Black River State Forest
Recreation - Day Use Activities
Day use of Black River State Forest facilities requires a current vehicle admissions sticker. Use of certain trails also requires a state forest/state park trail pass (day use or annual).
Biking
Individuals 16 years of age or older who wish to ride on state forest bike trails must obtain a state forest/state park trail pass (day use or annual). A daily trail pass is $4.00 and an annual pass is $20.00 for both residents and non-residents. Riders should note that bike trail surfaces vary, and include sand, gravel and grass.
For a map of the trails and additional information, see the Black River State Forest Hiking, Biking, & Skiing Trails brochure (PUB FR-168, PDF, 512KB]
Canoeing
Black River State Forest maintains four canoe landings, located at East Fork Campground, Halls Creek, Perry Creek, and Mason's Landing. In addition, two canoe campsites are available south of Black River Falls. Canoe campers are limited to one night's stay at these campsites. For additional information, including a map of canoe landings, see our information sheet on canoeing (PDF, 38KB].
A dam is located on the Black River in the city of Black River Falls. Canoeing is not recommended when three or more dam gates are open, and requires average or better skills when two gates are open. Canoeing is considered safe when all gates are closed.
Fishing
Common fish species found in the Black River and impoundment areas include walleye, small and large mouth bass, northern pike, musky and pan fish. Fishing in these areas is considered average.
Visitors must obtain the proper fishing licenses. Also, please review the Department of Natural Resource's fishing regulations when planning your fishing trip on the state forest.
Hiking and Nature Trails
To hike the forest trails, visitors must have an admissions sticker on their vehicle when parked in the picnic area lots next to Castle Mound, Pigeon Creek and East Fork campgrounds.
Trail Safety
Hiking conditions vary from easy to difficult depending on the trail. The trails at Castle Mound, in particular, include stairways and steep climbs. In addition, not all trails are surfaced, and may be slippery when wet or if covered with leaves or loose gravel. Trails are open during small game and deer hunting seasons. To ensure your safety during these times, avoid brown or white clothing. Instead, wear blaze orange or bright colors, including a blaze orange hat.
Trail Locations
Nature trails with interpretative signs are available at the Pigeon Creek and Castle Mound campgrounds. There is also a nature trail at the East Fork Campground, but it is less developed and without interpretative information.
Hiking is also allowed on ski trails during summer, and in winter whenever the trails are not groomed for cross-country skiing. For a map of the trails and additional information, see the Black River State Forest Hiking, Biking, & Skiing Trails brochure (PUB FR-168, PDF, 512KB]
Hunting
Excellent hunting opportunities exist on the Black River State Forest for whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkey and squirrels. The forest is open to public hunting during designated seasons with the appropriate license.
Exceptions: Hunting is not allowed in designated public use areas (e.g., state forest campgrounds) or within the Dike 17 Wildlife refuge, although deer gun hunting IS allowed within the refuge during the nine-day deer gun season.
Hunters can obtain permits for off-site camping during the nine-day deer gun season at no charge, but they must obtain these permits prior to opening day. For more information, read our hunter camping information sheet [PDF, 99KB]. Also, please review the Department of Natural Resource's hunting regulations when planning your hunting trip.
Pet Rules
All pets must be on a leash no longer than eight feet in length in campground areas. Please clean up after your pet and attend to it at all times. No pets are permitted in buildings and picnic areas, or on nature trails and cross-country ski trails.
Picnicking
Picnicking in the forest requires a day use or annual vehicle admissions sticker. Picnic tables, hand pumps for water, grills and pit toilets are available at all three state forest campgrounds (Castle Mound, East Fork and Pigeon Creek). Castle Mound and Pigeon Creek campgrounds have playground equipment. In addition, a reservable log cabin shelter at Castle Mound Campground includes a stone fireplace, electricity, tables and an outdoor cooking grill.
Limited picnic facilities are also available at Perry Creek Park, Oxbow Pond and Robinson Beach. Perry Creek Park and Robinson Beach are accessible to handicapped patrons; Robinson Beach, in particular, includes a black-topped path to the restroom and a sidewalk to the beach. Oxbow Pond is not handicap accessible.
Swimming
Swimming requires a vehicle admission sticker. Swimmers should exercise caution as lifeguards are not on duty.
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