Vilas County Trails : Miles of Adventure
Vilas County Information
Vilas County is the perfect place to enjoy a wilderness adventure. There are 700 miles of snowmobile trails, more than 60 approved multi-use trails, and more than 240,000 acres of public land in Wisconsin's Northwoods. Get out and enjoy some of northern Wisconsin's best trails!
ATVING / UTVING
In northern Wisconsin, the Vilas County ATV/UTV route system connects the towns of St. Germain, Arbor Vitae, Lincoln, Eagle River, Conover, Phelps, and Land O' Lakes.
The Landover ATV Club, St. Germain ATV Club, and Lakeland ATV Club have built current routes that connect the villages of Eagle River, Conover, Phelps, Land O' Lakes, St. Germain, and the Arbor Vitae region. Riders can cover a variety of terrain, from paved roads to dirt courses on ancient fire roads. The ATV/UTV route system in Vilas County also connects to routes and trails in surrounding counties in northern Wisconsin.
The trails are open from May 1 to October 31 each year.
The Map It Vilas County trails app makes navigating the trails simple. It includes both on-road and off-road routes and is suitable for both long-distance and short-distance rides. The program uses GPS to keep you on track and works without a phone signal.
Visit the Vilas County Forestry Department's website for more maps and ATV/UTV information.
https://www.vilascountywi.gov/departments/services/forestry___land_department/index.php
Along with the privilege of enjoying the sport comes the responsibility of making sure you are operating these vehicles safely and responsibly. ATV and UTV operators born on or after January 1, 1988, who are at least 12 years old for ATV (and at least 16 years old for UTV) must complete an ATV and UTV safety certification course in order to operate on public ATV/UTV trails and areas in Wisconsin. For more information about ATV/UTV riding in Wisconsin, visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/atv
BIKING
Vilas County is a land of possibilities when it comes to bicycling. One of the most difficult decisions novice riders must make is which route to travel first—there are plenty of possibilities that will take you all around Wisconsin's Northwoods. Families will appreciate the smooth paved trails that lead to forests, a picturesque beach, and small downtown eateries and stores. Long-distance bike tourers can enjoy the thrill of riding through a big national forest. Trail enthusiasts can leave the roads behind and travel deep into the northern Wisconsin woods, following their hearts. Mountain cyclists can choose from a variety of demanding single-route options. Four seasons of enjoyment await fat-tire bike riders, including tracks prepared for winter bicycling.
Vilas County boasts a variety of attractions to make your riding experience more enjoyable, including small restaurants, breakfast spots, and brew pubs that are ideal places to unwind and recharge after a day in the saddle.
Bike rentals and all the bicycling gear you'll need for a trip are available at Vilas County businesses. The lodging is ample and near to the trails, allowing you to make the most of your time here.
Biking Trails
- Anvil Lake Trail Trails
- Awassa Nature Preserve & Hiking Trail
- Bear Lake Road
- Conover-Phelps Trail
- Eagle River-Land O’ Lakes Bike Route
- Heart of Vilas County – Boulder Junction
- Heart of Vilas County – Manitowish Waters
- Heart of Vilas County – St. Germain
- Heart of Vilas County – Mercer
- Heart of Vilas County-Sayner-Star Lake
- Lac du Flambeau Route
- Lumberjack Trail
- Madeline Lake Trail
- Nichols Lake Landing
- Nicolet North Trails
- North Lakeland Discovery Center Trails
- Pipke Park Trail System
- Presque Isle-Pomeroy-Henry Trails
- Presque Isle-Winchester Bike Route
- Raven Trail
- Razorback Ridges Trails
- Rohr’s Wilderness Trails
- Shannon Lake Trail
- St. Germain Fat Bike Loop
- Three Eagle Trail
- Vista Lake Bike Routes
- White Deer Loop
- Wilderness Lakes Trail System (WLT)
- WinMan Trails
- WLT – Land O’ Lakes Bike Trail
BIRDWATCHING
The limitless forests, immense marshes, and innumerable lakes of Vilas County provide excellent bird habitat, and birders who visit this part of northern Wisconsin will be rewarded handsomely. Eagles, hawks, songbirds, woodpeckers, loons, cranes, owls, and other birds can be found in Wisconsin's Northwoods. You won't only see a lot of birds in Vilas County; you'll have the joy of seeing wild birds in their natural habitat—the county has hundreds of miles of paths that allow birders to penetrate deep into the forest.
After a day of birding, Vilas County has all the facilities you'll need, including quaint restaurants and cafes where you can unwind. Stop by one of these beautiful spots to go over photos from your hike or simply reflect on a fantastic day in the woods. Retailers in Vilas County also have all the clothing and equipment you'll need for a pleasant and successful birding trip.
So you can make the most of your stay here, lodging is plentiful and convenient to popular birding areas.
Check out these birding hot spots while you’re here:
- Cathedral Point, Boulder Junction
- Fire Lane Rd., Conover
- Thunder Lake State Wildlife Area, Eagle River
- Powell Marsh, Lac du Flambeau
- North Lakeland Discovery Center Birding Trail, Manitowish Waters
- Powell Marsh State Wildlife Area, Manitowish Waters
- Lac Vieux Desert (Outlet Bay area), Phelps
- Presque Isle ponds, Presque Isle
- Van Vliet Hemlocks, Presque Isle
- Rainbow Flowage (Oxbow Rd. area), St. Germain
Cross-Country Skiing
Vilas County, in northern Wisconsin, has all of the right ingredients of an excellent ski destination. Because we're in the center of the Lake Superior snowbelt in Wisconsin's Northwoods, we get a lot of lake-effect snow—roughly 76 inches a year on average. Hundreds of miles of tracks, including miles of groomed skate skiing paths and countless backcountry alternatives, are available. A cross-country ski track may be found within minutes of everywhere in Vilas County.
In addition, Vilas County has everything you'll need for your winter adventures. Do you need to hire skis? You're covered in Vilas County. You may get your skis waxed here, and there are shops selling the latest attire and equipment. From beginner ski packages to high-end racing skis, you'll find it all here.
Vilas County offers all of the trailside conveniences you'll need, including charming eateries and bars where you can refuel between ski trips. The lodging is ample and convenient to the trails, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
Cross
Cross-Country Skiing Trails
- Anvil Lake Trail
- Awassa Nature Preserve & Hiking Trail
- Boulder Junction Winter Park
- Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area
- Decker Lake Trail
- Escanaba-Pallette Lake Trails
- Fallison Lake Trails
- Land O’ Lakes Cross-Country Ski Trails
- Lumberjack Trail
- Madeline Lake Trail
- Mud Minnow Lake Trail
- Muskrat Creek Trail
- Nicolet North Trails
- Nordmarka Trails
- North Lakeland Discovery Center Trails
- North Lakeland School Nature & Cross-Country Ski Trail System
- Pioneer Creek Trail
- Powell Trails
- Raven Trail
- Razorback Ridges Trails
- Rohr’s Wilderness Trails
- Shannon Lake Trail
- Ski Hill Trails
- Snipe Lake & Ewald Lake Trails
- Tara Lila Trails
- Three Eagle Trail
- Torch Lake Trails
- Trampers Trails
- Van Vliet Hemlocks
- White Squaw Lake Trail
- WinMan Trails
Horseback Riding
Saddle up and ride into the woods of Vilas County! The Vilas County equestrian trail system offers nearly 16 miles of horse trails for riders of all abilities across Wisconsin's Northwoods via three circuits.
Connector trails go to the Torch Lake Equestrian Loop, Ski Hill Equestrian Loop, and Pioneer Creek Equestrian Loop. These trails weave across rolling hills with mature natural stands of red and white pine, as well as aspen, oak, and spruce, as well as aspen, oak, and spruce. The River Road Equestrian Campground, which has direct access to the Torch Lake Equestrian Loop, has day parking for equestrian trailers.
Horseback Riding Trails
- Pioneer Creek Cross-Country Ski Trail
- Pioneer Creek Trail
- Ski Hill Trails
- Torch Lake Trails
HIKING
There isn't a single trail that characterizes Vilas County, which is one of the things that makes hiking here so unique. On any given day, on a single trail, you can get a lot of different experiences. You can take a stroll through old-growth forests and imagine what life was like in northern Wisconsin before the arrival of European immigrants. You can witness an eagle hunt for food along the rocky shore of an undeveloped lake. You can take a quiet stroll across a carpet of needles and see a doe and her fawns cross your path.
Hikers return to Vilas County year after year for experiences like this. Every expedition in Wisconsin's Northwoods is an opportunity for a new adventure, with 240,000 acres of public property to explore.
Vilas County has everything you'll need to unwind at the end of the route, including cozy restaurants, cafes, and supper clubs where you can rest your legs and toast a lovely day in the woods. And businesses in Vilas County provide all the clothing and hiking gear you'll need for a hike.
There is also lots of lodging near trailheads, allowing you to spend as much time as you want to explore the forest.
Hiking Trails
- Anvil Lake Trail
- Awassa Nature Preserve & Hiking Trail
- Bear Lake Road
- Beaver Creek Trail
- Blackjack Springs Wilderness Trail
- Boulder Junction Winter Park
- Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area
- Conover-Phelps Trail
- Decker Lake Trail
- Deep Lake Trails
- Deerskin Snowshoe Trails
- Escanaba-Pallette Lake Trails
- Fallison Lake Trails
- Fern Ridge Trail
- Franklin Lake Trail
- Guido Rahr Sr. Tenderfoot Forest Preserve Trail
- Heart Lake Trail
- Heart of Vilas County – Boulder Junction
- Heart of Vilas County – Manitowish Waters
- Heart of Vilas County – Mercer
- Heart of Vilas County-Sayner-Star Lake
- Heart of Vilas County – St. Germain
- Hidden Lakes Trail
- Langley Lake Trails
- Lumberjack Trail
- Madeline Lake Trail
- Mud Minnow Lake Trail
- Muskrat Creek Trail
- Nichols Lake Landing
- Nicolet North Trails
- North Lakeland Discovery Center Trails
- North Lakeland School Nature & Cross-Country Ski Trail System
- North Trout Nature Trail
- Pioneer Creek Cross-Country Ski Trail
- Pioneer Creek Trail
- Pipke Park Trail System
- Powell Trails
- Presque Isle Nature Trail
- Presque Isle-Winchester Bike Route
- Raven Trail
- Razorback Ridges Trails
- Rohr’s Wilderness Trails
- Shannon Lake Trail
- Ski Hill Trails
- Snipe Lake & Ewald Lake Trails
- Spectacle Lake-Kentuck Lake Trail
- Star Lake Nature Trail
- Tara Lila Trails
- Three Eagle Trail
- Tom Roberts Memorial Nature Trail
- Torch Lake Trails
- Trampers Trails
- Van Vliet Hemlocks
- Vista Lake Bike Routes
- White Deer Loop
- White Squaw Lake Trail
- Wilderness Lakes Trail System (WLT)
- WinMan Trails
- WLT – Land O’ Lakes Bike Trail
Snowmobiling
Vilas County is one of the best snowmobiling destinations in the Midwest. We have nearly 600 miles of breathtaking trails that wind through untamed wilderness, cross undeveloped lakes, and connect to picturesque Northwoods settlements. Vilas County is home to almost a quarter million acres of public property in total.
We're in the Lake Superior Snowbelt, so every winter we're buried under feet of snow. We also have some of the best snowmobiling clubs in the county, and its volunteers work tirelessly to keep the routes in great shape.
Our county seat, Eagle River, just happens to be the Snowmobile Capital of the World, hosting events like the Classic Vintage Races and the Amsoil World Championship Snowmobile Derby, as well as other competitive races at the Eagle River Derby Track.
While our trails will take you deep into northern Wisconsin's wilderness, they will also provide you with all of the trailside amenities you'll require for a snowmobile trip. Trails connect all 12 of Vilas County's municipalities, and there are numerous resorts, motels, and cottages with trail access. Trailside, you'll find fuel and food, as well as some great areas to warm up with other riders just off the trail.
New riders: The Department of Natural Resources recommends that everyone who is new to snowmobiling take a safety course; it’s the law if you were born on or after January 1, 1985. For more information about Wisconsin’s snowmobile laws, visit the DNR’s website.
Snowmobile Trails
- Boulder Junction Snowmobile Club Trails
- Conover Sno-Buddies Trails
- Cross Country Cruisers Trails
- Land O’ Lakes Frosty Snowmobile Club Trails
- Northern Hornshoe Snowmobile Club Trails
- Phelps Snowmobile Club Trails
- Presque Isle/Winchester Sno-Bunnies Trails
- Sayner-Star Lake Barnstormers Snowmobile Club Trails
- Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club Trails
- Sno-Skeeters Snowmobile Club Trails
- St. Germain Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club Trails
Snowshoeing
The simplest approach to explore Vilas County's outdoors is also the most versatile. Snowshoeing is a low-cost, easy-to-learn hobby that allows you to enjoy the beauty of northern Wisconsin's forests even in the middle of winter.
Snowshoeing is a fun and effective form of exercise for people of all ages. It's great fun for families, couples, and groups of friends, but you can also enjoy it on your own. Snowshoers are never alone in the woods; because it's such a silent pastime, wildlife isn't aware of their presence. You'll witness a range of gorgeous birds and wild creatures on your outing.
There are two ways to experience snowshoeing in Vilas County: by marked trail or by blazing your own. The easiest way to enjoy snowshoeing is by following a snowshoe trail.
It takes a little more effort and can be a bit more of an adventure, but many folks in Vilas County choose to construct their own tracks. It's easy to get a truly wilderness experience in Wisconsin's Northwoods, with over 240,000 acres of public forests to explore. You'll be able to visit swamps that are inaccessible at other times of the year, and you'll even be able to cross frozen lakes—just make sure there's enough ice.
There are lots of places to unwind and warm up at the trail's end, including nice restaurants and brew pubs.
Vilas County Trail Grid: https://www.vilaswi.com/trail-activities/trail-grid/
Easy to Explore Winter Trails
You don’t have to be prepping for the next winter Olympics to enjoy Vilas County’s winter trails. Here’s a look at a few trails where you can take a relaxing ski or snowshoe through northern Wisconsin’s beautiful winter scenery.
Van Vliet Hemlocks, Presque Isle
This state natural area south of Presque Isle spans more than 400 acres and is a great place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. (Note that cross-country ski trails are ungroomed.) Skiers and snowshoers can choose from trails that vary in distance from less than half a mile to a combined route that covers more than 3 miles. The trails at the Van Vliet Hemlocks State Natural Area offer beautiful Northwoods scenery, passing by Averill Lake, Van Vliet Lake, and Hemlock Lake, and the protected area is also home to one of the largest old-growth hemlock forests in Wisconsin.
Razorback Ridges, Sayner-Star Lake
This large trail system west of Sayner has more than 25 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails, and an 8,000-square-foot ice skating rink, as well as a warming building with bathroom facilities. (In summer, Razorback Ridges is open for mountain biking and hiking.) The cross-country ski and snowshoe trails cater to users of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. The trails were created as a community project between the Sayner-Star Lake Lions Club in cooperation with the Wisconsin DNR, and the trails are maintained by members of the Lions Club. There is no trail fee, but donations are appreciated.
Escanaba-Pallette Lake Trails, Boulder Junction
Located in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, this trail system just south of Boulder Junction is a great place to visit if you’re a cross-country skier looking for a little more of a challenge. The Escanaba-Pallette Lake Trails offer loops of 2 to nearly 8½ miles around (you guessed it) Escanaba and Pallette Lakes. There is a shelter and a fire ring on the north side of the trail system between the two lakes, and the trail connects to the Lumberjack Trail to the north. Note that since this is a state-owned property, a Wisconsin State Trail Pass ($5 daily, $25 annual) is required for skiers 16 and older; self-registration is available at the trailhead off Nebish Lake Road.
Don’t forget to download the free Map It Vilas Trails app, where you can find recreational trails throughout Vilas County by location, length, activities and more. https://www.vilaswi.com/trails/