Old Plank Road Trail (Wisconsin)

The Old Plank Road Trail is a paved multi-use recreational trail located in southeastern Wisconsin, following the general alignment of the historic plank road that connected Milwaukee and Sheboygan. The trail stretches approximately 17 miles from Sheboygan to Oostburg, offering a relatively flat and easy route suitable for walking, running, cycling, and rollerblading.

The trail's surface is asphalt, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It generally runs parallel to Wisconsin Highway 23, though it is often buffered from the highway by vegetation and landscaping. The trail traverses a mix of rural and suburban landscapes, providing views of farmland, wooded areas, and residential neighborhoods.

Access points with parking are available at various locations along the trail, including in Sheboygan, Kohler, and Oostburg. The trail is typically well-maintained and signed. The Old Plank Road Trail is managed and maintained by Sheboygan County.

The name "Old Plank Road" refers to a 19th-century transportation initiative where roadways were constructed using wooden planks. This method aimed to improve travel conditions compared to the often muddy and rutted dirt roads of the era. While the original plank road is no longer extant, the trail serves as a reminder of this historical transportation route.