Door County is a paradise for those who love to explore the world on two wheels. The county has endless miles of biking routes that travel along scenic lakeshores, through lush apple and cherry orchards, and into quaint lakeside villages. There’s one biking experience unlike any other - it’s a scenic route on a former trail corridor that will take you through Southern Door and into another county, all while winding through a beautiful stretch of scenery. Pump up your bike tires: here’s what’s waiting for you on the Ahnapee State Trail in Wisconsin.
The northern trailhead can be found in Sturgeon Bay, the largest community in Door County. It takes bikers on an unforgettable rail journey south, following the paths of the Ahnapee River and the Kewaunee River.
The trail has a relatively long history. It’s built on the Ahnapee and Western Railway right of way – the land was purchased by the state of Wisconsin in 1970.
Today the trail runs more than 40 miles and it has branches that stretch into the communities of Algoma, Casco, Luxemburg, and Kewaunee.
Because it was built on a railway path, the trail is relatively level but you’ll want to ride a bike that can handle some gravel. The trail is also open to walkers, joggers, horseback riders, and pets on leashes so you may have some company on the trail.
The trail is will maintained and well marked so you can lose yourself in the beauty of the area, without doing a lot of navigation.
You’ll encounter a lot of scenic farmland and tranquil stretches on the trail – if you’re looking to escape the weekend crowds of Northern Door County, this may be just what you need!
The Ahnapee State Trail is open year-round. In the winter, it’s not plowed and it's used by cross-country skiers and snowmobilers. Learn more on the state DNR website. If you enjoy exploring Wisconsin’s rail trails, here’s another you’ll want to experience.
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