Hiking & Biking

Northwoods Trails and Woodland Paths

We might be known for our waterways but don't miss out on taking to dry land, with endless miles of woodland paths and back byways that offer great walking or pedaling among the most spectacular scenery you can imagine.

The Minocqua area is an outdoor lover’s paradise. With over a million acres of public forest and over 600 miles of trails, there is no excuse not to get out there. You can spend an entire season and never be on the same trail twice. The thousands of gorgeous lakes, rivers, and streams help to create the most spectacular scenery imaginable.

Popular Trails

Explore Wisconsin's Largest State Forest

Want a lot of trail options? Start with the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.

Spanning more than 236,000 acres and encompassing more than 900 lakes, Wisconsin's largest state forest offers plenty of room to roam. Popular area trail systems include Madeline Lake, Raven, and McNaughton, with opportunities for hiking and biking across a variety of terrain.

Come for a few miles or make a day of it—the forest offers plenty of ways to go a little farther into the Northwoods.

Explore the NHAL

Ride the Bearskin State Trail

If there’s one trail that belongs on your Minocqua list, make it the Bearskin State Trail.

With its downtown Minocqua trailhead, gentle grade, compacted granite surface, and scenic railroad trestles, the Bearskin is a favorite for both biking and hiking. Follow the trail south through forests and wetlands along Bearskin Creek, stopping along the way to take in the view.

It’s an easy way to go from downtown to deep-in-the-Northwoods scenery—all under your own power.

Discover the Bearskin Trail