Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Wild Rivers State Trail

The Wild Rivers State Trail stretches 104 miles through Douglas, Washburn and Barron counties in northwest Wisconsin. The Wild Rivers trail is maintained and managed by each of the three counties it passes through. The area surrounding the Wild Rivers trail is rich in natural resources and wildlife habitat. The trail crosses numerous rivers and streams, including the Namakagon River, a federally designated river which is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Restored depot in Rice Lake.
DNR Photo

The trail, following a former railroad corridor, begins just south of Superior, near the intersection of County Highway C and County Highway A, and passes through the communities of Solon Springs, Gordon, Minong, Trego, Spooner and Haugen, ending in Rice Lake.

Trail Activities

The Wild Rivers 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]

The Wild Rivers trail is surfaced with highway grade compacted gravel in Barron and Washburn counties and with rough railroad ballast in Douglas County, allowing for the trail to be open year-round to a wide-variety of uses. Contact the county operators with any questions on availability or dates for the different trail uses.

Motorized Vehicles

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are allowed on the trail year-round. Operators must follow all Wisconsin ATV operation laws. The Wild Rivers State Trail also provides connections to many miles of county ATV trail systems.

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 Wild Rivers 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.

Ice Age & North Country National Scenic Trails

   Both the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail cross the Wild Rivers State Trail. Just north of Rice Lake, the Wild Rivers trail connects to the Tuscobia State Trail. The segment of the Tuscobia trail nearest its junction with the Wild Rivers trail, from Highway SS to the Barron/Washburn county line (near Angus), is designated as part of the Ice Age Trail and is limited to non-motorized use, with the exception of snowmobiling in winter. Motorized vehicles are also prohibited on the North Country Trail.

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 Wild Rivers State Trail also connects to numerous miles of 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 Wild Rivers State Trail.

For more information, ask:

Douglas County Forestry Dept.
P.O. Box 211,
Solon Springs WI 54873
(715) 378-2219

Barron County Forestry Department
127 South 4th Street
Barron, WI 54812
(715) 537-6295

Washburn County Forestry Department
850 W Beaver Brook Ave. #4
Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-4490