Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Tuscobia State Trail

Trail Uses
How to Get There
More Information

This 74-mile trail on a former rail corridor is one of the longest rail trails in the state, running from Park Falls to the Wild Rivers State Trail just north of Rice Lake. The trail passes through part of the Flambeau River State Forest and the rugged wilderness of Wisconsin's Blue Hills. The trail connects seven small communities in Barron, Washburn, Sawyer and Price counties, each providing year-round accommodations and services.

Tuscobia State Trail Map [PDF 1.8MB]

ATVs on a fall ride along the Tuscobia State Trail.
Photo © Wisconsin Department of Tourism

Trail Uses

The Tuscobia State Trail is a year-round multiple use recreational trail that offers opportunities for ATVs, snowmobiling, horseback riding, off-road bicycling and walking. Trail uses vary by time of year and by activity. The western end of the trail is part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. As a multi-use trail, it is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.

Wisconsin Trail Etiquette and Safety Guidelines [PDF 2MB]

All-Terrain Vehicles

ATV use varies by different sections on the trail. In Price County, ATVs are allowed on the trail during the summer months between April 15 and November 15. From the Price/Sawyer County line to the Red Cedar Lake bridge just west of Birchwood (Sawyer County and a small part of Washburn County), ATVs are allowed year-round on the trail, except during hunting seasons from November 15 to December 15. Operators must follow all Wisconsin ATV operation laws. The trail also provides numerous connections to many county ATV trail systems.

Tuscobia State Trail Segment	ATV Use
Park Falls to Price/Sawyer County Line	Summer Only (April 15 - Nov. 15)
Price/Sawyer County Line to Red Cedar Lake Bridge	Year-Round (Closed Nov. 15 - Dec. 15)
Red Cedar Lake Bridge to Wild Rivers Trail	Not Allowed (Ice Age Trail)

ATVs are not allowed on the Tuscobia State Trail between the Red Cedar Lake bridge and the junction with the Wild Rivers State Trail as this segment is currently designated as part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. ATVs are permitted to cross west over the bridge to connect with Washburn County ATV trails, but must stay off the Tuscobia Trail corridor from the the Red Cedar Lake bridge to the Wild Rivers Trail.

Tuscobia State Trail Map [PDF 1.8MB]

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The section of the Tuscobia State Trail from its connection with the Wild Rivers State Trail north of Rice Lake (County Highway SS in Barron County near Haugen) to the Barron/Washburn county line west of Red Cedar Lake at 30th Avenue is certified as part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The Ice Age Trail is designated further east over the Red Cedar Lake bridge to Loch Lomond Blvd.

After crossing over the bridge, the current route of the Ice Age Trail goes off the Tuscobia State Trail corridor and continues east on Featherstone Road (which parallels State Highway 48), then south on Loch Lomond Blvd. to the Barron County Forest.

ATVs are permitted to cross west over the Red Cedar Lake bridge to connect with Washburn County ATV trails, but must stay off the Ice Age Trail certified/designated portion of the Tuscobia Trail corridor from the the Red Cedar Lake bridge to County Highway SS.

Tuscobia State Trail Map [PDF 1.8MB]

Snowmobiling

The entire trail is open to snowmobiling when Barron, Washburn, Sawyer and Price county snowmobile trails are open. Snowmobile operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits. The trail provides numerous connections to county snowmobile trail systems.

Walking and Bicycling

The entire trail is open to walking and bicycling, though bicycling is not recommended. The trail is not groomed or surfaced and may be rough or soft in many sections. If you plan to bike the trail, the tread is more suitable for off-road bikes.

Horseback Riding

The entire trail 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.

Hunting and Fishing

Deer hunting is allowed during the regular 9-day gun deer season in November. Small game hunting or trapping is not allowed along the trail.

A Wisconsin fishing license is required to fish in the several waterways along or near the Tuscobia State Trail.

Master Plan

Tuscobia State Trail Master Plan

How to Get There

Rice Lake -The Tuscobia State Trail begins north of Rice Lake at the trail's junction with the Wild Rivers State Trail. Barron County has parking and pit toilets available at the Tuscobia/Wild Rivers trail junction on Highway SS (near State Highway 53) north of Rice Lake. Parking is also available in the town of Rice Lake.

Birchwood-The community of Birchwood is the closest town to the western end of the motorized section of the trail. ATVs are allowed on the trail to the Red Cedar Lake bridge, about 2.5 miles west of Birchwood. In Birchwood, the trail parallels State Highway 48. Parking is available along city streets.

Park Falls-The eastern terminus of the Tuscobia State Trail begins in Park Falls. Parking is available at the trailhead at the Price County Park near 9th Avenue and 2nd Street in Park Falls.

Sawyer County -There is parking, services and accommodations available at the several small communities in Sawyer County, including Couderay, Radisson, Ojibwa, Winter, Loretta and Draper. State Highways 27 and 70 parallel portions of the trail in Sawyer County.

More information and maps for the communities along the trail is available at the Tuscobia Trail web site listed below.