Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System
Tuscobia State Trail

This 74-mile trail on a former rail corridor is one of the longest rail trails in the state, running from Park Falls to the Wild Rivers State Trail just north of Rice Lake. The trail passes through part of the Flambeau River State Forest and the rugged wilderness of Wisconsin's Blue Hills. The trail connects seven small communities in Barron, Washburn, Sawyer and Price counties, each providing year-round accommodations and services.

ATVs on the Tuscobia State Trail.
DNR Photo

Activities

The Tuscobia State Trail is a year-round multiple use recreational trail that offers opportunities for ATVs, snowmobiling, horseback riding, off-road bicycling and walking. Trail activities vary by time of year and by county. The western end of the trail is part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. 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]

All-Terrain Vehicles

ATV use varies by different sections on the trail. In Price County, ATVs are allowed on the trail during the summer months between April 15 and November 15. From the Price/Sawyer County line to the Red Cedar Lake bridge just west of Birchwood (Sawyer County and a small part of Washburn County), ATVs are allowed year-round on the trail, except during hunting seasons from November 15 to December 15. Operators must follow all Wisconsin ATV operation laws. The trail also provides numerous connections to many 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 that portion of the Tuscobia State Trail that is authorized by the Master Plan for use by ATVs and as posted by the Department. 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.

ATVs are not allowed on the Tuscobia State Trail between the Red Cedar Lake bridge and the junction with the Wild Rivers State Trail as this segment is currently designated as part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. ATVs are permitted to cross west over the bridge to connect with Washburn County ATV trails, but must stay off the Tuscobia Trail corridor from the the Red Cedar Lake bridge to the Wild Rivers Trail.

Walking and Bicycling

   The entire trail is open to walking and bicycling, though bicycling is not recommended. The trail is not groomed or surfaced and 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. Pet owners must share the trail with motorized vehicles and horses.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

 The section of the Tuscobia State Trail from its connection with the Wild Rivers State Trail north of Rice Lake (County Highway SS in Barron County near Haugen) to the Barron/Washburn county line west of Red Cedar Lake at 30th Avenue is certified as part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The Ice Age Trail is designated further east over the Red Cedar Lake bridge to Loch Lomond Blvd.

After crossing over the bridge, the current route of the Ice Age Trail goes off the Tuscobia State Trail corridor and continues east on Featherstone Road (which parallels State Highway 48), then south on Loch Lomond Blvd. to the Barron County Forest.

ATVs are permitted to cross west over the Red Cedar Lake bridge to connect with Washburn County ATV trails, but must stay off the Ice Age Trail certified/designated portion of the Tuscobia Trail corridor from the the Red Cedar Lake bridge to County Highway SS.

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

The entire trail is open to snowmobiling when conditions permit. Snowmobile operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws, including traveling no more than 15 miles per hour within any of the village limits. The trail provides numerous connections to county snowmobile trail systems.

   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.

Hunting and Fishing

Deer hunting is allowed during the regular 9-day gun deer season in November. Small game hunting or trapping is not allowed along the trail. A Wisconsin fishing license is required to fish in the several waterways along or near the Tuscobia State Trail.

More Information

See the links below for more information about activities, communities, area attractions, features and other useful links for the Tuscobia State Trail.

For more information, ask:

Tuscobia State Trail
Winter Ranger Station
5289 North Cemetery Rd.
PO Box 187
Winter, WI 54896
(715) 266-7032