Wisconsin ATV Trails
Nicolet State Trail
Overview
- Location: NE Wisconsin (Nicolet National Forest)
- Length: 89 miles in the summer / 47 miles in the winter
- Fees:
- WI Resident ATV: free
- Non Resident ATV: free
- Skill Level: Easy
- Open: Varies by section
- Vehicles Allowed: ATV, SxS/UTVs < 65”, motorcycles (limited use)
ATVs and off highway motorcycles (OHM) need to be registered before riding on the trails.
This trail runs along an old railroad grade originally built in the late 1800s for the timber industry.
Multi-use trail open to both motorized and non-motorized travel including horseback riding and mountain biking. In winter, the trail is open to snowmobile use.
Services are available in several small towns along the 89 mile journey.
Since this trail travels through three separate counties, seasonal motorized use depends on the county.
- Oconto County – May 1 through October 31 or as posted.
- Forest County – Allowed on the trail when the trail is posted as open.
- Florence County – Year-round.
Street legal off highway motorcycles are only allowed in Forest County on trails where ATVs are allowed. Florence and Oconto counties do not allow OHMs.
The Nicolet State Trail connects with hundreds of miles of other Wisconsin ATV trails.
Black River Falls ATV Trails
(Jackson County / Clark County)
Overview
- Location: Jackson and Clark Counties
- Trail Miles:
- Jackson – 100 miles
- Clark County – 135 miles summer / 180 miles winter miles
- Fees:
- WI Resident ATV Trail Pass: Not required (vehicle must be registered)
- 5 Day Non Resident ATV Trail Pass: $20
- Annual Non Resident ATV Trail Pass: $35
- Motorcycle Sticker: $21
- Skill Level: Varied
- Open: May 15 – Oct 15 and Dec 15 – Mar 15
- Vehicles Allowed: ATVs, UTV (summer only), motorcycles (limited use)
This is one of the most popular off roading destinations in Wisconsin and for good reason. These two counties have some of the best ATV trails in Wisconsin with over 200+ miles of summer riding miles. And even more in the winter!
With all this excellent riding, you can bet this place is busy. This means that you won’t have the trails all to yourself, but it also means that that plenty of businesses cater to ATV vacationers.
Off roading is a large part of the local economies, so the towns roll out the red carpet and are happy to have your business.
You’ll find easy trail access to gas, restaurants, lodging and lots of campgrounds right on the trails.
In the winter, there are actually more trail miles for riding than in the winter. Unfortunately, UTVs are not allowed on the trails in the winter.
Motorcycle Use
Both Clark County and Jackson County allow state licensed motorcycles on their ATV trails and routes. Drivers must be licensed.
For non street-legal motorcycles, Clark County has the Knobby Ridge Motorcycle Trail. Jackson County has riding for non street legal motorcycles on the Crawford Hills Motorcycle Trail System.
Jackson County requires all motorcycles using any trail system to have a Jackson County Motorcycle Sticker ($21). You can buy these online or at several local businesses.
Black River Falls ATV Trails: Jackson County WI ATV Trails / Clark County WI ATV Trails
For more details about these trails, check out our write up:
Black River Falls ATV Trails: Maps, Camping, Fees And More
Related: Ride In Ride Out Wisconsin ATV Campgrounds
ATV Scenic Tour
Overview
- Location: Washburn County
- Length: 100+ miles
- Fees:
- WI Resident ATV Trail Pass: Not required (vehicle must be registered)
- 5 Day Non Resident ATV Trail Pass: $20
- Annual Non Resident ATV Trail Pass: $35
- Skill Level: Easy
- Open: Saturday Memorial Day weekend – Fall (open winter for snowmobiles)
- Vehicles Allowed: ATV, SxS/UTVs < 65”
Motorcycles and dirt bikes are unfortunately not allowed on these trails. Also, all county forest trails are closed to motorized travel from April 1 to the first Friday before Memorial Weekend except the Wild River Trail.
The Wild Rivers Trail running north to south through the county is the backbone of the ATV Scenic Tour.
Washburn County has put together a “best of” ATV route through their beautiful county.
With over 100+ miles of motorized trails and roads, this route features 35 points of interest scattered along the trail.
Some highlights of tour include an old historic homestead site, a young aspen forest, lakes, rivers and wetlands. And beef jerky!
Feature #30 is worth a visit. You have to climb down a railroad grade to see it, but it’s worth the effort. It’s an old hand build stone arch over a wash. Amazing workmanship from a bygone era.
Stop in at the Jack Links Beef Jerky Outlet Store at Henson’s Grocery in Minong – Feature #11.
No motor vehicle travel is allowed from April 1 to May 31.
ATV Scenic Tour Brochure (with map)
Wild Rivers Trail
Overview
- Location: Superior WI to Rice Lake WI
- Length: 104 miles
- Fees:
- WI Resident ATV: free
- Non Resident ATV: free
- Skill Level: Easy
- Open: Year round 6am – 11pm
- Vehicles Allowed: ATV, UTV/SxS < 65”
This multi use trail open to ATVs, horseback riding, hiking and biking. Unlike a lot of trails in Wisconsin, this state trail doesn’t require a trail pass or any sort of user fee.
A part of the rails to trails movement, this former railroad bed makes for flat easy traveling.
Named for the many rivers (and streams) it crosses including the Namakogan River which is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.
Portions of this trail are included as part of the ATV scenic tour in Washburn County, but not all of it. About half of this trail extends into the neighboring counties of Douglas County to the north and Barron County to the south.
Running on a general north to south route, this ATV trail intersects with many other off road routes providing riders with miles of additional trail miles.
One of the larger Wisconsin ATV trails that the Wild Rivers Trail connects with is the 74 mile long Tuscobia State Trail.
In order to connect the Wild Rivers Trail with Tuscobia State Trail , you need to use Harmon Lake ATV Trail / Spider Lake Trail just south of Spooner.
The Wild Rivers Trail passes through many small towns making it easy to get gas or grab lunch.
Camping is available right on the trail in Minong at the Wild River Trail ATV Campground for $10 – $35 a night.
Tuscobia State Trail
Overview
- Location: Birchwood to Park Falls (motorized travel allowed.
- Length: 65 miles
- Fees:
- WI Resident ATV: no fee
- Non Resident ATV: no fee
- Skill Level: Easy
- Open: Almost year round
- Vehicles Allowed: ATV, UTV/SxS ,65”
This rail to trail is 74 miles long overall, but a small portion of the trail is not open for to motorized travel. Rice Lake to Birchwood is closed to motorized traffic. This section of the trail is part of the Ice Age Trail, a non-motorized use trail.
In the summer 65 miles of trail are open to ATV/UTV use and in the winter 51 miles are open to ATV/UTVs. Some sections do have short seasonal closures.
This trail intersects with the Wild Rivers Trail which is 104 miles long.
Riders also have access to many more miles of Wisconsin ATV trails that run throughout the region.
In order to connect Tuscobia State Trail with the Wild Rivers Trail, you need to use Harmon Lake ATV Trail / Spider Lake Trail just south of Spooner.
Open to ATVs, UTVs, horseback riding, hiking and biking with opportunities for bird watching, canoeing and fishing.
Trail passes through several small towns with easy access to camping, gas, restaurants and lodging.
No small game hunting is allowed on the trail. However, deer hunters are allowed to hunt from the trail from November 15 – December 15. If you do ride during this time, it’s recommended that you wear orange.
Camping On The Trail
Park Falls: $25 a night, electric hook ups available. Families with kids will enjoy the sandy beach for swimming. Showers are available at .25 for 2 minutes. Direct trail access. Smith Lake County Park & Campground
Ojibwa: $15+ a night, electric hook ups available. Coin operated showers. There is a trail that joins the campground with the trail. Ojibwa Park
Dead Horse Run Motorized Trail
Overview
- Location: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
- Length: 56+ miles of trail
- Fees:
- WI Resident ATV Trail Pass: Not required (vehicle must be registered)
- 5 Day Non Resident ATV Trail Pass: $20
- Annual Non Resident ATV Trail Pass: $35
- Skill Level: Moderate
- Open: May 1 – March 14
- Vehicles Allowed: dirt bikes, ATVs/UTVs < 50″, snowmobiles
Dead Horse ATV Trail is located in the Stockfarm Bridge Recreation Area of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This trail is also open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders.
This 56 mile trail begins at the Loretta CCC dispersed campsite off County Highway GG.
Most of this trail is about 14 feet wide through a heavily wooded area. This trail is more remote, so riders are encouraged to go in prepared with tools and extra fuel.
Be prepared for mud and standing water on the trail, especially after rains. The wetter this trail gets, the more challenging it gets. In wet conditions there may be a lot of mud, so definitely bring a tow strap or winch.
Dead Horse Run ATV Trail also connect to the Tuscobia State Trail (74 miles) and the Flambeau State Forest ATV Trails (70 miles) giving you a lot more miles of riding. Some of the roads are also open to off roading making it easy to travel into nearby towns.
If you don’t like dispersed camping there is camping available a short drive down the road at Stockfarm Bridge. This small campground has 8 campsites, drinking water and vault toilets. Nightly fee is $15.
Large towering red pines provide lots of shade. Reservations are available, but there are also a few first come first serve sites.
Located on the East Fork of the Chippewa River this area is popular for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. There is also a picnic area with a boat launch.
Forest Service: Dead Horse Run ATV Trail
Cheese Country Recreation Trail (Cheese Trail)
Overview
- Location: Monroe, Mineral Point WI
- Length: 47 miles (one way)
- Fees:
- WI Resident ATV Trail Pass: Not required
- Non Resident ATV Trail Pass: $35
- WI Resident Snowmobile Trail Pass: $30
- Non Resident Snowmobile Trail Pass: $50
- Skill Level: Easy
- Open: Year round (with less than 1” of snow)
- Vehicles Allowed: ATV, UTV, dirt bikes, mopeds, motorcycles
This 47 mile trail runs from Monroe WI to Mineral Point MI. It’s a multi-use trail open to ATV, UTV, dirt bikes, mopeds, motorcycles, horses and horse-drawn buggies, bicycles, and hikers.
Trail passes can be purchased at several location throughout the area. Trail Pass Vendor Locations
The Wisconsin Cheese Trail is a former railroad bed, so it’s flat, easy travel. Very family friendly riding through farmland, small historic towns and wooded areas of Iowa, Lafayette and Green Counties of Wisconsin.
Mineral Point is a small town with a strong local art scene with several art galleries. Monroe, with a population of over 10,000, is slightly larger with a strong Swiss heritage. Both towns have downtown areas that are quite charming and worth a visit.
Of course, a cheese trail wouldn’t be complete without cheese!
Monroe dubs itself as the Swiss Cheese Capital of the United States. But Swiss Cheese isn’t the only cheese they produce. Other popular regional cheeses include Limburger, Cheddar, Gouda, Fontina, Havarti and many more.
There are 13 cheese factories in Green County with a couple dozen more in the surrounding area.
If you’re hungry, head on over to Baumgartner Cheese Store and Tavern in Monroe. Baumgartner is the oldest cheese store in Wisconsin.
With dozens of different types of local and imported cheeses, you’re sure to find a new favorite. Hot and cold sandwiches featuring local cheeses with an ice cold locally brewed beer is just what you need after a day of adventuring.
For lunch grab a delicious sandwich made with their fresh cheese manufactured on site at their factory. Or buy delicious local summer sausage, cheese, olives for a picnic. They also have wine and beer.
In September, Monroe hosts the Green County Cheese Days with food, cheese and beer plus parades, music and contests.
Camping On the Cheese Trail
Monroe – Green County Fairgrounds
Darlington – Pecatonica River Trails Park
Gratiot – Wolf Creek Campground
- WI has strict (and enforced) noise limits
- Most Wisconsin ATV trails require a trail pass, but there are some that don’t
- If you need an ATV trail pass: Trail Pass Information / Vendors
- ATV registration required for WI state residents
- ATV safety certificate required for youth operators
- Wisconsin ATV laws, regulations, youth operators
