Wisconsin State Park System Wild Rivers State Trail

The Wild Rivers State Trail stretches 104 miles through Douglas, Washburn and Barron counties in northwest Wisconsin. The Wild Rivers State Trail is maintained and managed by each of the three counties it passes through. The area surrounding the Wild Rivers State Trail is rich in natural resources and wildlife habitat. The trail crosses numerous rivers and streams, including the Namakagon River, a federally designated river which is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

The trail, following a former railroad corridor, begins just south of Superior, near the intersection of County Highway C and County Highway A and passes through the communities of Solon Springs, Gordon, Minong, Trego, Spooner and Haugen, ending in Rice Lake.

Trail activities

The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.

• Wisconsin Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines [PDF]

Motorized vehicles

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are allowed on the trail year-round. Operators must follow all Wisconsin ATV operation laws. The Wild Rivers State Trail also provides connections to many miles of county ATV trail systems.

Walking and bicycling

The entire trail is open to walking and bicycling, though bicycling is not recommended. The trail may be rough or soft in many sections. If you plan to bike the trail, the tread is more suitable for off-road bikes.

Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.

Horseback riding

The entire trail is open to horseback riding. The trail is not groomed or surfaced and may be rough or soft in many sections. Riders must share the trail with motorized vehicles.

National Scenic Trails

Both the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail cross the Wild Rivers State Trail. Just north of Rice Lake, the Wild Rivers State Trail connects to the Tuscobia State Trail. The segment of the Tuscobia trail nearest its junction with the Wild Rivers State Trail, from Highway SS to the Barron/Washburn county line (near Angus), is designated as part of the Ice Age Trail and is limited to non-motorized use, with the exception of snowmobiling in winter. Motorized vehicles are also prohibited on the North Country Trail.

Winter activities

Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The trail also connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails.

The opening and closing of snowmobile trails is at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails which cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails is done on a county-wide basis, however localized conditions may require localized trail opening and closing. It is the responsibility of the county to provide notification about the status of snowmobile trails. The Travel Wisconsin Snow Conditions Report [exit DNR], and local club and county snowmobile web pages [exit DNR] and telephone hotlines will provide the most current information.

The trail is open to walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed and users must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.

No Hunting and trapping allowed on trail

Hunting and trapping are not allowed on the trail corridor. For more information, please see:

• Hunting and trapping in Wisconsin State Parks

Directions

Traveling north from Rice Lake, the Wild Rivers State Trail follows the route of State Highway 53. Barron County has access points to the trail with parking and pit toilets available at both the Tuscobia trail junction on Highway SS and at the junction of Highway SS and State Highway 53.

Washburn County has parking and trail access points available in the communities of Sarona, Spooner, Trego and Minong. In Douglas County, there are access points in the town of Gordon and at the northern trailhead just south of Superior.

Volunteering

• Wisconsin State Park System volunteering opportunities

Department of Tourism listings

• Douglas County [exit DNR]
• Washburn County [exit DNR]
• Barron County [exit DNR]

More in the area

• Barron County Trails [exit DNR]
• Douglas County Trails [exit DNR]
• Washburn County Trails [exit DNR]
• Northwest Wisconsin [exit DNR]
• Washburn County Tourism Association [exit DNR]
• St. Croix National Scenic Riverway [exit DNR]

Learn more about ways to Connect with DNR.