Bike the Green Circle

The Green Circle was established over thirty years ago, providing urban community members a trail system that encircles the entire Stevens Point area.  The 27 mile loop is comprised of 12 unique sections and is accessible at numerous locations. The official trail head is located at the Schmeekle Reserve Visitor Center which offers free parking, restrooms and hiking opportunities. This is easily located on the north side on and off-ramps for I-39, near Sentry and the UWSP campus, on North Point Drive. 

The entire trail is open to hikers and bikers, and certain sections are groomed for skiing in winter. The sections include hard-packed gravel, beautiful boardwalks, paved roadway and sidewalks. While most of the bike trail takes you through forests and prairie, parks and river ways, meadows and wetlands, you will pass through the neighborhoods and cross busier roadways. My favorite section runs along the Plover River as it meanders through the woods. It reminds me of the times spent in college studying this habitat and the rewards of time in close examination of nature's bounty and beauty. We often will pack a picnic to enjoy at Iverson Park, about ten miles into the loop. The historic buildings and stone features are beautiful to photograph. Once you pass through the McDill pond area, you will meet up with the Wisconsin River to head back northward. The last of the twelve sections offers a detour through the Sculpture Park, which I have never taken, but vow to now!