Length: 3.6 miles
Surface: Crushed granite trail
Parking: Lot off of Hwy. 66 (north), end of Maria Dr. (south), end of Hofmeister Dr. (south)

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

The Plover River Trail of the Green Circle can be accessed from Hwy. 66 (north of the airport) or on Maria Drive just east of Barbara’s Lane. This is the only segment of the Green Circle Trail that is regularly groomed for skiing.

If you start at the warming house on Hwy. 66 and go all the way to Maria Drive, one covers 4 miles. There are several loops (red, green, yellow, orange, and blue) that allow you to extend the distance you go by skis, snowshoes, bike, or walking. Please note that the trails through Izaak Walton League lands are only open to the public when snow is on the ground. Snowshoeing and hiking on groomed trails is not allowed.

If one starts at Hwy. 66, you are exposed to a predominantly open area that then threads through a red pine plantation. One will note the Audubon nest box on the west side of the warming house. Over 30 nest boxes are located along the trail on the east side of the airport along the trail and are monitored by ALAS members. These boxes are designed for bluebirds, but Tree Swallows, wrens, and chickadees nest in them as well. Other birds which occur in this habitat are Chipping, Field, and Vesper Sparrows (spring/summer) and juncos (winter). Watch for a Red-tailed Hawk circling in this open area.

In about 0.25 mile, one enters a mixed deciduous forest which continues east to a loop entering from the
north. Take the trail to the south. It is possible to stay on the upland loop or drop down into the Plover River valley. Along this section is a high concentration of jack pines, where towhees, cardinals, and woodpeckers (Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied, and an occasional Pileated) may be found.

Soon the trail parallels the edge of Izaak Walton League (Bill Cook Chapter) property and skirts the east side of the airport. In winter, Snow Buntings may be seen here occasionally and Horned Larks are common nesters. In about a mile one comes to an extensive area of oak wilt that involved removal of hundreds of trees. At the end of this section one comes to the north side of the Cit y of Stevens Point well field (Well #10).

The trail curves to the south around the well field/shooting range area with the Plover River on the east.
This is one of the most scenic areas along the trail. In fresh snow, look for tracks of rabbits, squirrels, weasel, fox, fisher, and otter (also look for otter slides on the river bank). Beaver stumps can also be seen here along the river. Birds that frequent this area in spring and summer are Red-shouldered Hawk, Barred and Great-horned Owls, and Sandhill Cranes. At this time of year, watch for skunk cabbage and marsh marigolds in the river bottom. The trail leaves the river bottom after about a half mile and passes through a mature hardwood forest.

The parking area at the end of Maria Drive is a great birding area in April and May at the height of migration. The connecting trail accesses the wooded Green Circle as it continues to follow the Plover River south to Interstate 39. A cornucopia of warblers, vireos, and other songbirds may be seen during this time.

Skiing the trail takes an hour or less, depending on the number of loops taken. Snowshoeing and hiking takes the better part of two hours (all times based on one way distances).

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