Whether you are hiking, biking or skiing, the Northwoods is graced with trails for all ages and abilities. Below you will find descriptions of trails in the area as well as printable maps. For water trails click here .
View North Woods Area Trails in a larger map
Biking, Hiking & Skiing Trails
Boulder Junction Trail - Blacktop trail from downtown Boulder Junction to Trout Lake and then south and east to Crystal Lake Campground in Sayner. Because of the level terrain, this 11 mile, fully-paved trail is great for touring bikes as well as groups riding with younger children. There are also lots of places to stop along the way to view the many lakes and some of the largest white pines in the Northwoods. There is a picnic area about halfway to Trout Lake.
Escananba - Hilly, rolling and scenic trail with 4 loops ranging in length from 2 miles - 8.5 miles Connects to the Lumberjack Trail.
Lumberjack Trail - Specifically maintained for mountain biking the Lumberjack trail has two trailheads: one on Old K Road and the other off of Concora Road. This 12 mile trail runs through majestic pine forests and includes several wetlands. Some hills and many scenic stretches. 3 loops range from 4-12.5miles
Bearskin -Perhaps the Lakeland area’s most popular trail. It begins at the scenic trestle bridge in downtown Minocqua and runs 18 miles south to Harshaw, where it meets up with the six-mile Hiawatha trail. The trail winds through thick hardwood and pine forests, near several lakes and follows the winding course of the Bearskin Creek, which is home to our native trout species. Crushed granite surface.
Fallison Lake Trail - Beautiful, very hilly trail with spectacular viewsof Fallison Lake. No biking or pets allowed on this trail.Trail length ranges from .5 - 2.5 miles.
Madeline Lake Trail - Four marked trails of differing scenery and
terrain. The trails follow old logging trails that wind around three
lakes. A shelter with a fire ring is provided. Pets on leashes are
allowed when the trail is not covered with snow. Trail length from 3-5.5 miles.
From Woodruff, take Hwy 47 east and turn on Townline Rd. Parking available between Townline and Rudolph Roads.
McNaughton Trail - Hiking/biking/XC skiing (groomed)
Tall stands of hemlock and pine, few steep hills on a natural-groomed surface. A
shelter and fire ring at the south end of Helen Lake makes a nice stop
for lunch. McNaughton has a natural-groomed surface and very few steep
hills. Pets on leashes are allowed when the trail is not covered with
snow. 4 loops ranging in length from 1, 3, 4 and 5.5 miles.
Location: Take Hwy 47 south from Woodruff, 13 miles. Turn right on Kildeer Road.
This easy hiking trail meanders around a mature black spruce-tamarack
bog, offers beautiful views of Trout Lake and is great for spring
wildflower hikes. Also open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
No bicycles or pets allowed. A Wisconsin State Park sticker is required
to park at the North Trout Lake Campground parking area. 1 mile loop.
Location: From Boulder Junction, south on Hwy M approximately 4 miles to a parking area on the west side of the highway.
This new paved bike trail runs between Sayner and Crystal Lake. Along the ride, you'll cross Plum Creek and ride along Plum Lake, a deep, clear lake known for the large number of Musky. 4 miles. Location: From Sayner, start at the intersection of County N & Hwy 155 and continue west along County N.
Powell Marsh Trail -Hiking/X-C Skiing (ungroomed)
This trail, which runs through the state Powell Marsh Wildlife Area, is
good for beginners and a great place to see birds and wildlife. The
trail runs past Spring Pond and Sherman Lake, winding through an area
that was logged years ago and through old timber types. 4 loops ranging in length from 1.5, 2, 4.5 and 7 miles.
Location: On Hwy 51 go southeast from Mercer 8 miles.
Turn right onto Hwy 47 and drive until you get to Powell Road. Turn
left onto Powell Road and travel .5 mile to the trailhead.
Raven Trail - Hiking/Biking/XC Skiing (ungroomed)
The Raven is comprised of a mix of intermediate and expert loops that
traverse rugged hills and wild woodlands near Inkpot and Clear Lakes.
The nature loop has interpretive signs and plenty of benches to sit on
to contemplate the old stands of pine and hemlock. This trail also
offers a plank bridge that crosses a bog, making it easy for youngsters
to get close-up views of pitcher plants and other native flora. Pets
are not allowed on the nature loop. Loops vary from 1.5 , 3.5 and 5.0 miles.
Location: From Woodruff, take Hwy 47 east to Woodruff Rd. and turn at Raven sign.
Schlecht Lake Trail - Hiking/Biking/X-C skiing (groomed)
This trail’s natural grassy knolls wind around three lakes and
through
hardwood forests, making it a spectacular sight in the fall. Three
kilometers of the trail are lit from dusk to 10 p.m., which is great
for night skiing. The trail is easy to moderately challenging. Loops up
to 10 kilometers. For shorter hikes, the trail has lots of signs along
the way that lead back to the parking lot.
Location: Located on Leary Rd., 1.5 miles south of downtown Minocqua, off Hwy 51.
Tom Roberts Memorial Nature - Hiking
This
handicapped accessible paved nature trail offers interpretive signs as
visitors amble though balsam, pine, maple, birch and aspen with
beautiful views of Muskellunge
Lake. No bikes or pets allowed. A State Park vehicle admission sticker
is required. This trail accesses both the Crystal Lake Trail and the
Plum Lake Trail systems. 1/2 mile loop.
Location:
From the intersection of County M and County N south of Boulder
Junction, continue east on County N approximately 2 miles to Crystal
Lake Campground. The Trail is located near the beach area at the
campground.
Variety of trails. Groomed and tracked. BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED skiers. Some trails are for skating, some for classical skiing. 12 miles of trails. Directions to trail: From Sayner, continue west on Cty. Hwy. N about 2 miles to Razorback Road and parking area.
Anvil Recreational Trail - Mountain Bike
Located just inside the spectacular Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, you’ll find the Anvil National Recreation Trail, a real gem for mountain bikers. During the winter months, the 12 miles of loops that make up the Anvil Trail provide some of the best cross-country skiing in the county. But in the summer and fall, the trails are absolutely perfect for mountain biking. A variety of trail loops range in difficulty from easy to difficult- there’s something for every mountain biker. The Anvil Trail also joins the Nicolet North Trail, adding another 15 miles of potential riding. Absolutely stunning scenery and a great ride awaits you on The Anvil Trail. There is a parking area located 8 miles west of Eagle River off of Highway 70, just east of the Anvil Lake campground entrance.
Road Rides
Rides we are looking at for AVW's "Wheels in the Woods" Bike Ride Sep.19th 2009
100 KM Century