Polk County ATV/UTV Trails
Polk County, Wisconsin
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.
Miles
31 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Groomed
No
Fee
Required
Don't Miss
60-acre ATV Intensive Use Recreation Area with three tracks and a sand pit — one of the largest dedicated ATV playgrounds in northwest Wisconsin. Plus the Cattail State Trail connecting to Barron County for extended multi-county riding just an hour from the Twin Cities.
Trail Systems
Cattail State Trail (Polk County Section)
18-mile trail total (12 miles in Polk County) running from Amery to Almena on a former railroad grade. One of the most popular ATV destinations in northwest Wisconsin — just an hour from the Twin Cities. Passes through forests, farmlands, prairies, and the Village of Turtle Lake. Open year-round to ATVs. Off-road motorcycles allowed spring/summer/fall. Snowmobiles permitted when 4-inch groomed snow base exists.
Trailheads
- 📍Amery trailhead — intersection of Center St E & Riverside Blvd, parking next to Apple River, restrooms and picnic areas available
📞 Polk County Parks — polkcountywi.gov | Polk County Snowmobile & ATV Council — polkcountysnowmobileatv.com
Sawmill County Trail (Clear Lake to Clayton)
Located between Clear Lake and Clayton, 14 miles. Open year-round to ATVs and off-road motorcycles spring/summer/fall. Snowmobiles permitted when posted.
Trailheads
- 📍Clear Lake and Clayton access points
📞 Polk County Parks — polkcountywi.gov
Sterling Loop ATV Trail & Jack Pine Loop
Two interconnected loops — Sterling Loop (5.2 miles) and Jack Pine Loop (13.7 miles) — for a total of 18.91 miles of gravel ATV trail. Open June 1 through November 15. No off-road motorcycles allowed. Located in St. Croix Falls.
Trailheads
- 📍St. Croix Falls access — closed loop system
📞 Polk County Parks — polkcountywi.gov
Sterling 60-Acre ATV Intensive Use Area
A 60-acre dedicated ATV/UTV Intensive Use Recreation Area on Polk County Forest land in the Town of Sterling. Features three distinct tracks and a sand pit. Open year-round. One of the largest dedicated ATV playgrounds in northwest Wisconsin.
Trailheads
- 📍Town of Sterling, Polk County Forest land
📞 Polk County Parks — polkcountywi.gov
Gandy Dancer Trail (ATV Winter Use Only)
ATVs/UTVs NOT allowed on the Gandy Dancer Trail except December 1 through March 31 under frozen ground rules. Snowmobiles permitted when officially open.
Trailheads
- 📍Multiple along the Gandy Dancer corridor
📞 Polk County Snowmobile & ATV Council — polkcountysnowmobileatv.com
Rules & Regulations
- All county roads open year-round to ATVs/UTVs unless otherwise posted
- Contact individual towns for town road rules
- Cattail Trail open year-round — motorcycles allowed spring/summer/fall
- Sawmill Trail open year-round — motorcycles allowed spring/summer/fall
- Sterling Loop open June 1 through November 15 — no motorcycles
- Gandy Dancer Trail closed to ATVs/UTVs except December 1 through March 31
- ATV/UTV must be registered and licensed
- Out-of-state riders require additional trail pass — available at DNR licensing stations
- Trail passes valid July 1 through June 30
Trailer Parking
| Location | Address | Trail Access |
|---|---|---|
| Amery Cattail Trailhead | Intersection of Center St E & Riverside Blvd, Amery WI — parking next to Apple River | Cattail State Trail — restrooms and picnic areas available |
ATV / UTV Clubs
- 🏍️Polk County Snowmobile & ATV Council — polkcountysnowmobileatv.com
- 🏍️St. Croix Falls Wild River Hill Club
- 🏍️Multiple clubs throughout county — see polkcountysnowmobileatv.com for full listing — polkcountysnowmobileatv.com
Official Resources
Location
Quick Facts
- County
- Polk County
- Trail Types
- ATV / UTV
- Total Miles
- 31 miles
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- spring, summer, fall, winter
- Groomed
- No
- Fee
- Yes