About Us
"We're your neighbors, friends, and community members."
Who We Are
Door County Trails is a nonprofit initiative and a growing coalition of people who care deeply about the future of Door County. We believe in the power of safe, connected trails to improve life here for everyone—year-round. Our group includes local residents, planners, business owners, health advocates, environmental stewards, and public officials—your neighbors, friends, and community members—working together to build a trail network that reflects the values and needs of the people who live here.
Rooted in Local Leadership
We work hand-in-hand with local governments to bring this trail vision to life—because real, lasting change starts from within. In Door County, it's the people who lead the way. Residents, town boards, village officials, and community groups shape the direction, set the priorities, and make the decisions. Door County Trails is here to support that leadership—to listen, connect, and help turn local visions into reality. And when the path forward isn’t yet clear, we’re ready to help imagine what’s possible.
A Vision for Everyday Connection
We envision a future where trails connect towns and villages across the peninsula—where people of all ages can walk or bike to the market, to school, to church, to the shoreline. A future where trails are a part of everyday life for those who call this place home.
This Is a Big Idea—And We’re Ready
This is a bold, ambitious undertaking—one that will require collaboration, persistence, and continued broad community support. Door County Trails is here to help build that sustainable future.
Where We Came From
Door County Trails, Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit led by a volunteer Board of Directors. We emerged from a series of collaborative, community-focused efforts aimed at connecting communities across the county.
Initially, the Egg Harbor Trails Initiative set out to link Egg Harbor with nearby communities, while the Town of Gibraltar independently pursued a vision of extending a trail from Egg Harbor to Sister Bay, supported by the Villages of Sister Bay and Ephraim.
Additionally, a county-wide conversation about trails was launched under the Green Fund at the Door County Community Foundation, where advocates, municipal leaders, and planners gathered to strategize creating alternative transportation connections. While each group began with independent efforts, we quickly recognized our shared goals and have since united around a common purpose. Door County Trails is the result of this shared vision.
Many of us are original trailblazers, and the Door County Trails team includes some of those who were part of one or more of these three initial trails initiatives. We applaud all the folks who have advanced our efforts, both past and present, and we extend our assistance to all Door County municipalities.
Now, we’re working even more cooperatively to build safe, scenic pathways that link our communities and create a sustainable, unified initiative for alternative transportation.
Our Mission, Vision, and Project Goals
Learn more below about Door County Trails' mission, vision, and the specific project goals we have laid out that collectively provide a strategic roadmap for the organization.
Mission
To develop a safe bicycle and pedestrian trail network connecting Door County communities.
Vision
We envision a Door County where safe, accessible trails connect our communities and are an integral part of everyday recreation and transportation, inspiring people to embrace cycling and walking for freedom, health, and happiness.
Project Goals
Supporting Partners
Meet Our Board
The Door County Trails Board members bring rich and varied personal histories to their board roles.
Click on the photos below to learn more about each board member's unique talents and experiences that they bring to the DCT organization. Or click HERE to go directly to the Board Bios page.
Susan Stauber
President
Jane Jerzak, CPA, RN
Treasurer
Samantha Herheim, PE
Board Member
Tim Pflieger, MSE
Board Member
Richard (Dick) Untch, MS
Vice President
Craig Charles, MSE
Board Member
Tim Kazmierczak
Board Member
Amanda Stuck
Secretary
James A. Downey, Atty
Board Member
William (Bill) Pennoyer
Board Member
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Door County Trails, Inc.?
We are your friends and neighbors both here in the Door County community, and beyond—a group of citizen volunteers committed to developing non-motorized off-road biking and walking pathways throughout the Peninsula.
Who are these trails for?
These trails are being developed first and foremost for our Door County communities—for our residents, families, students, employees, and neighbors. While visitors will naturally enjoy and benefit from them, too, this initiative is rooted in serving local needs and strengthening year-round community life.
Are these trails for recreation or transportation?
Both. These multi-use trails are designed for everyday transportation and recreation—making it safer and easier to walk or bike to work, school, parks, shops, and community events. By linking towns, villages, and neighborhoods, the trails strengthen connections between the places where people live, work, and gather. This isn’t just about recreation—it’s about creating more accessible, connected communities.
What trail options are being considered?
We’re planning a connected trail network that links Door County’s towns, villages, and population centers—making it easier and safer for people to walk or bike for both recreation and everyday transportation. Our vision includes connections that run up, down,and across the peninsula, linking the places where people live, work, shop, go to school, and gather. The goal is a truly interconnected system that supports freedom, health, and happiness—making trails a natural part of daily life in Door County.
Why do we need trails?
Trails connect communities while connecting each of us to the natural world. They provide safe, all-season, eco-friendly walking and biking transportation routes. Our proposed trails will connect neighborhoods to communities, visitors to local attractions, and employees to their workplaces. Trails encourage folks of all ages, incomes, and abilities to enjoy active, healthy lifestyles.
What are the benefits of the trails?
The proposed pathways will highlight the natural beauty of the Door County Peninsula while promoting active, healthy lifestyles. We also aim to reduce traffic congestion and strengthen our economy, while easing traffic and parking burdens on our tiny villages.
What is the trail surface?
Track surface will be determined by trail design professionals based on requirements that include cost, safety, grade, durability, and lifespan. In some areas this could mean crushed gravel similar to Sunset Path in Peninsula State Park, and in other areas it could be paved surfaces.
How wide will the trails be?
Trail standards dictate that multi-use trails (under most circumstances) be a minimum of 10-foot wide, separated from traffic by a minimum of five feet, less if there's a physical barrier.
Who can access the trails?
The trails will be public and equally accessible.
Will the trails pass through private property?
The proposed trail network will be largely developed within the public right-of-way and along publicly owned property. In locations where easements may be necessary, willing landowners will be engaged and consulted.
Will landowners who permit trail access property face liability concerns?
In the state of Wisconsin, landowners who permit public access for recreational use are shielded from liability.
How will the trails be funded?
We’ll be seeking a combination of state, federal, and private funding. Our nonprofit status as a 501(c)(3) allows us to receive tax-deductible donations, which directly support the planning, development, and professional staffing necessary to make this vision a reality.
When will the trails be completed?
The development of the trail system is a long-term project that will unfold in phases over the coming years. Our team is working diligently to secure funding, plan the routes, and collaborate with local municipalities. We aim to create a sustainable system that will grow and improve over time, ensuring it serves the community for generations to come.
How can I participate in the process?
Join us! Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page. Visit our Facebook page. Volunteer! Jump on your bike, spread the word, and help us build the path to a better-connected community.