Rusk County ATV/UTV Trails — Blue Hills
Rusk County, Wisconsin
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.
Miles
32 mi
Difficulty
Moderate
Groomed
No
Fee
Required
Don't Miss
The Blue Hills ATV Trail is rated one of the most scenic ATV trails in northwest Wisconsin. The rolling Blue Hills terrain — shaped by glaciers — offers dramatic views, lake overlooks, and diverse wildlife not found on flatter county trails.
Trail Systems
Blue Hills ATV Trail
The premier ATV trail in Rusk County and one of the top trails in northwest Wisconsin. A 32-mile developed trail through the Blue Hills of northwestern Rusk County. The Blue Hills take their name from the bluish color the rolling landscape takes on through morning mist. The area is home to picturesque lakes, abundant wildlife, and outstanding scenery. Multiple loops allow riders to customize trip length and difficulty.
Trailheads
- 📍12 miles north of Weyerhaeuser off County Highway F on North Bucks Lake Road — near Bucks Lake dam on Hemlock Creek
📞 Rusk Riders ATV Club — 715-205-9080 | ruskcountywi.com/rusk-riders-atv-club
Rusk County Forest Logging Roads
80,000 acres of Rusk County Forest land are open to ATV and UTV use with miles of logging roads. Use the Rusk County Off Road Use Map (available on the AVENZA app) to identify which roads are currently open. The county forest is closed March 15 through June 15 to all vehicular traffic.
Trailheads
- 📍Multiple access points throughout the county forest — see Rusk County Off Road Use Map
📞 Rusk County Forestry Office, Ladysmith — maps available at Rusk County Visitor Center
Rules & Regulations
- State funded ATV trails open May 1 through March 15 unless also a groomed snowmobile trail
- County Forest closed March 15 through June 15 to all vehicular traffic
- County forest land open to ATVs from Friday of Memorial Day weekend through December 31
- ATV county highway routes require approval — contact Rusk County Highway Committee
- Non-resident trail pass required — purchase at dnr.wisconsin.gov
- Use the Rusk County Off Road Use Map on AVENZA app to verify open trails
Trailer Parking
| Location | Address | Trail Access |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Hills Trailhead | North Bucks Lake Road, 12 miles north of Weyerhaeuser off County Hwy F | Blue Hills ATV Trail — near Bucks Lake dam on Hemlock Creek |
ATV / UTV Clubs
- 🏍️Rusk Riders ATV Club, P.O. Box 246, Ladysmith WI 54848 — 715-205-9080 — ruskcountywi.com/rusk-riders-atv-club (maintains 24 miles of trail north of Weyerhaeuser, ATV safety courses offered annually) — ruskcountywi.com
While You're Here
- Felsenmeer (Sea of Rocks) — Blue Hills geological feature, 80 feet deep and 1000 feet long, formed during last glaciation
- Gundy's Canyon — Rock Creek canyon with 30-foot cliffs and rare plants
- Devil's Kettle — Glacial feature west of the glacier edge, hiking trail from County Hwy W parking lot
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail — Runs through the Blue Hills area along western Rusk County
Official Resources
Nearby Vacation Rentals
Location
Quick Facts
- County
- Rusk County
- Trail Types
- ATV / UTV
- Total Miles
- 32 miles
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Season
- spring, summer, fall
- Groomed
- No
- Fee
- Yes