ATV / UTV

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest ATV Trails

Sawyer/Ashland/Taylor/Price County, Wisconsin

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.

Miles

140 mi

Difficulty

Varies

Groomed

Fee

Required

Don't Miss

Three separate ATV trail systems spanning Sawyer, Ashland, Taylor, and Price Counties — all within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Side-by-sides up to 65 inches wide are legal throughout, and the Dead Horse Run's 78-mile system is one of the longest continuous ATV trails in Wisconsin.

Check Current Trail Conditions →

Trail Systems

Dead Horse Run Trail (Sawyer/Ashland County)

Difficult63 mi

63-mile trail beginning at Camp Loretta Trailhead. For experienced riders — runs north into Ashland County to Clam Lake. Several town roads open to ATVs provide links to nearby towns. Connects to the Tuscobia State Trail and Flambeau River trails. The entire Dead Horse system is 78 miles with several loops. Most of the trail is on snowmobile trails with a 14-foot-wide tread. Some sections are on wetter soils — bring a tow strap.

Trailheads

📍Camp Loretta Trailhead — southern access
📍Dead Horse Slough — north side of State Hwy 77, approximately 3 miles east of Clam Lake, small gravel lot for ~6 cars (limited trailer space)

📞 Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Hayward District — 715-634-4821

Perkinstown Motorized Trail (Taylor County)

Moderate20 mi

20-mile two-way trail developed for ATVs/UTVs 65 inches or less and motorcycles. Passes through wetlands, marshes, ponds, and mixed evergreen and hardwood forests crossing streams and wooden bridges. ATV road route connects to the nearby town of Perkinstown for fuel and food. Also open to snowmobiles in winter.

Trailheads

📍Chippewa Campground on Chequamegon Waters Flowage (north end)
📍State Highway 64 approximately 15 miles west of Medford (south end)

📞 Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Medford-Park Falls District — 715-748-4875

Flambeau Motorized Trail System (Price County)

Moderate70 mi

70+ miles of multi-use trail in Price County providing year-round ATV, UTV, motorcycle, mountain bike, and horse riding. Open to ATVs and UTVs up to 65 inches wide and off-road motorcycles May 1 through March 14. Highlighted by rolling terrain, tree-lined corridors, wooden bridges, and vistas overlooking bogs and lakes. Points of interest include the Smith Rapids Covered Bridge, Round Lake Logging Dam, and Camp Nine Springs. Direct access to Park Falls and Fifield communities.

Trailheads

📍Park Falls trailhead — ample parking, loading ramp, flush toilets, picnic area
📍Fifield access point

📞 Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Medford-Park Falls District — 715-748-4875

Rules & Regulations

Permit required when riding ATV, OHV, or motorcycle on National Forest system motorized trails
ATVs and UTVs limited to 65-inch width on all National Forest trails
Children under 8 not permitted on ATVs unless in manufacturer-installed side-by-side seat belts
Ages 8-15 must have completed ATV safety training and carry certificate — must be accompanied by adult 18+
Non-resident trail pass required — purchase at dnr.wi.gov
Flambeau Trail open May 1 through March 14 for ATVs and off-road motorcycles
Dead Horse Run: some sections on wet soils — bring a tow strap
Do not ride on wilderness or semi-primitive designated areas — illegal for ATVs
Township forest roads not posted closed are generally legal for ATV use — verify before riding

Trailer Parking

Location	Address	Trail Access
Camp Loretta Trailhead	Camp Loretta, Sawyer County WI	Dead Horse Run Trail — south access
Dead Horse Slough	North side of Hwy 77, ~3 miles east of Clam Lake WI	Dead Horse Run Trail — north access (limited space)
Chippewa Campground	Chequamegon Waters Flowage, Taylor County WI	Perkinstown Motorized Trail — north trailhead
Highway 64 Trailhead	State Hwy 64, 15 miles west of Medford WI	Perkinstown Motorized Trail — south trailhead
Park Falls Trailhead	Park Falls WI	Flambeau Motorized Trail — parking, loading ramp, flush toilets, picnic area