Whether you are training with your kids for a Fun Run or just burning off some energy we have you covered! Here is a list of our favorites and reader suggestions for family friendly walking, hiking and biking trails that are both toddler and stroller approved.
The City of Appleton maintains an interactive map of trails in the Fox Valley Area and includes all off-street trails, on-street bike lanes, sidewalks, sidepaths, and on-street signed routes.
FREE printed trail maps are available at:
Appleton Parks and Recreation
Customer Service Area, 1st Floor of City Hall
100 N. Appleton Street, Downtown Appleton
appletonparkandrec.org/parks-pavilions-trails/trails
We would love to add your feedback! If you have a suggestion or tip, just add to the comments or email us! Happy hiking!
Appleton Trails
Apple Creek Trail / Thrivent Trail
This north side of Appleton trail stretches from the west end of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, through the Scheels USA Youth Sports Complex to Evergreen Drive (almost to Holland Rd). The trail is great for bird watchers including ducks, geese and blue herons. Path runs along streams, ponds and wetlands.
- Trail Covering: paved asphalt
- Total Distance: 4 miles; out and back
- Restrooms: portable restrooms available
- Other Amenities: benches, trash receptacles
- Recommended for: walking, running, biking, learning to bike, strollers, toddlers, families, scooters, rollerblading
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Nearby Businesses for coffee or ice cream:
- Copper Rock (off trail), 1835 E Edgewood Dr # 108, Appleton
- Paradise Island Grill & Ice Cream (off trail), 2821 N Ballard Rd, Appleton
- Barefoot Gypsies Coffee Shop, N2894 State Rd 47, Appleton (farthest)
- Directions & Parking: parking lot developed by Appleton Parks & Recreation at Ballard and Evergreen Drive (Park & Ride)
Bruce B. Purdy Nature Preserve (Apple Creek YMCA)
This trail is owned and operated by the Apple Creek YMCA and visitors are asked to check in at the front desk. Rules, maps and approximate trail lengths are available online, on the trail entrance kiosks or inside the Apple Creek YMCA.
Bruce B. Purdy Nature Preserve is located on the north side of Appleton and includes wooded hills and ravines, open fields, restored prairie, ponds and wetlands, and pine plantations
- Trail Covering: natural
- Total Distance: 2.5 miles; network of trails
- Restrooms: restrooms are available at the YMCA (members only)
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, toddlers, families, bird watching
- Dog Friendly: no
- Nearby Businesses for coffee or ice cream:
- Copper Rock (off trail), 1835 E Edgewood Dr # 108, Appleton
- Barefoot Gypsies Coffee Shop, N2894 State Rd 47, Appleton (farthest)
- Directions & Parking:
- Apple Creek YMCA, located at 2851 E. Apple Creek Rd., Appleton
- More Information: www.ymcafoxcities.org/purdy-nature-preserve
Newberry Trail
Newberry Trail runs along the Fox River through old industrial flats near downtown Appleton. Trail also runs along Lawrence University’s Banta Bowl. Mature trees make this trail pretty shaded and offers great views of the River including canals, dams, railroad tracks and railroad spring bridge. Also keep your eyes open for eagles. Eagles are most active at dusk and dawn but can be sighted all day. Some hills along path could make this trial challenging or difficult for new bike riders.
Tellulah Park at one end of the trail includes fishing, ADA kayak launch, skate park, 9 hole Frisbee golf course, two pavilions, a playground, a baseball diamond and a soccer field. Also make sure to check out the restored Soo Line steam engine train!
Trail also connects to the North Island Trail, along Fox River by following South Vulcan St. where you can also find a neat mural “Paper Wings” by Chad Brady.
Also connects with the CE Trail.
- Trail Covering: paved asphalt
- Total Distance: 1.2+ miles, out and back
- Restrooms: restrooms are available at Tellulla Park May 1 – October 1
- Other Amenities: benches, trash receptacles, dog waste stations, drinking fountains (at Tellulah Park)
- Recommended for: walking, running, biking, learning to bike, strollers, toddlers, families, scooters, rollerblading, wheelchair accessible
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Nearby Businesses for coffee or ice cream:
- Tempest Coffee Collective (on trail), 181 South Riverheath Way #1100, Appleton
- Directions & Parking:
- Tellulah Park, 1300 E Newberry St, Appleton
- Law St and Newberry St, 668-600 E Newberry St, Appleton
Plamann Park
This Outagamie county owned park is free. Enjoy rolling hills and woods. The park also has a disc golf course and outdoor swimming pond, Plamann Lake, that includes Wibits inflatable obstacle course (admission fee). Plamann Park also has a free Children’s Farm, open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Family friendly trails include the Cow Path Trail (an Eagle Scout Project) and the Bird Trail that includes trail signs with native bird information.
- Trail Covering: natural
- Total Distance: network of trails up to 2 miles
- Restrooms: restrooms are available mid-May through September
- Other Amenities: benches
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, toddlers, families
- Dog Friendly: no
- Nearby Businesses for coffee or ice cream:
- Copper Rock (off trail), 1835 E Edgewood Dr # 108, Appleton
- Barefoot Gypsies Coffee Shop, N2894 State Rd 47, Appleton (farthest)
- Directions & Parking: trailhead is at the small shelter
- 1375 E. Broadway Dr, Appleton
North Island Trail
This industrial trail runs along Neenah Paper on the Fox River and has great views of the Fox River that extends the Newberry Trail between south Olde Oneida St. and South Law St. Also near Riverside Gardens.
- Trail Covering: paved asphalt
- Total Distance: loops with Newberry Trail
- Restrooms: restrooms are NOT available
- Other Amenities: benches, trash receptacles, dog waste stations, mural
- Recommended for: walking, running, biking, learning to bike, strollers, toddlers, families, scooters, rollerblading, wheelchair accessible
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Nearby Businesses for Coffee and/or Ice Cream:
- Tempest Coffee Collective (on trail), 181 South Riverheath Way #1100, Appleton
- Crazy Sweet, 201 W College Ave, Appleton
- Downtown Appleton Coffee Shops
- Directions & Parking: along S. Voulcan St, Appleton
Riverview Gardens
Riverview Gardens is a privately-owned park (and former golf course) with both paved and unpaved trails. Trails pass through a working urban farm with orchards, hoop houses, hydroponic greenhouse, restored prairie, and mountain biking trails. Also makes a great picnic spot!
- Trail Covering: paved and unpaved
- Total Distance: 1.5 miles; out and back
- Restrooms: restrooms are not available
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking, strollers, toddlers, families,
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Directions & Parking:
- Community Center (former RiverviewClubhouse), 1101 South Oneida Street, Appleton
- More Information: riverviewgardens.org/plan-a-visit
Grand Chute Trails
Bubolz Nature Preserve
Bubolz is a privately owned non-profit nature center that includes woods, wetlands and prairies. Trails can get muddy during rainy periods. Suggested donation is $2 at box located near the trailhead.
Families can also enjoy Turtle Pond and natural playground for children. Indoor Visitor Center includes Children’s Area Kenna’s Kabin with nature themed interactive play area for ages 10 and under.
- Trail Covering: natural covering
- Total Distance: 8.5 miles total, network of trails
- Restrooms: outdoor restrooms are available
- Other Amenities: benches
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, strollers, toddlers, families
- Dog Friendly: no
- Directions & Parking: 4815 N Lynndale Drive, Appleton
- More Information: bubolzpreserve.org
Casaloma Conservancy
Wooded natural area, good area for bird watching and hiking. Trail begins near the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Stadium. Note parking may be unavailable during baseball games. Connects with the Fox Valley Technical College trails via the Highway 41 Overpass. The overpass ascend is steep and may be challenging for beginner bike riders and kids.
- Trail Covering: pea gravel
- Total Distance: .4 miles; out and back
- Restrooms: restrooms are NOT available
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, toddlers, families
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Nearby Businesses for Coffee and/or Ice Cream:
- Pawffee Shop & Cat Cafe, 1745 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton
- Directions & Parking: 2400 N Casaloma Dr, Appleton
Fox Valley Technical College / Highway 41 Overpass
The Fox Valley Technical (FVTC) College Nature Trail provides paved trails around the campus, through prairies and around a pond. Overall, the trail is open and not shaded. The highway overpass is loud and may be scary for children and dogs. The Highway 41 Overpass connects with the Casaloma Conservancy. The overpass ascend is steep and may be challenging for beginner bike riders, including kids. Note more traffic when school is in session.
- Trail Covering: paved asphalt
- Total Distance: network of trails
- Restrooms: restrooms are NOT available
- Other Amenities: benches, bike repair station, trash receptacles, dog waste stations
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking, learning to bike, strollers, toddlers, families, scooters, rollerblading, wheelchair accessible
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Nearby Businesses for Coffee and/or Ice Cream:
- Seth’s Coffee, 1390 Popp Ln, Appleton (off the trail)
- Motomart Gas Station, 3225 W Glenpark Dr, Appleton (off the trail)
- Directions & Parking: Fox Valley Technical College, 1825 N Bluemound Dr, Appleton
Old Stone Bridge Trail
A short trail that is quiet and full of wildlife that connects to the Fox Valley Technical College trail.
- Trail Covering: paved asphalt
- Total Distance: less than 1 mile, out and back
- Restrooms: Restrooms are NOT available
- Other Amenities: benches, dog waste garbages
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking, learning to bike, strollers, toddlers, families, scooters, rollerblading, wheelchair accessible
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Nearby Businesses for Coffee and/or Ice Cream:
- All Seasons Coffeehouse, 1390 Popp Ln, Appleton (off the trail)
- Motomart Gas Station, 3225 W Glenpark Dr, Appleton (off the trail)
- Directions & Parking:
- 3404 W Brewster St, Appleton, near Brewster Village
Prairie Hill Park, Grand Chute
Also enjoy the catch-and-release fishing pond, playground and hill to explore.
- Trail Covering: pea gravel, mulch, paved asphalt
- Total Distance: 1 mile; aprox .5 mile unpaved, .5 mile paved; out and back,
- Restrooms: Restrooms are NOT available, Restrooms are available
- Other Amenities: Benches, Dog Waste Garbages, Bike Repair Station, trash receptacles, dog waste stations, drinking fountains
- Recommended for: walking, running, learning to bike, Strollers, toddlers, families
- Dog Friendly: no
- Nearby Businesses for Coffee and/or Ice Cream:
- Seth’s Coffee, 1390 Popp Ln, Appleton (off the trail)
- Motomart Gas Station, 3225 W Glenpark Dr, Appleton (off the trail)
- Directions & Parking: 2901 N. Abendroth Street, northwest of Northland (CTH OO) and Bluemound, Appleton
Greenville / Hortonville Trails
Wiouwash State Trail
The trail runs six miles from Hortonville to the Winnebago County line near the junction of Highways 41 and 45, through four counties; Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano. This abandoned railroad corridor includes lots of wildlife and includes wetland. Trail also runs through Rat River Wildlife Area with numerous areas for birding, canoeing, and hiking. Trail also connects with Friendship State Trail along US 10 (connecting to Menasha and Trestle Trail).
GVK Reader, Abigail, ”Wiouwash is flat and safe. Goes through Oshkosh all the way to Larsen. Lots of trees and wildlife.”
- Trail Covering: crushed stone
- Total Distance: 41 total miles; out and back
- Restrooms: restrooms are NOT available
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking, families
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Nearby Businesses for Coffee and/or Ice Cream:
- Ally Cat Coffeehouse, 213 W Main St, Hortonville
- Directions & Parking (southern segment)
- Black Otter Lake (Lakeview Avenue), Hortonville
- Wisconsin Avenue / State Route 96, Medina
- County Highway T, Larsen
- Westwind Road, Oshkosh (near US 45 and US 41 junction)
- More Information:
Neenah / Menasha / Fox Crossing Trails
Fox Cities Trestle Trail
This pedestrian bridge is 0.8 miles long and crosses Little Lake Butte des Morts. The path is lighted and includes a pavilion for sitting and fishing platforms. This is the longest walking bridge in Wisconsin. The path connects with the Friendship Trial and will eventually run from Stevens Point to Manitowoc. This trail is open 24 hours.
Families can also enjoy playing at Frise Park which includes a unique slide built into a hill and playground.
GVK Reader, Liz, “Friendship Trail / Trestle bridge is fun and has lots of turtles and ducks and ducklings in the late spring-early summertime.”
GVK Reader, “Trestle Trail from Neenah to Menasha is our favorite… Stroller friendly and Fritze Park to play at as well!”
- Trail Covering: paved asphalt
- Total Distance: bridge is 1,600 ft, 0.8 miles
- Restrooms: Restrooms are available ALL year-round
- Other Amenities: benches, trash receptacles, dog waste stations, drinking fountains (Fritse Park)
- Recommended for: walking, running, biking, learning to bike, strollers, toddlers, families, scooters, rollerblading
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Directions & Parking:
- Fritse Park (west side of Little Lake Butte Des Morts), 937 N Lake St, Neenah
- Broad Street in Menasha (east side), small on-street parking lot by the entrance
Heckrodt Nature Preserve
Heckrodt Wetland Reserve is a 76-acre urban nature reserve with over 3 miles of trails, including nearly 2 miles of elevated boardwalks that provide access to the wetland habitat. Located in Menasha on Lake Winnebago. Wagons, strollers, and wheelchairs are available to check out. Includes creek, pond, wetland, cattail marsh, open water, created prairie, open field, and forest. Also includes a nature playground for children and FREE Nature Center with mounted Wisconsin mammals and birds, aquariums with local fish, crayfish, turtles, and snakes, displays, and interactive play and learning. Outdoors space also includes a memorial butterfly garden and bird feeding area, pond, bog, and stream complex.
GVK Reader, Kristy, “Heckrodt in Menasha has boardwalks and crushed limestone trails- very accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.“
- Trail Covering: crushed limestone, paved asphalt, and elevated boardwalks
- Total Distance: 3 miles; network of trails
- Restrooms: restrooms are available in Nature Visitor’s Center
- Other Amenities: Nature Visitor’s Center
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, strollers, toddlers, families, wheelchair accessible
- Dog Friendly: no
- Directions & Parking: 1305 Plank Rd, Menasha
- More Information: www.heckrodtnaturecenter.org
Little Chute Trails
Heritage Parkway Trail
Heritage Parkway Trail is a waterfront trail in Little Chute along the Fox River. Enjoy views of the canal and combined lock, hydroelectric dam, and great views from a footbridge. Trail also includes wetlands and wooded areas. Connects Island Park to Heesakker Park.
- Trail Covering: paved asphalt, some non-paved in Heesakker Park
- Total Distance: 2.9 miles; out and back
- Restrooms: restrooms are available at Heesakker Park
- Other Amenities: benches, trash receptacles, dog waste stations, drinking fountains (Heesakker Park)
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking, learning to bike, strollers, toddlers, families, scooters, rollerblading
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Nearby Businesses for Coffee and/or Ice Cream:
- Seth’s Coffee, 106 E Main St, Little Chute (off-trail)
- Directions & Parking:
- Heesakker Park, 1509 E Lincoln Ave, Little Chute
Kimberly Trails
CE Trail
The CE Trail is 5.3 miles of paved multipurpose trail from Appleton to Kaukauna. The CE Trail is located on the north side of County Highway CE. Park at the Heart of the Valley YMCA and enjoy the murals through the tunnel underpass.
- Trail Covering: paved asphalt
- Total Distance: 5.3 miles; out and back
- Restrooms: restrooms are NOT available
- Other Amenities: benches, bike repair station, trash receptacles, dog waste stations, picnic areas, murals
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking, learning to bike, strollers, toddlers, families, scooters, rollerblading
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Directions & Parking:
- For easy trail access and to see murals park at the Heart of the Valley YMCA, 225 W Kennedy Ave, Kimberly
Kaukauna Trails
1000 Islands Environmental Center
1000 Islands Environmental Center is owned by the City of Kaukauna and has about 7 miles of trails and 240 acres including a 1-mile trail along the Fox River with about half of boardwalk. The hiking trails along the river have benches with great views and walkout docks. While walking, you may see eagles, deer, and a great variety of waterfowl and birds of all kinds.
The Visitor’s Center features educational displays, including mounted local animals and aquariums with fish, turtles, a tarantula, and snakes. 1000 Islands is also the home of Jabber, a talking Parrot. Families can also enjoy a Native American display both inside and outside.
- Trail Covering: natural, gravel, paved asphalt, and elevated boardwalks
- Total Distance: 7 miles; network of trails
- Restrooms: restrooms are available
- Other Amenities: benches, Visitor’s Center
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, families
- Dog Friendly: no
- Nearby Businesses for Coffee and/or Ice Cream:
- Kaukauna Coffee and Tea, 127 W Wisconsin Ave, Kaukauna (off-trail)
- Directions & Parking:
- 1000 Beaulieu Court, Kaukauna
- More Information: cityofkaukauna.com/community/1000-islands-environmental-center
Sherwood Trails
High Cliff State Park, Sherwood
This popular Wisconsin State Park has multiple trails for a variety of fitness levels, from easy to challenging. A vehicle admission sticker is required for entry. The park includes forests, meadows, hills, a rocky escarpment, and a former lime quarry.
The Butterfly Pond trail at High Cliff is paved and perfect for families. It also has a dock and a bridge.
GVK Reader, Sadie, “I LOVE High Cliff State Park…many of the trails are flat and wide…perfect for strollers.”
- Trail Covering: pea gravel, mulch, paved asphalt
- Total Distance: a network of trails
- Restrooms: restrooms are available
- Other Amenities: benches
- Recommended for: walking, hiking, running, biking, strollers, families
- Dog Friendly: yes
- Nearby Businesses for Coffee and/or Ice Cream:
- The Chubby Seagull, N7663 Pigeon Rd, Sherwood (off-path)
- Frogg’s Ice Cream, N370 Military Rd, Sherwood (off-path)
- Directions & Parking:
- N7630 State Park Rd, Sherwood
- More Information: dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/highcliff
