Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Bearskin State Trail

Named for the Bearskin Creek the trail follows, this 18-mile, former railroad corridor, is an opportunity to experience the north woods of Wisconsin.

The original purpose of the railroad line was to export white pine logs from the forests of northern Wisconsin to the cities of the Midwest. Today the Bearskin trail is recreation corridor, surfaced with compacted granite suitable for walking and bicycling in summer, and snowmobiling in winter.

The Bearskin State Trail passes through the communities of Minocqua [exit DNR], Hazlehurst, Goodnow and Harshaw. The South Blue Lake rest area is at the center of the trail, and has water, rest rooms, picnic tables and grills.

The Northern Highland—American Legion (NH-AL) State Forest is nearby and offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities, including camping, hiking, bicycling, snowmobiling, canoeing, bird watching, fishing and hunting. The following map of NH-AL forest has an inset of the Bearskin trail:

Bearskin State Trail and NH-AL State Forest Map [PDF 791KB]

Snowmobile use is only allowed on the Bearskin trail when Oneida County opens all trails in the county for snowmobiling. Traffic is two-way on the trail, and cautious operation of snowmobiles is encouraged for the safety of all users.

Large snowfalls in northern Wisconsin can make for ideal snowmobile conditions on the Bearskin trail.
Wisconsin Department of Tourism photo by RJ and Linda Miller

The 6-mile Hiawatha trail in Lincoln County is also nearby. The Hiawatha trail follows the same rail bed as the Bearskin trail, and travels south from Heafford Junction to Tomahawk.

Land of Lakes

Few places in the world have more lakes per square mile than Oneida and Vilas counties. The lakes were formed by glaciers that melted and retreated north during the last Ice Age. Thirteen trestles cross the lakes and streams along the trail.The lakes of the Minoqua area are well-known for their fishing.

A 375-foot trestle crossing Lake Minocqua, connects the town of Minocqua with the rest of trail.
DNR Photo by Bob Queen

The lakes and area surrounding the Bearskin trail provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and waterfowl. Bald eagles, loons, deer and black bears make this northern forest their home.

In the Area

For accommodations, activities, events, and more:

Lincoln County [exit DNR]
Minocqua, Arbor Vitae, Woodruff & Hazelhurst [exit DNR]
Oneida County [exit DNR]

How to Get There

Both trailheads are near State Highway 51 and have parking available. The north trailhead is in the town of Minocqua and the south trailhead is near the intersection of County Highway K and Highway 51 in Oneida County.

More Information

A state trail pass is required for bicyclists 16 years and older. Trail passes are available at local DNR offices, at the Minocqua Chamber of Commerce, and at the Northwoods Store near the south end of the trail. Self-registration boxes are also available at both trailheads.

Weather [exit DNR]

For more information, ask:

Bearskin State Trail
N1895 Council Grounds Dr.
Merrill, WI 54452
(715) 536-8773