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Cattail State Trail
Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Cattail State Trail
The Cattail State Trail travels for 18 miles on a former rail corridor between the communities of Amery and Almena in northwestern Wisconsin. Forests, farmlands, prairies, hills and various wildlife habitats surround the trail, which also passes through the village of Turtle Lake. The trail is maintained and managed by Polk and Barron counties.
Trail Map
Trail Activities
Trail Facts
- Rail Trail: Yes
- Length: 18 Miles
- Surface: Crushed Stone
- Counties: Polk, Barron
- Communities: Amery, Turtle Lake, Almena
- Master Plan (1999) [PDF]
Trail Activities
The Cattail State Trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. 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]
Motorized Vehicles
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are allowed on the trail year-round. Off-road motorcycles are allowed on the trail year-round in Polk County only. Operators must follow all Wisconsin ATV operation laws. Barron County has an extensive network of ATV routes and has opened a trail that connects with the Cattail, east from Almena to the village of Poskin. The connecting trail is on private land, please stay on the trail and respect property boundaries.
In March 2010 the State authorized a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) Pilot Program for operation of UTVs on designated ATV trails and road routes. Until June 30, 2012, UTVs may use the Cattail State Trail that is authorized by the Master Plan for use by ATVs and as posted by the counties. A trail segment may not be posted open for UTV use unless the county has passed a resolution for the county to participate in the pilot program. UTV Pilot Program.
Walking & Bicycling
The entire trail is open to walking and bicycling, though bicycling is not recommended. The trail may be rough or soft in many sections. If you plan to bike the trail, the tread is more suitable for off-road bikes.
Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.
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.
Winter Activities
Snowmobiles are permitted on the the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits. The Cattail State Trail also connects to numerous miles of Polk and Barron county snowmobile trails.
The trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed, and skiers and snowshoers must share the trail with snowmobiles and motorized vehicles.
More Information
See the links below for more information about activities, communities, area attractions, features and other useful links for the Cattail State Trail.
How to Get There
How to Get There
From the east or west take U.S. Highway 8 into Turtle Lake or Almena. The trail is near Highway 8 in both communities. The trailhead in Amery is near Highway 46. Take Highway 46 south from Highway 8 into Amery. From the north or south, take U.S. Highway 63 to its connection with Highway 8 just outside of Turtle Lake. Accommodations and service are available year-round in Amery, Almena and Turtle Lake. Rest rooms are available at the Amery trailhead.
In the Area
Parks and Trails
Wild Rivers State Trail
Stower Seven Lakes State Trail
Interstate State Park
Ice Age Trail
Gandy Dancer State Trail
About 2.5 miles east of Almena, Barron County has developed an ATV intensive use area. There is a trail head with rest rooms available. Both ATV and snowmobile routes pass through the area and can use the trailhead.
Tourism Listings
Nearby activities, accommodations, dining, events, and more.
Rice Lake Area - WI Department of Tourism [exit DNR]
Polk County Area - WI Department of Tourism [exit DNR]
For more information, ask:
Barron County Forestry Department
127 South 4th Street
Barron, WI 54812
(715) 537-6295
Polk County Parks & Recreation Department
100 Polk Plaza #10
Balsam Lake, WI 54810
(715) 485-9272
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