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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
EasyCompacted

Mountain-Bay State Trail

Bowler, Michigan · Shawano County

Mountain-Bay State Trail is a easy hiking trail near Bowler in Shawano County, Michigan.. The surface is compacted. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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44.86379, -88.99088
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Mountain-Bay State Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High87°F
Avg Low64°F
Peak Rain Chance31%
Humidity69%
UV (avg)6
Air Quality67 · Moderate
Today
🌧
Rain Showers
91°/72°
💧 10%🌬 16mph
5:36 AM8:28 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
84°/62°
💧 1%🌬 9mph
5:37 AM8:27 PM
Wed
🌦
Rain Showers
92°/57°
💧 3%🌬 6mph
5:38 AM8:26 PM
Thu
🌧
Heavy Drizzle
93°/66°
💧 10%🌬 12mph
5:39 AM8:24 PM
Fri
🌧
Rain Showers
76°/65°
💧 31%🌬 11mph
5:41 AM8:23 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Mountain-Bay State Trail

Mountain-Bay State Trail is a easy hiking trail near Bowler in Shawano County, Michigan.. The surface is compacted. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
    Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
  • 🩳
    Light shorts/skirt
    Loose-fit, breathable.
  • 🧢
    Wide-brimmed sun hat
    Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
  • 🕶
    Polarized sunglasses
    Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 6)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Michigan

Trail conditions in Michigan change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Mountain-Bay State Trail?

Mountain-Bay State Trail is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

Can I ride a bike on Mountain-Bay State Trail?

Yes — bicycles are allowed on this trail (designated bike route).

Are horses allowed on Mountain-Bay State Trail?

Yes — horseback riding is permitted.

What is the trail surface on Mountain-Bay State Trail?

The surface is compacted. Plan footwear accordingly.

When is the best time to hike Mountain-Bay State Trail?

Michigan has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.