HomeWisconsinWausau › Rib Mountain Talus Forest State Natural Area

Rib Mountain Talus Forest State Natural Area

4.8 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Running trail in Wausau, Wisconsin · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Rib Mountain Talus Forest State Natural Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicWater

What runners say about Rib Mountain Talus Forest State Natural Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (36 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

This is a very great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and escapr into nature for a while. Stop at the ranger station grab a map, pack some water and set out on a couple hour hike to reset yourselfwith nature. Along the way keep your eyes open for deer, woodchucks and turkey vultures.

★★★★★ — Ryan , Aug 2019

Took our doggo Cooper for a walk and enjoyed the fall colors and smells. Nice place to get away and still be near by. If you are from the area and looking for somthing to do I recommend this area.

★★★★★ — Cascade , Oct 2020

Love this park. Awsome ski area and hiking. Amazing views. Especially from the observation tower. Nice rock formations. Really nice place for all nature enthusiasts.

★★★★★ — Peter , Jan 2018

Had a great hiking experience with incredible views. There are lots of trails I recommend you print yourself a trail map

★★★★★ — Guenther , Aug 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 36 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 4 mentions

“Views were great and you could pick which trail you wanted to do off the map, just couldn't tell how demanding.”

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🚰 Water fountains

“Also, no water fountains in the area of the trail that we could find.”

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Plan your run at Rib Mountain Talus Forest State Natural Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadwater — reported by runners
  • Websitemarathoncounty.gov
  • Phone(888) 936-7463

Hours

Monday 6 AM–11 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–11 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–11 PM
Thursday 6 AM–11 PM
Friday 6 AM–11 PM
Saturday 6 AM–11 PM
Sunday 6 AM–11 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Rib Mountain Talus Forest State Natural Area

Grouse Ln, Wausau, WI 54401

Get directions

Running trails near Wausau

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Turkey Vulture Trailhead

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under a mile away

Rib Mountain State Park

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Park featuring billion-year-old Rib Mountain, hiking & an observation tower with panoramic views.

under a mile away

Sunnyvale County Park

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Lake and river beach park, with swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking and picnic spots.

2.1 miles away

Nine-Mile Forest Recreation Area | Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

4.7 ★★★★★ 107 reviews

Wausau, WI

Natural surfaceScenic

Well-maintained park offering mountain biking, skiing and snowshoeing.

3.6 miles away

Isle of Ferns Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 227 reviews

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LitScenic

Tranquil riverside park, reached by a bridge, for walking and hiking, plus fishing.

3.6 miles away

Big Bull Falls Park

4.1 ★★★★☆ 51 reviews

Wausau, WI

Scenic

Smaller riverfront green space with an open shelter for picnics & events, a trail & scenic views.

3.7 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.