, please follow these rules:
- All users keep right
- Bikers yield to pedestrians
- Warn others, pass on left
- Maximum speed is 15 mph
- No motorized vehicles
- No reckless riding
- Pets on 8-foot leash maximum
- Keep trails clean
- Do not carry weapons
If you have comments or questions about the trail, please contact us.
How can I help support the trail?
Since no user fees are charged for the Green Circle, a major source of funding comes from donations. Your financial gift helps to support trail construction and improvements, land purchases, and ongoing maintenance. Please consider donating to the Green Circle. Click here for more information about donating.
Can I sponsor a memorial bench along the trail?
The Green Circle does not have a memorial bench program. The trail already has a sufficient number of benches for resting, and it was felt that adding more benches would detract from the natural character of the trail. In addition, for the greater part of the Trail, the land is owned by private parties and/or municipalities, in which the Green Circle has no authority to construct non-trail improvements. If you are interested in donating, please visit the Donations page.