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Governor Knowles State Forest

Burnett/Polk County, Wisconsin

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.

Miles

40 mi

Difficulty

Varies

Groomed

Fee

Required

Don't Miss

55 miles of forest paralleling the wild St. Croix National Scenic Riverway on the Minnesota border — one of Wisconsin's most scenic and least crowded trail systems. Dramatic river bluff views, abundant wildlife including bald eagles and black bear, and year-round access just 73 miles from Minneapolis.

Check Current Trail Conditions →

Trail Systems

North Hiking Segment

Moderate23 mi

23-mile hiking trail meandering along the bluffs overlooking the St. Croix River valley in the northern portion of the forest. Passes through diverse northern Wisconsin habitat with excellent wildlife viewing and river vistas.

Trailheads

📍North segment trailheads near Danbury — see DNR map

📞 Wisconsin DNR — dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/StateForests/govknowles | 715-463-2898

South Hiking Segment

Moderate17 mi

17-mile trail in the southern portion connecting to Polk County. Includes the Brandt Pines Trail System — the most popular hiking option in the forest — and the Sandstone Cliff Trail.

Trailheads

📍Brandt Pines Trail System — south section near Grantsburg area

📞 Wisconsin DNR — dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/StateForests/govknowles

Cross-Country Ski Trails

Moderate8 mi

8 miles of skate and classic cross-country ski trails through the forest. The Barrens Loop is the best long option at 21 miles with minimal uphill. The Riverview Trail is a challenging 3-mile section for experienced skiers. State Trail Pass required for riders 16 and older.

Trailheads

📍Multiple — see DNR map for groomed ski trail access points

📞 Wisconsin DNR — dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/StateForests/govknowles

Winter ATV/Snowmobile Trails

Easy32 mi

32 miles of winter ATV and snowmobile trails connecting the forest to the broader Burnett and Polk County trail networks. Open in winter season. Grooming done by local snowmobile clubs.

Trailheads

📍Multiple access points — connects to Burnett County winter trail system

📞 Burnett County Forest & Parks — burnettcountywi.gov/trails

Rules & Regulations

State Trail Pass required for cyclists and equestrians 16 and older — $5 daily or $25 annual
No motorized vehicles on hiking trails
Winter ATV/snowmobile trails separate from hiking trails — do not mix uses
Hunting allowed in designated areas during legal seasons
No permanent hunting stands — portable stands only, September 15 through January 31 with owner ID attached
Canoeing and kayaking on St. Croix River — no fee for river access
Camping available at developed campgrounds — check dnr.wi.gov for reservations

Trailer Parking

Location	Address	Trail Access
Brandt Pines Trailhead	Governor Knowles State Forest, south section near Grantsburg WI	Brandt Pines Trail System — hiking, equestrian, ski
Multiple trailheads throughout 55-mile forest	See DNR map for all access points	Various

ATV / UTV Clubs

🏍️Wisconsin DNR — manages the forest — dnr.wisconsin
🏍️Burnett County snowmobile clubs — groom winter ATV/snowmobile trails

While You're Here

St. Croix National Scenic Riverway — canoe and kayak directly from the forest on the river
Crex Meadows Wildlife Area — world-class birding, sharp-tailed grouse dancing grounds
Grantsburg — nearest community, approximately 5 miles from forest
Interstate State Park — southern end of the St. Croix corridor, dramatic potholes geology