The Central Zone trails in Door County are closed until the 2026-2027 season, according to an April 4 announcement. The closure affects trails from County Road EE, stretching from Egg Harbor to Baileys Harbor, south to Gordon Road on the north edge of Sturgeon Bay.
This closure is important for both trail maintenance and public safety. Authorities urge residents and visitors to respect private and public property during this period. “NOTICE: PLEASE RESPECT PRIVATE AND PUBLIC PROPERTY WHEN TRAILS ARE CLOSED. BE AWARE THAT FAILURE TO ABIDE BY TRAIL CLOSURES CAN RESULT IN A CITATION AND FINE!” officials said.
There is a three-mile-wide overlap area between the northern and central sections that remains open when either section is accessible. This exception allows some continued access for outdoor activities even during broader closures.
Door County’s schools also continue to serve a diverse student population during this time. The top three schools with the highest enrollment for the 2023-24 school year were Southern Door Elementary School with 467 students, Sturgeon Bay High School with 402 students, and Southern Door High School with 315 students, according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Of the total student body of 3,236 in Door County schools for that year, white students made up about 82.6 percent (2,673), while Hispanic students accounted for ten percent (324) as reported by state education data. Multiracial students were identified as five and a half percent (178) of all enrolled children according to state records.
Black students represented one point one percent of enrollment in county schools during this period as noted by state statistics.
Residents are reminded that abiding by trail closures helps preserve these resources for future use and ensures compliance with local regulations.
