Before you hit the trail, take advantage of the free truck/trailer parking available at Zippel Park, 150 N. McKenzie Street, Gillett. Enjoy a picnic lunch and relax in the park before starting your journey, or dine at one of Gillett’s local restaurants, where the atmosphere is casual and the food is exceptional. From burgers and fries to ice cream and pies, you’ll find a hearty meal or a quick snack, all at a reasonable price.

From Gillett, riders have access to over 450 miles of fully interconnected scenic riding.

For a sweeping view of the Oconto River from high above, travel about 3 miles south of Gillett where you’ll find the Bud Quade Bridge. Built in 1917 by the Chicago Bridge & Iron Works as a railroad trestle, the bridge was renovated in 1996 and dedicated as a recreational trail. At 535-feet in length, the wooden bridge overlooks the river below and makes for a great spot to stop and take in the scenery. The southern route takes riders several miles to the Green Valley/Krakow area.

The sky’s the limit when you travel north! To the north toward Suring, riders will leave the orderly paths of the former railroad corridor and venture onto trails through the woods of the Nicolet National Forest. Here’s your chance to commune with nature as you roll past. From the comfortable seat of your machine, you’ll see the breathtaking beauty of the forest all around you.

The Nicolet State Trail runs north from Gillett through Oconto County for about 30 miles and into Forest and Florence counties to the Michigan state line.

The 89-mile Nicolet State Trail passes through pine and hardwood forests, winding through the Oconto County 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 heading north into Forest County.

Happy trails!