The Best Running Trails Green Bay Has to Offer

Green Bay, Wisconsin isn’t just all about the Green Bay Packers. The greater Green Bay area has many great trails to explore whether you like running single track through the woods or sticking to pavement. Many of the trails follow rivers, creeks or run along the shores of the Bay of Green Bay. This list of Green Bay running trails will keep you running!

Paved Trails

East River Trail

East River Trail is a paved trail and its main segment is approximately 8 miles in length. The trail follows along the East River and winds through Green Bay, Allouez, Bellevue and De Pere. It has two other small segments 0.8 miles and 0.9 miles in length. One of the smaller segments passes by the legendary City Stadium where the Green Bay Packers played from 1925-1956.

The trail is perfect for running, with nice views of the river at every turn. One other benefit of the trail is it is flat. It is a dog friendly trail. If you are looking to get in some cross training this is a popular place to bike. Due to recent high water levels, I would recommend checking trail conditions prior to heading out as some sections have had to close periodically. Map link.

Fox River Trail

The Fox River State Trail is 26.3 miles long. I have listed this trail in the paved category, as it is paved from Green Bay to just south of De Pere. The rest of the trail is crushed limestone. The trail follows along the Fox River through Green Bay, Allouez, De Pere, Greenleaf, Forest Junction, and ends just north of Hilbert.

The trail is perfect for running all year long. The Fox River Trail is even plowed in winter from Green Bay through De Pere. The Fox River Trail is a nice flat trail. It is free for running, but you will need to buy a pass if you plan to bike on the trail. I chose this trail to run the Virtual New York City Marathon.

Unpaved Trails

Mountain Bay State Trail

The Mountain Bay State Trail is one of the longest trails in Wisconsin. The trail starts in Green Bay and ends in Westin, Wisconsin. It is a rail trail that is 83 miles long. The trail consist of crushed limestone. The trail traverses through various landscapes from wetlands, forests to farmlands.

It is flat and perfect for running. It is free to walk or run, but you will need to purchase a pass if you plan to bike on the trail. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website has all the information you will need to purchase a pass.

Baird Creek

One of my favorite trails in Green Bay. If you are looking for some excellent trail running with single track, tree roots, rocks and hills this is it. There is also a small paved section if single track is not your thing. One of the things I love about Baird Creek is the never ending trails. As you run along, there are several different trails that branch off the main trails.

Throughout Baird Creek, you will run along side creeks or high ridges making for some stellar scenery. Another bonus is that dogs are allowed, as long as they are kept on a leash. The trails are also highly popular for biking, with groomed sections for fat bikes in winter.

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The main sections of trail have different colored markers along the trail. There aren’t any great maps of the trails, but this map gives an overview of the Baird Creek Watershed. There are projects underway to enhance the map system of the trails. In summary, the best parts of this trail system is that you always seem to find new sections of trail to run.

He-Nis-Ra Park

The He-Nis-Ra Park is 44 acres of mixed hardwoods and wetlands. The trails are multi-use for hiking, biking and trail running in summer. In winter, the trails are groomed for fat biking, and cross county skiing.

Although the trail system is not long, you could certainly pile on the miles by doing loops. The map shows the different trail lengths, as well as the trail type. Map link.

Cofrin Arboretum

The Cofrin Arboretum is a trail that encircles the UWGB Campus. There are more that 6 miles of trails to explore. There is a nice 4.7 mile loop that circles the whole arboretum. The purpose of the arboretum is to maintain and restore native Wisconsin plants and trees.

The arboretum is a nice mix of hills and flat sections. The trail runs through sections of hardwoods, around ponds and down along the shores of the Bay of Green Bay. The trail is double track surfaced with wood chips, dirt or crushed limestone, therefore making this trail a great trail for the novice or experienced trail runner. Map link.

Sensiba State Wildlife Area

Let’s talk views! Sensiba is located along the shores of the Bay of Green Bay. Another favorite trail of mine located just outside of Green Bay. Sensiba is a 570 acre property with coastal marshes and hardwoods. Because the trail is located on the bay, I highly recommend a sunrise or sunset run, it’s one you won’t forget. It is a shorter trail, however this is a trail you will want to spend some time on.

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The trail consists of crushed limestone. There is a lovely boardwalk through some tall hardwoods. One portion of the trail is washed out, however you can walk over the area. Map Link.

Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve

Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve is a 920 acre of wetlands, meadows and forest. It is located just outside Green Bay along the shores of the Bay of Green Bay. It has 9 miles of trails to keep you busy. Because the trails are non-technical flat dirt trail, it makes a great choice for a novice trail runner.

During winter, the trails are great for snowshoeing and are groomed for cross country skiing. Perfect for some cross training miles. During your run, I highly recommend to take the shores trail and follow the trail out to the marsh overlook.

Brown County Reforestation Camp

The Brown County Reforestation Camp is 1600 acre with plenty of trails to explore. With approximately 6.5 miles of dirt trails for running, you can pile on the miles. Another bonus of the trails, is that they are relatively flat and wide making for a great beginner trail to run.

If you are looking for some cross training, there is 20 miles of mountain bike trails some that are groomed in winter. Love to cross county ski it has you covered with 19 miles of trail. Above all, the woodsy scenery will keep you coming back. Map Link.