A two-wheeled adventure is waiting for you in St. Germain. The community is home to some of the best bike trails in the Northwoods. Pick your poison: an easy-riding trail for families, an exhilarating collection of single track mountain bikes trails for thrill seekers, some tranquil nature trails for nature lovers, or a system the beckons winter riders. All you need here is a bike and a little time to enjoy the beauty of the Northwoods. If you\u2019re in town for vacation, the trails are easy to access for a quick ride, and some lodging properties even have bikes on site for you to borrow. If you\u2019re a serious rider, St. Germain is also a great basecamp for a biking getaway \u2013 there are some awesome trails near town, and even more trail systems a short drive away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some great Northwoods bike rides are waiting for you– here\u2019s a quick guide on where to ride in St. Germain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Off road thrill: Fern Ridge Trail<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In a rugged area of woodland, in the town of St. Germain, there’s a trail system that welcomes mountain bikers who are seeking a fun forest ride. The Fern Ridge Trail branches off a central hub that\u2019s just off a short connector trail to a parking area; it\u2019s all well-marked with signs. There are four single-track loops that total a little over four miles. There are also two short hiking trails, with each path totaling about three-quarters of a mile. The Fern Ridge Trail are safely separated, and the hiking trails have some nice views of the mountain bike trails. If you don\u2019t feel like a ride, you can enjoy a nice walk and watch friends or family carve up the trails. There\u2019s a pleasant place to relax at the trailhead, after your ride. The trails are fun for riders of all skill levels – there are places where you can bypass the more challenging features. But if you’re looking for a thrill, you’ll find it on the Fern Ridge Trail!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paved adventures: The Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n St. Germain is a trailhead for the wonderful paved Heart of Vilas Trails System. You can find the trailhead in town, right outside the Visitor\u2019s Center. This expansive paved trail is a family-friendly ride that also passes through Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, and Mercer. The trail stretches over 50 miles and it has become a big a biking destination – it has even been named a National Recreation Trail. Ride as little or as much as you want on the Heart of Vilas; the trail passes many of St. Germain businesses, so you may want to start our end your ride with a meal or a cool beverage. The trail will take you through some beautiful and wild scenery, but it\u2019s paved, so any bike will work well on the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wild terrain: Shannon Lake Trails<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Just north of St. Germain you\u2019ll find the beautiful Shannon Lake Trails, a destination for nature lovers. The trails are open for hiking and biking and they are also a destination for winter fat biking. There are two trailheads \u2013 one is off of County Highway G, the other is located off of Found Lake Road. The trails traverse gently rolling terrain and there are various marked loops ranging from 1.9 to 6.5 miles. It\u2019s a great place to see wildlife, and there are a couple of spots where you can get close to the edge of Shannon Lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n