Safety Information & Rules

River Pines Trail along the Wisconsin River
River Pines Trail along the Wisconsin River

Walkers

  • Please be courteous to other trail users.
  • When other users pass, stay to your right.
  • When in a group, avoid blocking the trail.

Joggers/Runners

  • Slow down and allow oncoming walkers to pass on one side of the trail.
  • When approaching from behind, alert walkers of your presence and pass carefully on the left.

Bikers

  • Biking is allowed on all segments of the trail. However, the Green Circle connects to other trails that may not allow biking; please respect the rules of each site.
  • Yield to all other trail users.
  • Use your bell or horn to announce your presence to walkers well in advance, particularly when approaching from behind.
  • Slow down and pass with care.
  • Do not exceed the 12 mph speed limit. Slowly approach blind turns in anticipation of other trail users and obstacles that are beyond your view.
  • No racing or reckless riding.
  • Ride only on trails designated for biking.
  • Walk bicycles on narrow boardwalks, bridges, and steep hills.
  • When encountering walkers on narrow trails, stop and wait for them to pass or signal you through.
  • Electric bicycles (e-bikes/electric-assist bikes) with fully operative pedals for propulsion (Class 1 electric bicycles) are allowed on the Green Circle, but must observe the 12 mph speed limit. Electric bicycles that can be powered solely by a motor (Class 2) are not allowed. Any electric bicycle capable of more than 30 mph is considered a motorcycle under state law, and is not allowed on the trail.

Pet Owners

  • Pets are not allowed on the University Trail through Schmeeckle Reserve, a natural area on the UW-Stevens Point campus. Follow along North Point Drive to make the loop instead.
  • Pets are allowed on all other sections of the Green Circle.
  • Pets must be kept on an 8-foot leash or shorter, and be under control at all times.
  • Promptly remove pet waste in consideration for other trail users.

Winter Users

  • Snowshoeing and winter hiking are allowed on all sections of the trail except for groomed ski trails.
  • The Plover River Trail and the Iverson Park Trail are groomed for classic skiing. Snowshoeing, hiking, and pets are not allowed on the ski trails.
  • No racing or skate skiing, except where designated.
  • When others approach, slow down and pass with care.

Accessibility/Wheelchairs/Power-Driven Mobility Devices

  • Wheelchairs, including power-driven wheelchairs, are allowed on all sections of the Green Circle Trail for people with mobility disabilities. However, not all sections meet ADA guidelines:
    • The Riverfront Trail, the Hoover Road Trail Spur, and the Heartland Trail Spur are paved with asphalt and accessible to wheelchair use.
    • All other trail sections are surfaced with 8-foot wide boardwalks and hard-packed crushed granite, which is considered wheelchair accessible when dry and packed down.
    • Wheelchair use is not recommended on crushed granite trails in early spring or after rainstorms, as the surface gets soft.
    • A few steep hills on the Plover River Trail, the Paper Mill Trail, and the McDill Trail do not meet the grade requirements of ADA.
  • Other power-driven mobility devices are allowed for people who have a mobility disability if: 1) they do not exceed 42 inches in width, and 2) they are powered by an electric motor. These include mobility scooters, trishaws, and segways.
    • ATVs, UTVs, and other motorized vehicles are prohibited, except for trail maintenance, repair, construction and special events.
    • All users must obey the 12 mph speed limit.
  • These guidelines apply ONLY to the official route of the Green Circle Trail. Numerous other trails and paths connect to the Green Circle, including spurs managed by other entities, which have their own rules and guidelines. Please contact the managing entity for more information.

Electric Bicycles and Other Motorized Devices

  • Electric bicycles (e-bikes/electric-assist bikes) with fully operative pedals for propulsion (Class 1 electric bicycles) are allowed on the Green Circle, but must observe the 12 mph speed limit. Electric bicycles that can be powered solely by a motor (Class 2) are not allowed. Any electric bicycle capable of more than 30 mph is considered a motorcycle under state law, and is not allowed on the trail.
  • Other electric motorized devices are not allowed on the Green Circle. Devices that are propelled by a motor and do not have functional pedals, such as Onewheels, hoverboards, mopeds, Segways, and electric scooters, are considered motorized vehicles and are prohibited. People who have mobility disabilities may be allowed to use these types of devices (click here for more information).

All Users

  • The trail is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., except for the University Trail which closes at sunset.
  • Avoid wearing headphones for your own safety.
  • At dusk or after dusk, use a light of some type to see the trail along with a flashing safety light to make yourself visible.
  • Motorized vehicles, excluding wheelchairs and some types of electric bicycles (click here for more information), are prohibited on the trail.
  • Horses are not permitted in the trail corridor.
  • Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed on the trail.
  • Fires and fireworks are prohibited along the trail.

County and City Ordinances
To view the county and city ordinances that apply to the Green Circle Trail, click the links below: