Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Cattail State Trail

The Cattail State Trail travels for 17.8 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.

Cattail State Trail Map [PDF 220KB]

The Cattail State Trail is open year-round to a wide-variety of uses. Trail uses include walking, mountain biking,wildlife viewing, horseback riding and snowmobiling. All-terrain vehicles are allowed on the trail year-round. Off-road motorcycles are allowed on the trail year-round in Polk County only.

As a multi-use trail, 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]

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.

More Information

Accommodations and service are available year-round in Amery, Almena and Turtle Lake. Rest rooms are available at the Amery trailhead.

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.

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.

Cattail Trail Days are held in Amery the first weekend in June.

The southern end of the 98-mile Gandy Dancer State Trail is near the Cattail State Trail in Polk County.

Barron County [exit DNR]
Polk County [exit DNR]
Amery [exit DNR]
Turtle Lake [exit DNR]
Weather [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