Wisconsin’s Great Pinery Heritage Trail Seeks National Park Designation
Discover Wisconsin’s Great Pinery Heritage Trail – a waterway on the path to national park status, promising epic adventures and historical wonders! 🌊 #News #Wisconsin #Outdoors
Trail Seeks National Recognition
RHINELANDER, WI – Ever wondered what it’s like to paddle through a living piece of history? The Great Pinery Heritage Trail in central Wisconsin is more than just a water route—it’s a journey back in time.
This trail, weaving through serene landscapes and bustling towns, is on a thrilling quest to earn national recognition, promising to transform your next canoe or kayak adventure into an unforgettable experience.
Vision for Expansion and Campsites
Organizers of the Great Pinery Heritage Trail envision adding campsites along the Wisconsin River and extending the trail both north and south.
This trail begins at the Hat Rapids dam south of Rhinelander and stretches 108 miles through Tomahawk, Merrill, and Wausau, concluding at the Lake DuBay dam in northern Portage County.
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State and Federal Support
The trail, which was designated a state waterway in 2022, has received federal grants in 2023 and 2024. These funds are crucial for achieving National Park Service’s national water trail designation next year.
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Growing Popularity Among Paddlers
The trail’s appeal as a paddling destination is evident. According to GIS data from visitors’ phones, over 11,000 paddlers explored the area in 2023—a 14% increase from the previous year.
Most paddlers enjoy one-day excursions, viewing only parts of the trail. Only 3% of visitors are “through-paddlers” who camp overnight.
Enhancing the Trail Experience
To attract both serious paddlers and day-trippers, organizers plan to add at least 20 campsites along the route. They have also installed accessible boat launches and use digital tools to help plan trips.
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Paddlers can now use their cellphones to determine travel times between different points along the trail, thanks to GIS markers and river flow calculations.
Scenic and Historical Route
The trail offers a mix of scenic, secluded areas and urban sections that highlight the river’s industrial past.
Signs along the route tell the story of the Wisconsin River, from its use by Native peoples to its role in the logging boom of the 19th century. The trail’s name, Great Pinery Heritage Trail, reflects the river’s historical importance to the logging industry.
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Wisconsin’s National Water Trails
Wisconsin already boasts several national water trails, including the Chippewa River Water Trail, the Rock River Water Trail, and the St. Louis River Estuary Water Trail. The state also features the St. Croix River, designated as a National Scenic Riverway.
Long-Term Goals for the Trail
Organizers hope the Great Pinery Heritage Trail will become a top tourism destination. Their ultimate vision is to extend the trail to cover nearly the entire length of Wisconsin. This would connect the headwaters of the Wisconsin River in Michigan to the lower Wisconsin River, creating a 430-mile paddling trail.
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