Wisconsin State Park System Bearskin State Trail

Named for the Bearskin Creek the trail follows, this 18-mile former railroad corridor is an opportunity to experience the Northwoods of Wisconsin. The railroad line was built to export white pine logs from the forests of northern Wisconsin to the cities of the Midwest. Today the trail is a recreation corridor, surfaced with compacted granite suitable for walking and bicycling in summer and snowmobiling in winter.

Few places in the world have more lakes per square mile than Oneida and Vilas counties. The lakes were formed by glaciers that melted and retreated north during the last Ice Age. Thirteen trestles cross the lakes and streams along the trail. The lakes of the Minocqua area are well known for their fishing.

The Northern Highland—American Legion (NH-AL) State Forest is nearby and offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities, including camping, hiking, bicycling, snowmobiling, canoeing, bird watching, fishing and hunting. The six-mile Hiawatha Trail in Lincoln County is also nearby. The Hiawatha Trail, on another segment of the same rail bed as the Bearskin State Trail, travels south from Heafford Junction to Tomahawk.

Trail activities

The 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]

Walking and bicycling

The level grade and surface make this trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers.

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.

Winter activities

Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The 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. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.

No Hunting and trapping allowed on trail

Hunting and trapping are not allowed on the trail corridor. For more information, please see:

• Hunting and trapping in Wisconsin State Parks

A portion of the trail property in the town of Hazlehurst is more than 100 yards from the trail corridor. This portion is open to hunting and trapping during the Wisconsin state parks hunting time frame.

State trail passes

State trail passes are required for bicyclists 16 years and older. Trail passes are available at local DNR offices, at the Minocqua Chamber of Commerce, and at the Northwoods Store near the south end of the trail. Self-registration boxes are also available at both trailheads.

Directions

Both trailheads are near State Highway 51 and have parking available. The north trailhead is in the town of Minocqua and the south trailhead is near the intersection of County Highway K and Highway 51 in Oneida County. The South Blue Lake rest area is at the center of the trail, and has water, rest rooms, picnic tables and grills.

Volunteering

• Wisconsin State Park System volunteering opportunities

Department of Tourism listings

• Minocqua, Arbor Vitae, Woodruff and Hazelhurst [exit DNR]

More in the area

• Minocqua [exit DNR]
• Tomahawk [exit DNR]