2025 Session Last amended: 2017 session

§ 160.06 — Trail or Portage Dedication

Plain-Language Summary

A trail or portage between public or navigable waters, or from such water to a public highway, that the general public has used continuously and without interruption for 15 years or more for travel is deemed dedicated to the public as a trail or portage. This rule applies only to forest trails on established canoe routes, and the public may use them for travel to the same extent as public highways. The dedicated width is eight feet on each side of the centerline of the trail or portage.

Practical Notes
A forest trail or portage on an established canoe route can legally become public if the general public uses it continuously for 15 years or more. Once dedicated, the public path extends eight feet on each side of the trail’s centerline.