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Recreation

Wolf River State Trail

The Wolf River State Trail runs adjacent to the Nicolet National Forest [exit DNR] where camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing opportunities are plentiful. A segment of the corridor between Highway 64 and Lily is near the Wolf River. The river is well known for trout fishing and the whitewater rapids frequently draw rafters, kayakers and canoeists.

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.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and Off-highway motorcycles (OHMs)

ATVs and OHMs both need to be registered before riding on the trail. Operators must use only legally marked routes to leave the trail. Cross-country travel through the Nicolet National Forest or on private land is prohibited. Wisconsin ATV and OHM operation laws must be followed.

All-terrain vehicle useuse varies by different sections on the trail.

  • In Forest County, all-terrain vehicles are allowed on the trail when the trail is posted as open. Please see the Forest County Forestry and Recreation Dept. webpage [exit DNR] for open and closed dates, or call 715-478-3475 for more information. The trail connects to hundreds of miles of ATV routes in the county.
  • In Langlade County, all-terrain vehicles are permitted north of Lily year-round. Between Lily and White Lake, ATVs are currently only permitted during the winter. Once connections with local ATV trails can be made, the segment from 0.25 miles north of Highway 64 to White Lake can be used as a year-round ATV trail system connector. If riding an ATV in the winter one must stay on the Wolf River State Trail, snowmobile trails leading off the corridor are not open to ATVs.

Street-legal off-highway motorcycle use varies by different sections on the trail. OHMs are permitted on the Wolf River State Trail in Forest County when ATV use is allowed. OHMs are not allowed on the trail in Langlade County.

Horseback riding

The Forest County segment 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.

Walking and bicycling

The trail in Forest County is open to walking and bicycling. 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. The trail is not developed in Langlade County but walkers and bicyclists may use the trail tread.

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.

Winter activities

Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The undeveloped segment of trail between White Lake and the Menomonee County line is open to snowmobiles, but not to other motorized uses. The trail also connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails.

The opening and closing of snowmobile trails are at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails that cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails are 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 webpages [exit DNR] and telephone hotlines will provide the most current information.

The trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing; however, the trail is not groomed and skiers and snowshoers 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: