Black River State Forest Conditions

Conditions as of Thursday, February 9, 2012:

Snowmobile and All-terrain Vehicle (ATV) Trails

Please Note: Trails are closed to snowmobiles, but open to ATVs. Trails are in poor condition and likely icy in areas, so we recommend caution.

New this year, Jackson County Parks and Forests will be grooming all of the State Forest's snowmobile and winter ATV trails. This will create several efficiencies for both government entities.

Cross-Country Ski Trails

Temperatures were in the 40's over the weekend which has resulted in unskiable conditions.

Thank you to all of those who came out for the Candlelight hike and ski. About 125-150 people enjoyed a beautiful night on the forest's lit trail and enjoyed refreshments in the warming shelter. Thank you also to the Black River Forest Trail Foundation for sponsoring this event!

Snowshoe Trails

A variance to the property's master plan has been approved to allow the creation of a snowshoe trail at the Overmeyer Hills area. The new snowshoe trail will leave from the Smrekar warming cabin and make a one mile loop through the woods. We don't expect to be officially open until next winter. Crews are working at brushing this section of trail this winter and putting in trail markers. However, we will not be able to remove stumps until next Spring. In the meantime, the state forest offers several places where one can snowshoe on a marked trail. This includes the nature trails at Castle Mound and Pigeon Creek, and the five mile trail that connects Pigeon Creek to Smrekar Road.

Camping

East Fork campground is closed. Castle Mound offers walk-in sites with a few sites plowed in each campground. Castle Mound campground will be open for camping and on the reservation system from May 24 through September 3 this year. Castle Mound will be closed this spring and the fall while a new entrance station and shop are being constructed. New for 2012, Pigeon Creek campground will be on the reservation system. Nine of the 38 sites will be reservable from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

To make a reservation use the Web or call (888) 947-2757, TTY (800) 274-7275.

If backpacking is your preference, check out our new online permit [exit DNR].

Firewood Notice: Due to the potential of carrying harmful tree pests and diseases, firewood from out of state or from more than 25 miles away is not allowed on Wisconsin State Park or Forest properties. Also, firewood that has been in the Wisconsin emerald ash borer quarantined area [PDF 102KB] is not allowed on properties outside of the quarantined area. Please buy firewood at or near the park or forest where you are going. Call the DNR toll-free Firewood Hotline, (877) 303-WOOD ((877) 303-9663) for information before packing for a trip.

DNR Outdoor Report
Weather [exit DNR]

For more information, ask Black River State Forest, (715) 284-4103.

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