The idea of creating a network of connected trails for walkers, hikers and cyclists among Door County communities takes another step closer to reality with the launch of the Door County Trails Countywide Strategic Master Plan, which invites public participation.
Door County Trails is gathering input on the strategic master plan and invites the public to participate through an online survey or community outreach meetings. The group is developing an initiative to create an interconnected trail network for pedestrians and cyclists across the county, such as the Egg Harbor (and Surrounding) Trails Initiative proposed in this map , which could include 18 miles of trails from Egg Harbor to Fish Creek starting in 2024.
The master plan, unveiled on December 15, will once completed provide a framework for future multi-use bike and walking trail development, community connectivity, accessibility and outdoor recreation across the peninsula. The public can participate in community surveys to help identify priorities and develop long-term route planning.
In addition to public input, the strategic master plan will consider input from municipalities, community organizations and businesses to develop a vision for the trail network, which it says will support transportation, health, environmental stewardship and recreation, according to a news release from Door County Trails.
The plan’s primary goals are to create a countywide vision for connected, multi-use bike and pedestrian trails; improve coordination among municipalities and organizations; identify future trail corridors and expansion opportunities; enhance accessibility and inclusivity in trail design; support safe transportation; guide long-term financing decisions and investment strategies; and ensure sustainable, environmentally responsible trail development.
“This is a landmark moment for Door County,” Door County Trails Board Chair Susan Stober said in the release. “The community has been clear. People want more multi-use trails, better connections and safe places to walk, bike and explore. This planning effort will ensure growth is intentional, coordinated and reflects what our Door County communities value most.”
The Door County Trails group is a nonprofit organization formed by the Egg Harbor Trails Initiative and the Town of Gibraltar, two organizations each dedicated to creating a network of off-road biking and walking trails that connect the community. Around the same time, an ad hoc group held similar discussions under the auspices of the Door County Community Foundation Green Fund, and the three groups worked together to form the Door County Trails.
An online survey for the master plan is available on the Door County Trails website, and the group will also hold community outreach meetings to gather input. A draft of the plan is expected to be presented in early 2026, followed by further opportunities for public feedback before the final plan is adopted.
“Trails are central to the quality of life in Door County,” Stober said. “Through community collaboration, this plan will help us build a network of multi-use trails that will serve generations to come.”
To learn more about Door County Trails and the Strategic Master Plan, visit doorcountytrails.org. To participate in the online survey, visit forms.office.com/r/DCMPLzqrWQ. The investigation will take approximately four to five minutes to complete, the release said.
CContact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@gannett.com.
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This article originally appeared in the Green Bay Press-Gazette: Group seeks public input on Door County trail network master plan
