Bicycling and walking are great for transportation and recreation! Whether you prefer city streets and sidewalks or the area trails, you are sure to find the terrain and scenery to keep you happy and motivated to pedal or hoof it further!

We have summarized some of the area resources below:

Wausau Area Bike and Pedestrian Map

Wausau Area Bike/Ped Map is available online, or can be found in the City Hall Lobby. This map provides bike routes in the metropolitan area.

Barker - Stewart Island Interpretative Trail

Take a walk on the Barker-Stewart Island Interpretative Trail this summer! Be transformed from the city center to the country after you traverse the bridge. Experience the history of the island, the natural beauty of the view and the harnessing of renewable energy on this 1/2 mile stroll starting at Bull Falls Park located north of Scott Street Bridge.

Wausau Wheelers Bike Club

Wausau Wheelers is a bicycle club based in Wausau. They sponsor weekly road and mountain bike rides in the area and host special events and races during the riding season. Road, mountain and commuter riders, all age and skill levels are welcome!

Mountain Bay State Trail

Marathon County is home to 18 miles of the 83 mile Mountain Bay State Park Trail. Cyclists 16 years and older must purchase a trail pass to use the trail. There is no fee for hiking. Trail passes are available at the Marathon Parks Department Office and the Mountain Bay trailhead. Please visit the State Trail Pass Web Page for information regarding daily fees and annual trail passes.

Mountain Biking at Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area

Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area is considered one of the top five MTB rides in the state! Nine Mile has biking on 20 miles of ski trails. The trails open for biking from May 1 to May 15, depending on trail conditions and close on October 15th. Night riding is allowed during the period when trails are open. Please note that sections of the trail may be closed for logging or trail rehabilitation. All riders 12 years and older require a daily or annual pass.

Wausau Area Striders

Wausau Area Striders promotes running and fitness for all ages and abilities.

Historical Walks

The Marathon County Historical Society has developed two historical walks, the Downtown Wausau and Andrew Warren Historic District.

River Edge Parkway

A hidden gem in downtown Wausau is the River Edge Parkway. This paved trail is used year-round by walkers and bicyclists and offers different options depending on how far you'd like to walk/bike. It's a popular lunch time walk for many people who work downtown, and is a convenient walk for many residents who live in or near the downtown.

The paved trail follows the Wisconsin River from Oak Island Park (500 River Drive, just north of Thomas Street) to behind the Eye Clinic of Wisconsin (800 North 1st Street), a distance of about 1.25 miles. At the Oak Island boat landing you can take the bridge across the river to follow a trail on Fern Island. Behind the Eye Clinic there's a bridge across the river that will take you to Barker-Stewart Island and/or Big Bull Falls Park. When walking or biking on the River Edge Parkway it's easy to forget you're in the middle of a thriving metropolis! Just be careful when crossing Washington Street (the only street which has to be crossed on the trail).

Public parking lots adjacent to the trail are located at Oak Island Park, Oak Island boat landing, and the lot off Washington Street west of the library (free parking in this lot evenings and weekends).

A new portion of the paved trail extends from the west end of Winton Street south to the Bridge Street bridge, about one-half mile in length. There is no direct access to/from the trail at Bridge Street. (The trail has not been developed on the private property located from Bridge Street south to the existing trail behind the Eye Clinic.)

If you have not already discovered the River Edge Parkway, take time to do so. You'll be glad you did!