This county-operated trail meanders for more than 65 miles through the Nicolet National Forest in northeastern Wisconsin. The trail follows the same corridor built by railroad companies in the late 19th century to open up Wisconsin’s pine and hardwood forests for the timber industry.
The trail is surfaced with highway-grade compacted gravel. Walking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) use are permitted on the trail. Trail uses vary by time of year and by county. All three counties Forest, Florence and Oconto have hundreds of miles of snowmobile and ATV routes that connect with the Nicolet State Trail. When operating a snowmobile or ATV, use only legally marked routes to leave the Nicolet trail. Cross-country travel through the Nicolet National Forest or on private land is prohibited.
Wild, free-flowing rivers and streams abound in this part of Wisconsin, adding to an area already rich in natural resources. The forest surrounding the trail is a haven for deer, black bears, loons, bald eagles and wolves.
The Nicolet National Forest [exit Spirits of Gillett] which encompasses the trail has an abundance of recreation opportunities. In addition to camping, hunting, fishing and water recreation, the forest provides numerous miles of trail for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing.
Oconto County Segment
The Nicolet State Trail in Oconto County [exit Spirits of Gillett] begins in the town of Gillett near the Oconto/Shawano county line. Gillett is located on State Highway 22, about 18 miles northeast of the city of Shawano.
The trail runs for about 30 miles north from Gillett in Oconto County and passes through the communities of Suring, Mountain, Lakewood, and Townsend. In Suring, a parking area with access to the trail is available next to the Village Hall near State Highway 32. Beginning around Mountain, the trail parallels Highway 32 the rest of the way north into Forest County.
The Nicolet State Trail is open for ATV use in Oconto County from May 1 through October 31 or as posted or published. Oconto County has numerous ATV routes and has opened the former railroad corridor that the Nicolet State Trail is on, south from Gillett to Shawano County. The Nicolet Trail and other trails and routes may be closed or rerouted due to changing weather conditions.
Horses are allowed on the trail from April 15 through November 10.
Learn more about the Nicolet Trail in the Gillett area by Stopping at the Sportsman's Lodge at Spirits of Gillett.
