Black River State Forest

Recreation - ATVs and Motorcycles

The Black River State Forest has 34 miles of ATV and motorcycle trails that link directly with the Jackson County trail system. Depending on weather conditions, trails are open from May 15 to October 15 and from December 15 to March 15. When riding in the forest, you must stay on designated trails.

Clark and Jackson County ATV Trail Map [PDF, 3.2MB]

ATV Registration

All ATVs ridden on state forest trails either must be registered for "public use" in Wisconsin and display valid decals, or be registered for public use in another state (with decal showing) and display a non-resident ATV trail pass. To register your ATV in Wisconsin, visit the Black River State Forest Castle Mound Campground, located on Hwy 12E, or any DNR Service Center statewide. You can purchase an ATV trail pass at any license vendor.

For safety reasons, vehicles that cannot be legally registered as ATVs are not allowed on the Black River State Forest ATV trail system. Access the DNR's ATV regulations book [PDF, 359KB] to learn about other Wisconsin laws regarding ATVs.

Motorcycle Passes

ATV and motorcycle trails on the state forest link directly with trails in the Jackson County trail system, although property boundaries are not marked. When motorcycle riders travel onto county trails, they must have a Jackson County Motorcycle Sticker attached to their motorcycle. Stickers which are valid for the calendar year, cost $20.00 and can be purchased at the following locations:

In Black River Falls

• Best Western - Arrowhead
• Holiday Inn Express
• Crossroads Mini Mart
• Jackson County Forestry and Parks
• Jackson County Clerk's Office

In Millston

• Winchell's Outpost

In Pray

• Saddle Mound Tap

Safety

Because maintaining a safe trail system is paramount to managing the Black River State Forest, we ask that you observe the following rules when using forest ATV and motorcycle trails.

• Effective 3/15/08, only dual-sport motorcycles are allowed on the ATV trails. Off-road motorcycles are restricted to the Jackson County single-track trails located in Crawford Hills. For more information, please visit Jackson County [exit DNR].
• All ATVs and motorcycles are required to have a functioning Forest Service approved spark arrestor. Poorly maintained spark arrestors emit carbon that could start a fire.
• All ATVs and motorcycles are required to meet a 96dB sound limit subject to an approved SAE sound test.
• Stay on designated trails at all times. Riding off designated trails is illegal and subject to a citation with associated costs of $249.
• Whether an operator or rider, anyone younger than 18 years must wear a helmet.
• ATV trails on the state forest are "two-way" trails; keep to the right and avoid taking inside corners.
• Never operate an ATV or motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Operate vehicles at a reasonable speed.
• Always wear protective clothing (long pants, shirt and boots), goggles and a full helmet.
• Always use the buddy system when riding on trails.
• Do not damage vegetation or natural features on the trail or anywhere else within the state forest.
• Don't litter.
• Stay out of wet areas, ditches, lowlands and other sensitive areas.
• If you witness unsafe practices on the trail, get the best description possible of the offender and report the incident to a Department of Natural Resources law enforcement ranger or warden.

For additional safety information, see the DNR's ATV "Ride Safe" brochure [PDF, 166KB]

Trail Emergency Numbering System

Jackson County has installed special signage at half-mile intervals on public ATV/motorcycle trail to assist you with emergency situations on the trail. These sign posts are also located on Black River State Forest ATV and motorcycle trails.

When using the trail emergency
numbering system, read sign
numbers to the emergency
dispatcher from top to bottom.

The signs are blue posts, each with two red numbers. The top number identifies the specific segment of the trail system; the bottom number represents the mileage marker for that trail. When calling in an emergency, you should read the numbers to the dispatcher from top to bottom. For example, "Trail 94, mile 1.5." This will help EMS and law enforcement personnel to pinpoint your position and speed the arrival of emergency services.