DNR Announces Trail Closure At Point Beach State Forest

DNR Announces Trail Closure
At Point Beach State Forest

Rawley Point Bicycle Trail Reconstruction Starts Sept. 12

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that construction will begin on Sept. 12 to repair the Rawley Point Bicycle Trail at Point Beach State Forest in Manitowoc County. The trail is expected to reopen in mid-October.

During construction, visitors are encouraged to take County Highway O as an alternative for this connection. Cyclists may ride on the Red Pine and Ridges bike trails at Point Beach State Forest for alternate biking opportunities.

The Rawley Point trail, initially constructed in 1999, requires resurfacing due to the erosional effects of time and heavy use that has exposed rocks, tree roots and other hazards. This five-mile trail is an important connection for cyclists and pedestrians between the state forest and the cities of Two Rivers and Manitowoc.

A 0.4-mile segment of the Ice Age Trail will also be closed during resurfacing, where the Ice Age Trail shares the same corridor with the Rawley Point Bike Trail. A temporary reroute of an approximately 0.8-mile segment of this trail will take place along Lake Michigan near the Indoor Group Camp Coenen and Ketchbaw Cabins for both day-use and through-hikers to detour around the closed trail.

You can view route updates, a map showing the Rawley Point Bicycle Trail closure, and the Ice Age Trail reroute here.