Heath Benefits of Using Wisconsin's State Trails

In Wisconsin, 60 percent of all residents are overweight (including 21 percent obese) and 45 percent of Wisconsinites are considered physically inactive. Nationally, over 16 percent of children and adolescents between the ages of two and 19 are obese. According to the 2009 report, Local Government Actions to Prevent Childhood Obesity, obesity is so prevalent that it may reduce the life expectancy of today’s generation of children and diminish the overall quality of their lives.

Bicycling is just one of the ways to exercise on Wisconsin trails.
DNR Photo

Obesity, overweight and diabetes are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which cause more deaths than cancer, AIDS, automobile crashes, domestic abuse, and alcohol abuse combined. CVDs include heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and stroke.

However, through regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and other healthy lifestyle choices, CVDs, obesity and other related risk factors can be prevented and controlled.

Wisconsin's state trails are important for maintaining good health in our state. Oftentimes the physical environment, our transportation network, and communities can present barriers for living a healthy and active lifestyle.

Our trails enable Wisconsin residents and visitors to get outside, enjoy the outdoors, exercise, and get in shape. Whether for recreation or transportation, trails support and promote physical activity and healthy behavior for both children and adults. From walking, hiking, and jogging, to biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, our state trails offer many heart-healthy activities throughout the year.

Find a State Trail
Find a Park or Forest

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is working with the Wisconsin Cardiovascular Heath Alliance to promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity for all of Wisconsin’s residents and visitors. For more information, please visit:

Wisconsin Cardiovascular Health Program [exit DNR]
More Information on Trails and Health Benefits [exit DNR]

For more information, ask Wisconsin State Parks, (608) 266-2181.