The Green Circle Trail
Stevens Point, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green Circle?
The Green Circle is a 31-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?
Dogs are allowed on most segments of the trail. Dogs are not allowed through the Schmeeckle Reserve portion of the trail. 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 trail including spurs is 30.5 miles. The main hiking/biking circle (without spurs) is about 24 miles. The Westside loop spur, which follows the west side of the Wisconsin River, is 2.5 miles. A one-way spur on Hoover Road south in Plover is 4 miles.
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 community. The trail preserves trees, native plants, wetlands and wildlife for current and future generations. The Green Circle links Pfiffner Pioneer, Bukolt, Zenoff, Yulga, Whitetail, Hein, Iverson, Plover River and Parkwood parks in Stevens Point, the villages of Whiting and Plover and town of Hull with other publicly owned lands, such as the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point’s Schmeeckle Reserve, a forested preserve, and the Stevens Point wooded well field area.
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 or stop by the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitors Center, on North Point Drive; the Stevens Point Area Convention and Visitors Bureau on Division Street/Business 51 North; the Stevens Point Parks and Recreation Department on Sims Avenue; and Portage County Parks office, 1903 Highway Y, east of Stevens Point. 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. 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 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 Visitors Center on North Point Drive is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Where are rest rooms?
Restrooms are available year-long at Schmeeckle Reserve Visitors Center. From the first weekend in May through the second weekend in October, restrooms are available at Pfiffner, Bukolt and Iverson parks in Stevens Point parks at Whiting Park and off Hoover Avenue in Plover.
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 that they support trail construction and improvements, land purchases and ongoing maintenance with an annual gift. Donations are encouraged any time. Checks may be made to the Green Circle, c/o Community Foundation of Portage County, Stevens Point, WI 54481.
What is that teepee-looking structure off Business 51?
This is the trailhead for the Green Circle. It has maps and other information about the trail. The teepee design was inspired by a structure at a historic site in western Mininesota where petroglyphs used to be used. 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 the 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?
The biking circle is 24 miles. Fourteen contiguous segments denote geographic or historical locations. Certain segments can only be traversed by foot, so the alternative is to use nearby sidewalks or streets. Mainland Meadows is a half-mile spur off Tommy’s Turnpike and Third Street in Whiting. Hikers and bikers will be directed to roadways or sidewalks to connect between some segments.
Can I do a portion of the trail?
Certainly – but you may need transportation between two points. Or reverse your walk or bicycle route.
May I cross country ski / snow shoe?
The Plover River segment is groomed for classical (stride) skiing. A series of five loops totaling 6.2 miles is groomed. Other parts of the Green Circle can be used for snowshoeing.
How safe is it?
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 else should I know about using 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.