Recreation
Brule River State Forest
Biking
The Brule River State Forest has about 9 miles of multi-use, singletrack trails located within the Afterhours Trail System. These trails are open for hiking and biking in summer and snowshoeing and fat-tire biking in winter. During summer, the cross-country ski trails may be used for biking and to connect to singletrack segments. Biking is not allowed on the cross-country ski trails once they are snow-covered. Brule River State Forest Maps.
Please note: Cable gates are in place during summer to protect the ski trails from vehicle traffic, but can be bypassed by stepping over or walking beneath the gates. Class 1 and Class 3 (pedal-assist) e-bikes are allowed on bicycle trails. An annual or daily state trail pass is required for all bicyclists ages 16 and older.
Property Notice: The After-hours bike trails are under development, with new construction planned for 2026 and 2027. Trail wayfinding signage will be installed in spring 2026.
Camping
Camping at Brule River State Forest
Canoeing, kayaking and boating
Canoeing, kayaking and boating at Brule River State Forest
Fishing
Fishing at Brule River State Forest
Hiking
Hiking at Brule River State Forest
Horseback riding
Horseback riders can enjoy miles of trails within the Brule River State Forest, including the Brule-St. Croix Snowmobile Trail, hunter walking trails and numerous back roads. The North Country Trail is for foot traffic only; no horses are allowed.
Riders are encouraged to locate watering points on a map before starting, and to bring water along on the ride. Riders should also keep in mind that hunters use the trails during the deer season. There is no horse camping on the Brule River State Forest, but private campgrounds in the area do accommodate horse campers.
View Hunter Walking Trails Map Packet.
Hunting
The Brule River State Forest has more than 40 miles of hunter walking trails that provide easy access to favorable habitat for numerous game animals. Deer and grouse are the most commonly hunted species. Other hunting opportunities include woodcock, bear and waterfowl. Trapping of species such as beaver, muskrat, fisher, otter and mink is also common.
View Hunter Walking Trails Map Packet.
Visit DNR hunting for regulation, season and license information.
Picnic areas and shelters
Picnic areas and shelters at Brule River State Forest
Swimming
The forest has no designated swimming beaches, but some people enjoy swimming at Rush Lake on the eastern edge of the forest or in the cold waters of Lake Superior at the mouth of the Brule. Both locations have sandy beaches and clear water. Public beaches near the state forest are located on Lake Minnesuing and Lake Nebagamon.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities abound in the forest. Wildlife diversity is influenced by the variety of northern hardwood habitats in the forest, including wetlands, pine barrens, grasslands, shrublands, and boreal forests. The diverse terrain and soil types of the forest, as well as the Brule River itself, are responsible for this assortment of habitats.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the Brule River State Forest. Rare birds such as the black-backed woodpecker, white-winged crossbill, merlin, great gray owl, and goshawk have been seen and are likely to nest on the property. Mammals such as the badger, bobcat, fisher and gray wolf can also be found.