Brule River State Forest - Recreation - Trails

The Brule River State Forest offers numerous trails that provide scenic views and quiet serenity whether you are hiking, snowshoeing, biking, horseback riding, or skiing.

Old Bayfield Road Hiking and Snowshoe Trail

This approximately 2.25-mile trail is located three miles north of Highway 2 on Clevedon Road. The trail travels eastward down a hill past some old copper mine sites, and then climbs a scenic ridge to pass near the Clevedon fire tower. (Do not climb the fire tower ladder. It is illegal and unsafe.) The trail then continues south and loops back to the parking lot. During the winter months, the trail is popular for snowshoeing.

A section of the trail was recently logged due to oak tree mortality brought on by an infestation of the two-lined chestnut borer (Agrilus bilineatus). This pest attacked the oaks in 2002 and 2003, when drought and the forest tent caterpillar had already weakened the trees.

Stoney Hill Nature Trail

This 1.7-mile, self-guided nature trail begins and ends at the Bois Brule Campground. Parts of the trail are steep, but a rest stop and overlook at the top of Stoney Hill provide an enjoyable break, with breathtaking views of the Brule River Valley. Because this trail is a designated nature trail, pets are not allowed.

Hunter Walking Trails

Over 40 miles of hunter walking trails crisscross the Brule River State Forest.

• Casey-Percival Creek is a 14-mile trail near Copper Range Campground, off Clevedon Road, CCC Square Road, and Miller Road.
• Beaupre Springs is a five-mile trail near Lake St. Croix.
• Afterhours Road is a 15-mile trail off Highway 2.
• Hill Top is an eight-mile trail on County Road B near the Winneboujou canoe landing.
• Anderson Road is a three-mile trail near County Road S, off Francis Willard Road, Anderson Road, and Vapa Road.

Afterhours Trail

The Afterhours Trail offers recreational opportunities throughout the seasons. In winter, it serves as a well-maintained system of cross-country ski trails (PDF, 73KB) for both classical and skate skiing. A trail pass is required during the ski season.

In spring through fall, the Afterhours Trail may be used for hiking and biking. In the fall, hunters may also use these trails.

The Historic Brule to St. Croix Portage Trail

The Brule to St. Croix Portage Trail is part of the National Register of Historic Landmarks. The trail begins at the sign on County Highway A at the north end of Lake St. Croix. Parking is available in the St. Croix picnic area.

A little less than two miles in length one-way, this portage trail was used for centuries by Native Americans, explorers, traders, trappers, and missionaries as an important link between Lake Superior and the Mississippi River via the Brule and St. Croix Rivers. Daniel Greysolon Sieur DuLhut first recorded the trail's existence in 1680. He was followed by many notables of early American history, including Jonathon Carver and Henry Schoolcraft, who are credited with discovering the source of the Mississippi. As you hike the trail along the upper Brule River among scenic bluff tops and pine flats, you will find several stone markers commemorating early trail users.

North Country Trail

On its route between North Dakota and New York, the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) passes through the Brule River State Forest. The 16-mile segment within the forest offers a true outdoor experience to visitors. Hikers can access the trail from a new trailhead and marker dedicated to U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, located eight miles south of Brule along State Highway 27.

In addition to this trailhead, there are NCT trailheads on Samples Road, Highway S, and at the north end of Lake St. Croix on County Highway A, where the Brule to St. Croix Portage Trail and the NCT follow the same route for two miles. Visitors can contact the North Country Trail Association for maps and information on the trail in the Brule River State Forest area.

Brule-St. Croix Snowmobile Trail (Trail 27 and 27A)

The 26-mile Brule-St. Croix Trail connects the parking area on State Highway 27 to St. Croix Lake. This trail is open to snowmobiles and ATVs during the winter months and can be used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding during other seasons. Connecting trails link to the trail systems of Bayfield and Douglas counties.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riders can enjoy miles of trails within the Brule River State Forest, including the Brule-St. Croix Snowmobile Trail, hunter walking trails and numerous back roads. The North Country Trail is for foot traffic only; no horses are allowed.

Riders are encouraged to locate watering points on a map before starting out or bring water along on the ride. Riders should also keep in mind that hunters use the trails during the deer season. There is no horse camping on the Brule River State Forest, but private campgrounds in the area do accommodate horse campers.