Wisconsin DNR Data
Wisconsin Trails Guide
ATV, snowmobile, hiking, cross-country skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing across northern Wisconsin — with mileage, grooming status, and interactive maps.
Washburn County ATV/UTV Trails
Washburn County
Washburn County manages 116 miles of ATV and UTV trails, primarily on county forest lands. The Wild Rivers Trail — an abandoned railroad corridor — forms the backbone of the system, running north-south through the county for 40 miles. Registered UTVs up to 65 inches wide are welcome anywhere ATVs are allowed. Motorcycles and dirt bikes are not permitted. The county also offers a self-guided ATV Scenic Tour highlighting over 35 points of interest along the trail system.
Sawyer County ATV/UTV Trails
Sawyer County
Sawyer County offers hundreds of miles of ATV and UTV trails through the Northwoods, including the Chequamegon National Forest and Flambeau River State Forest. Side-by-sides up to 65 inches wide are legal on all ATV trails including National Forest trails. Non-resident trail passes are required — Wisconsin residents must display a current registration sticker. All operators born on or after January 1, 1988 must complete an ATV/UTV safety certification course.
Burnett County ATV/UTV Trails
Burnett County
Burnett County offers one of the most extensive ATV/UTV trail systems in northwest Wisconsin with three distinct seasonal systems: 63 miles of summer trails, 100 miles of frozen ground trails, and 138 miles of winter trails. Additional road routes connect to neighboring Washburn, Polk, and Douglas Counties. This is home to your Triangle in the Woods cabin on Lipsett Lake — guests can access trails directly from the area.
Polk County ATV/UTV Trails
Polk County
Polk County offers 31 miles of maintained ATV/UTV trails in the scenic St. Croix River valley region of northwest Wisconsin — about an hour from the Twin Cities. A standout feature is the 60-acre ATV/UTV Intensive Use Recreation Area in the Town of Sterling, one of the largest dedicated ATV playgrounds in the region. All county roads are open year-round to ATVs/UTVs unless otherwise posted.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest ATV Trails
Sawyer/Ashland/Taylor/Price County
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest contains over 140 miles of designated ATV and UTV trails across three separate trail systems with adjoining loops. Trails wind over rolling terrain with towering forests and panoramic views of meadows and wetlands. Side-by-sides up to 65 inches wide are legal on all National Forest ATV trails. A permit is required when riding an ATV or OHV on National Forest system motorized trails. The forest spans nearly 1.5 million acres in northern Wisconsin.
Florence County ATV/UTV Trails
Florence County
Florence County offers 160 miles of ATV and UTV trails and routes rated 5 stars by regular riders, maintained by the Blue Ox Trail Riders. Trails wind through the open Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area, county forest, industrial forest, and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Riders encounter trails leading to waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and parks. Florence County connects directly to Michigan's Upper Peninsula — Michigan ORV stickers available at the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center. Part of the Quad County Trails network with Florence, Forest, Marinette, and Oconto Counties offering nearly 1,000 miles of interconnected riding.
Washburn County Snowmobile Trails
Washburn County
Washburn County operates 240 miles of state-funded snowmobile trails, expertly groomed by local volunteers. The trails connect to the largest network of snowmobile trails in the Midwest. Trails cross county forest and private lands through forests, wetlands, farm fields, streams, lakes, and bridges. Annual snowfall averages 47.6 inches with temperatures ranging from -5°F to 25°F.
Sawyer County Snowmobile Trails
Sawyer County
Sawyer County is one of the premier snowmobile destinations in North America with over 600 miles of uncongested, well-groomed, well-marked trails managed by the Sawyer County Snowmobile & ATV Alliance. According to Snow Goer magazine readers, Wisconsin's Northwoods is the best overall place in North America for snowmobile trail riding and family snowmobiling. Trails wind past glacial lakes and rivers through stunning northwoods scenery with excellent trail-side accommodations throughout.
Burnett County Snowmobile Trails
Burnett County
Burnett County offers over 300 miles of snowmobile trails winding through wooded and open areas, connecting to all surrounding counties. Snowmobile trails are open December 1 through March 31 when a 4-inch groomed snow base is present and trails have been officially opened. The Gandy Dancer Trail — a former railroad grade — is a key corridor through the county connecting Polk County to the south with Burnett County communities including Siren, Webster, and Danbury. Trails are marked with orange blazers and groomed by local snowmobile clubs.
Vilas County Snowmobile Trails
Vilas County
Vilas County is the birthplace of the snowmobile and the undisputed Snowmobile Capital of the World. With over 500 miles of professionally groomed trails spanning 12 communities across a quarter million acres of public land, Vilas County delivers the premier snowmobile experience in North America. Eagle River hosts the legendary Amsoil World Championship Snowmobile Derby — the Indianapolis 500 of snowmobile racing — drawing crowds up to 50,000 and 1,400+ entries from the US, Canada, and beyond. The snowmobile was invented here by Carl Eliason of Sayner in 1924.
Oneida County Snowmobile Trails
Oneida County
Oneida County is home to more than 1,000 miles of expertly groomed snowmobile trails — some of the finest in the Midwest — connecting communities including Rhinelander, Minocqua, Three Lakes, Lake Tomahawk, and Sugar Camp. Oneida County is the birthplace of the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs. Trails connect seamlessly to Vilas, Forest, Langlade, and Lincoln Counties and into Michigan's Upper Peninsula, giving riders access to thousands of additional miles. Groomed nightly by dedicated club volunteers, Oneida County snowmobilers return year after year for the outstanding snow conditions and trailside amenities.
Iron County Snowmobile Trails
Iron County
Iron County is the Snow Capital of Wisconsin — averaging 200 inches of annual snowfall with some years topping 300 inches. With 308 miles of groomed trails connecting to Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Vilas, Price, and Ashland Counties, Iron County offers over 1,000 miles of trails within a 50-mile radius of Hurley. Trails traverse former railroad grades, heavily forested county land, and the wide-open Turtle Flambeau Flowage. Make Hurley your snowmobile hub — Trail 17 connects Hurley to Mercer through scenic forests with access to the Giant Loon, Plummer Mine, B47 Memorial Site, and Saxon Harbor on Lake Superior.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Statewide — 30 Wisconsin Counties County
The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200-mile footpath contained entirely within Wisconsin — one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States and an official unit of the National Park System since 2023. The trail traces the terminal moraine of the last continental glacier, winding from Interstate State Park on the Minnesota border to Potawatomi State Park on Lake Michigan. Passing through 30 of Wisconsin's 72 counties, the trail traverses glacial features including kettles, kames, eskers, drumlins, and moraines — some of the world's finest examples of continental glacial sculpting. More than 2.3 million people use the trail annually. Currently 700 miles are blazed yellow as completed segments with 450+ miles of connecting routes linking them.
North Country National Scenic Trail — Wisconsin
Douglas/Bayfield/Ashland/Iron County
The North Country National Scenic Trail is the longest National Scenic Trail in the United States — stretching 4,800 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont. Wisconsin claims just 220 miles through the northwest corner of the state, but those miles are exceptional. The trail clips through Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, and Iron Counties, passing through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Pattison State Park, Brule River State Forest, Copper Falls State Park, Rainbow Lake Wilderness, and Porcupine Lake Wilderness. Importantly, Wisconsin is responsible for the trail's name — the original 60-mile Northern Country Trail in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest inspired the creation of the entire national system. Two official NCTA Trail Towns in Wisconsin: Solon Springs and Mellen.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Trails
Bayfield/Ashland/Vilas/Langlade/Oconto/Florence/Forest County
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest spans nearly 1.5 million acres across northern Wisconsin in two units — the Chequamegon in the northwest and the Nicolet in the northeast. Together they contain hundreds of miles of hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and non-motorized trail opportunities. The forest is also home to the North Country National Scenic Trail, the Ice Age Trail, the CAMBA mountain bike system, the American Birkebeiner Trail, and numerous ATV trails. Two federally designated wilderness areas — Rainbow Lake and Porcupine Lake — offer true backcountry solitude. Over 800 lakes and 1,200 miles of streams provide world-class fishing and paddling.
Governor Knowles State Forest
Burnett/Polk County
Governor Knowles State Forest is a 55-mile-long, 32,500-acre forest in northwestern Wisconsin paralleling the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway along the Minnesota border. The forest extends from Danbury to Wolf Creek along the scenic St. Croix River and acts as a resource protection zone for the riverway. Trails offer dramatic bluff views overlooking the river valley, with diverse wildlife including whitetail deer, black bear, bald eagles, sharp-tailed grouse, and more. The forest also connects to the Burnett and Polk County snowmobile trail networks in winter.
Namekagon River — Wisconsin's Moving National Park
Bayfield/Sawyer/Washburn/Burnett County
The Namekagon River is Wisconsin's premier paddling river and one of the most popular canoe and kayak destinations in the Midwest. Part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the Namekagon was one of the original eight rivers protected by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. The river runs nearly 100 miles from Namekagon Lake near Cable through Hayward, Trego, and Springbrook before joining the St. Croix River. No development is allowed within sight of the river — making the Namekagon one of the most wild-feeling river experiences in Wisconsin. The National Park Service maintains more than 60 free riverside campsites along the route. Crystal clear water, diverse wildlife, and dozens of free campsites make this an unmatched multi-day adventure. Tubing rentals are available from outfitters in Trego and Springbrook.
American Birkebeiner Trail System
Sawyer/Bayfield County
The American Birkebeiner Trail System is North America's most celebrated cross-country ski trail — named the #1 cross-country ski destination in the US. The 100+ kilometer (62+ mile) network runs from Cable to Hayward through Wisconsin's Northwoods, maintained year-round by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. Home to the Slumberland American Birkebeiner (North America's largest and most prestigious cross-country ski race with 40,000 skiers and spectators), the Fat Bike Birkie (#1 fat bike event in North America), and the Birkie Trail Run. 9 trailheads between Hayward and Cable serve skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers.
CAMBA Trails — Cable Area
Sawyer/Bayfield County
The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) maintains the most acclaimed mountain bike trail system in the Midwest — over 135 miles of singletrack, 200+ miles of mapped gravel routes, and 70 miles of groomed winter fat bike trails across Bayfield and Sawyer Counties. Trails wind through nearly a million acres of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and county forests. CAMBA trails are open year-round and divided into five clusters: Hayward, Seeley, Cable, Namakagon, and Drummond. A University of Wisconsin study found CAMBA trails generate $7.8 million annually for northwest Wisconsin.
Afterglow Lake Resort Trails
Vilas County
Afterglow Lake Resort in Phelps offers private cross-country ski and snowshoe trails for resort guests. Located in Vilas County near Eagle River. Contact the resort directly for trail access, conditions, and guest rates.
Palmquist Farm Trails
Price County
Palmquist Farm in Brantwood (Price County) is a classic Wisconsin Northwoods farm offering groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails, and sleigh rides for guests. One of Wisconsin's most beloved traditional ski farms. Contact the farm directly for trail access, lodging, and rates.
Nine Mile County Forest
Marathon County
Nine Mile County Forest is the crown jewel of Marathon County's parks system — a 4,897-acre multi-use forest just southwest of Wausau offering over 30 miles of trails for mountain biking, fat tire biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and horseback riding. The ski chalet at the main trailhead provides rentals, warming area with wood stove, and lighted trails until 9 PM nightly during ski season. Nine Mile hosts major mountain bike races including the Wausau 24. Trails range from beginner to expert with 13.45 miles of singletrack and 20 miles of wide cross-country ski trails.
Barron County ATV/UTV Trails
Barron County
Barron County offers nearly 79 miles of ATV and UTV trails including three distinct trail systems. A standout feature is the 30-acre ATV Intensive Use Area (playground) near Almena on the Cattail Trail Extension — one of the only dedicated ATV playgrounds in northwest Wisconsin. County highway routes connect communities throughout the county. Operating on unauthorized county highways is illegal and subject to a $232 fine.
Rusk County ATV/UTV Trails — Blue Hills
Rusk County
Rusk County's crown jewel is the Blue Hills ATV Trail — a 32-mile developed trail through one of the most scenic areas in northwest Wisconsin. Located in the Blue Hills of northwestern Rusk County, the trail runs roughly north-south through rolling terrain, picturesque lakes, and abundant wildlife. Beyond the developed trail, 80,000 acres of Rusk County Forest land are open to ATVs with miles of logging roads to explore. ATV road routes throughout the county connect communities and provide access to trailheads.
St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
Burnett/Polk County
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway offers 200 miles of paddling along the Wisconsin-Minnesota border, managed by the National Park Service. The upper St. Croix and Namekagon portion offers varied canoeing and kayaking experiences through some of the most scenic and least-developed country in the Upper Midwest. Free-flowing and unpolluted, with dozens of riverside campsites and multiple put-in/take-out points.
Flambeau River Paddle Trail
Sawyer/Price/Rusk County
The Flambeau River is one of the best paddles in northern Wisconsin, passing through Sawyer, Price, and Rusk Counties. The river shows an amazing array of moods — from whitewater to slow gentle curves and pools. There is a stretch for every paddler, young and old, beginner or expert. The North Fork and South Fork offer distinctly different experiences.
Bois Brule River
Douglas County
The Bois Brule is a premier paddling destination in northern Wisconsin — a diverse river offering something for every skill level. From lakes to quiet water to exciting whitewater, the Brule drops 418 feet in elevation as it flows north to Lake Superior, plunging 328 feet in just the last 19 miles. The Chippewa called it 'White Falls River' for its strong foaming current. A remarkable river that culminates on the sandy shores of Lake Superior.
Chippewa Flowage — Big Chip Paddle
Sawyer County
The Chippewa Flowage — known locally as 'Big Chip' — is Wisconsin's third-largest lake at 15,300 acres, with a maze of 200 islands to explore. Flatwater paddling through a true wilderness feeling with very little developed shoreline. Rolling hills, northern hardwoods, birch and pine surround every channel. Prime musky fishery. Located east of Hayward.
Manitowish River Paddle Trail
Vilas County
The Manitowish River flows 44 miles through the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, connecting multiple lakes in the heart of Vilas County. The last 24 miles before joining the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage are a DNR-recommended paddle route — calm water with only occasional riffles, largely through state-owned land. Perfect for all skill levels with multiple first-come primitive campsites along the route.
Turtle-Flambeau Flowage
Iron/Price County
The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage is a 14,000-acre wilderness lake on the Iron-Price County border offering a true Boundary Waters-like experience in Wisconsin. Formed by damming the Flambeau and Turtle Rivers, the flowage has vast stretches of undeveloped shoreline, remote islands, and excellent paddling and fishing. The area is known as one of the last great wilderness areas in Wisconsin.
Apple River — Tubing
Polk County
The Apple River in Polk County is one of Wisconsin's most popular tubing rivers, drawing thousands of visitors each summer. The river meanders through scenic forests and farmland with gentle current perfect for casual floating. Multiple outfitters in Somerset provide tube rentals and shuttle service. The upper sections near Amery offer a more scenic and less crowded experience.
Birchwood Canoe Routes
Washburn County
Two primitive canoe and kayak routes located north of Birchwood near Sawmill Campground in the Washburn County canoe unit. The area features a high density of small glacial lakes connected by a marked portage system. Very remote, very quiet, and excellent for fishing with an abundance of bass and panfish. One of the most unspoiled paddling destinations in northwest Wisconsin.