Up here, the trails do not come with crowds or parking garages. They come with white pines overhead, lake views around the bend, and that deep-woods quiet that makes you forget you ever owned a phone. The Northwoods of Wisconsin is built for people who move under their own power, whether that means hiking boots on dirt or tires on crushed limestone.
Here are the trails worth knowing about, whether you are up for a weekend or lucky enough to call this place home.
Bearskin State Trail
The Bearskin runs 18 miles from Minocqua south to the Tomahawk area, threading through some of the densest forest in Oneida County. The surface is crushed granite, smooth enough for a hybrid bike but with enough grit to feel like you are actually in the woods. You will cross old railroad trestles, pass through stands of birch and maple, and skirt the edges of lakes that do not even have names on most maps.
For hikers, the best section is between Minocqua and Hazelhurst, where the trail hugs the shoreline and passes through wetland areas that come alive with bird activity in the early morning. Bring bug spray in June and July. That is not a suggestion.
A state trail pass is required for cyclists 16 and older. You can pick one up at trailheads or local bike shops in Minocqua. The trail connects to the Hiawatha Trail at its northern end, so you can extend your ride if your legs are willing.
Heart of Vilas County Trail
This 45-mile paved trail system is the crown jewel of Northwoods biking. It connects St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, and Manitowish Waters in a loop that passes through deep forest, along lakeshores, and through some of the most scenic small towns in Wisconsin.
The pavement is well-maintained and flat enough for families, but the distances are real. Boulder Junction to Manitowish Waters is about 12 miles one way, so plan accordingly. Most people ride sections rather than trying to do the whole loop in a day, though the ambitious types do make it happen.
The stretch between Sayner and Star Lake is a favorite for its mix of open meadows and dense pine corridors. Stop in Boulder Junction for lunch, which calls itself the Musky Capital of the World, and grab a sandwich at one of the shops on Main Street before heading back out.
[Three Eagle Trail](/directory/three-eagle-trail/)
Running about five miles from Eagle River to Three Lakes, this trail follows an old railroad grade through Vilas County. It is a shorter ride than the Heart of Vilas or Bearskin, which makes it ideal for families with younger kids or anyone who wants a relaxed afternoon ride without committing to an all-day adventure.
The trail passes through mixed hardwood and pine forest with a few gentle grades. The surface is a mix of crushed stone and paved sections. At the Three Lakes end, you are close to town and can refuel before riding back. Eagle River has plenty of options too, from ice cream shops to full restaurants.
Raven Trail at the [Trees For Tomorrow](/directory/trees-for-tomorrow/) Nature Center
If you want a shorter hike with some real character, the Raven Trail in Eagle River delivers. This 1.3-mile loop winds through old-growth white pines and hemlock, with interpretive signs that teach you about the forest without feeling like a textbook. It is flat, well-marked, and accessible for most fitness levels.
[Trees For Tomorrow](/directory/trees-for-tomorrow/) is an environmental education campus that has been operating since the 1940s, and the grounds are open to the public. The Raven Trail is the standout, but there are additional paths on the property worth exploring if you have the time.
McNaughton Lake Trail System
Located just outside of Lake Tomahawk, the McNaughton trails are a local favorite for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. The system includes several loops ranging from easy lakeside walks to more rugged terrain with roots and elevation changes.
This is not a groomed rail-trail. It is proper single-track through the woods, and it rewards people who want to work a little harder for their views. In fall, the hardwood canopy turns the trails into tunnels of orange and gold. In winter, portions are used for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Anvil Lake National Recreation Trail
Managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the [Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest](/directory/chequamegon-nicolet-national-forest/), the Anvil Lake Trail near Eagle River offers about four miles of well-marked loops through towering pines and around the shores of Anvil Lake. The terrain is moderate with some rolling hills, and the forest floor is soft with needles and packed earth.
This is one of the best trails in the area for solitude. Even on busy weekends, you can often hike the full loop without seeing more than a handful of other people. The lake itself is scenic and undeveloped, making it a good spot for a trailside break.
Getting Out There
Most trailheads in the Northwoods have parking but limited facilities, so bring your own water and pack out what you carry in. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent on many trails, which is part of the appeal but worth planning for. Download offline maps before you head out.
Bike rentals are available in Minocqua, Eagle River, and Boulder Junction. Several shops also offer trail maps and local intel on conditions. Spring trails can be soft and muddy through mid-May, so check ahead if you are visiting early in the season.
The Northwoods did not build these trails to attract tourists. They built them because this is how people live up here. You just get to borrow them for a while.
