Off Road Motorcycle Trails in Wisconsin
There are hundreds of miles of trails in Wisconsin accessible to off-road motorcycle riders. Most counties in the northern half of the state maintain trails. In many cases, trails are free of charge and located near camping sites. Before accessing a trail, ensure that motorized riding is permitted on the trails. Riders should always respect their natural environment and behave responsibly to maintain trails.
Clark County
Knobby Ridge Off-Road Motorcycle Trails is one of the finest off-road motorcycle trail systems in Wisconsin, according to Clark County. There is more than 16 miles of looped trails meandering through the Clark County Forest. Located 8 miles west of Neillsville on Highway 10, the facility includes a youth loop, picnic area, drinking water, toilets and a parking lot.
Accommodations are available at a nearby campground. Knobby Ridge is for motorcycle use only and users must pay a fee before riding. Trails are open from May 1 to Oct. 31 and Dec. 15 to March 15.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers a number of trails for all-terrain vehicles, including motorcycles. Riders using these trails may wish to bring extra fuel since there are very few opportunities to buy fuel on the trails. Located near Loretta, the 56-mile Dead Horse Run Trail links with the Stock Farm Bridge Campground and other trails to Gildden, Clam Lake, and Cayuga.
Flambeau Trail has 60 miles of tree-lined routes for ATVs and motorcycles. The trail system is located in Price County along a rolling landscape of bogs and lakes. The Sailor Lake Campground offers direct access to the trail. ATV and motorcycle riders can also access the Perkinstown Motorized Trail. The 20-mile trail is ideal for all ages and riding abilities. Riders can expect riding through rolling terrain, wooden bridges, woodlands and wetlands from low marshes to beaver ponds.
Toilet facilities are located at the trailhead on State Highway 64. The Washburn ATV Trail system features almost 85 miles of riding through rolling and hilly terrain along an old railroad grade between Ashland and Superior. The trail is paved with crushed limestone but is not maintained by the Forest Service.
Tri-County Recreational Area
The Tri-County Recreational Corridor traverses Ashland, Bayfield and Douglas counties. Using a rail bed from the late 1800s, the 62-mile trail passes through historic and scenic attractions along a hard packed surface route. It is open year-round and accessible to riders of all skill levels.
Close to the trail and 10 miles east of Lake Superior is the Amnicon Falls State Park trail system. These trails are not directly connected to the corridor and a short hike is required. The park provides numerous camp sites and parking, as well as stunning rock formations at the upper and lower falls. The corridor passes through a number of settlements, including the farming community of Poplar. Riders can purchase food and fuel in the town, which is the home of Major Richard Bong, a highly decorated pilot of World War II.
Iron River, a former logging town, is also located along the route and provides riders with accommodation, dining, and ATV rental and repair. The 15.3-mile Valhalla Trail system is accessible from Iron River. The City of Ashland is also located along the corridor and features amenities and attractions for riders, including views of Lake Superior and seven giant murals painted on downtown buildings.
Sawyer County
In total, there are 61 miles of trails in Sawyer County. Founded in 1930, the Flambeau River State Forest provides 38 miles of trails for ATVs and off-road motorcycles. The area features remote forest trails that are open from May until November. Motorized riding is not allowed on the trail from Birchwood west to Rice Lake.
Riders can also connect to the Tusobia State Forest trail, which continues into neighboring Price and Barron counties between Rice Lake and Park Falls. The Flambeau River State Forest trail also connects with the Deadhorse Run trail system in the Chequamegon National Forest. Flambeau River is also popular for canoeing, fishing and hunting.
Marinette & Florence Counties
There are over 200 miles of trails in Marinette County, the majority of which is open year-round. Riders are permitted to camp anywhere along the trail system if they obtain a $10 Annual Sticker from Marinette County.
The county also operates a seasonal all-terrain vehicle campground at McClintock Park. From McClintock Park, riders can access trails in Marienette County, as well as neighboring Florence County. Florence County has over 250 miles of riding opportunities.
Adams County
The Dyracuse Mound Motorcycle Recreation Area in Adams County is located 15 miles south of Wisconsin Rapids. The site features two ATV courses, two motorcycle courses, 20 miles of trails, shelter, toilets and parking. The site also features a lookout tower and hosts annual competitions. There is no charge to access the facility but there is a fee to access Dyracuse Park, where the facility is located.
Lincoln and Langlade Counties
Langlade County features the 16-mile Augustyn Spring Trail in Ainsworth and the 55-mile Parrish Highlands Trail through the Langlade County Forest near Parrish. The Parish trail system is considered one of the state’s best and connects with Lincoln County’s Harrison Hills Trail.
The Harrison Hills ATV Trail meanders along picturesque forests and includes moderate to difficult trails. The trail system includes over 40 miles of routes. Experienced riders can complete the route in one day, while novices riders may want to spend multiple days exploring the trail.
There are several lodging and restaurants options along the route in Tomahawk and Merrill; however, there are no camping sites directly connected to the trail system.
