One of the more challenging trail systems in Wisconsin is the Dead Horse Run Trail. Once lightly traveled by ATV enthusiasts, more and more are discovering the system. It’s no wonder; the trail’s diverse terrain and Northwood’s scenery make it an experience you’ll enjoy.
The peculiar name comes from an incident that occurred in the early 1900s. A team of horses broke through the ice on a slough just east of Clam Lake and were never recovered. The slough became known as Dead Horse Slough and the name later transferred to the trail.
The Dead Horse intersects the Tuscobia State Trail just west of Park Falls. The trails of the Flambeau River State Forest are just to the south, while the Flambeau ATV Trail is just east of Park Falls. This trio of trails centered in Park Falls can make for great long-distance riding.
The trail traverses a remote area. You’ll encounter lots of rocks, trees, wetlands, creeks and rivers. Due to the heavy forest canopy, the trail can be wet with standing water. Fuel is available only in Clam Lake at the northwestern edge of the system or in Park Falls or Winter. Be prepared for the unexpected; carry tools and other necessities.
Speaking of the unexpected – on the trail you might hear or see elk. In 1995, Wisconsin re-introduced elk in this part of the forest. Today, the Clam Lake herd is estimated at 135 animals.
Entering from the Tuscobia State Trail, the Dead Horse cuts north through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Eight miles in you’ll hit a spur that leads southwest to the parking area at Camp Loretta. Continuing north, you’ll cross the Chippewa River and follow it to an intersection with Grass Road, where you’re just a mile south of the Stock Farm Bridge Campground on the shore of the river.
As the trail winds farther north, it becomes rockier, adding to the challenge. Twelve miles north of Stock Farm Bridge Campground, the trail hits the southern end of a 23-mile loop that crowns the trail. You can run the eastern side of the loop to a spur that continues an extra seven miles to Cayuga. Or, you can ride the western side past Dead Horse Slough and north along Dingdong Creek. Just north of Forest Road 182 a spur trail runs west 6 miles into Clam Lake.
Just north of town the National Forest Service operates a campground on the shores of Day Lake. Accessible to ATVs, the campground offers 52 campsites that can accommodate anything from tents to RVs. Day Lake is full of smaller muskies, so if you’ve brought your fishing gear, throw a bucktail off the pier and wait for a strike.
Clam Lake is one of the few places on the Dead Horse Run to refuel your quad and grab a bite to eat before doubling back on this round-trip ride.
- DISTANCE: 56 miles
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate to difficult
- TRAILHEAD LOCATION(S): A small trailhead is located on the east shore of Dead Horse Slough about two miles east of Clam Lake on Highway 77.
- Another trailhead is just north of Loretta. From the intersection of Hwy. 70 and County Hwy. GG, drive north 2.6 miles on GG. Turn left on Fire Road
- 621 to the entrance to an old CCC camp, which is the trailhead.
- SEASON: May 1 to March 14
- OTHER TRAILS IN THIS REGION: Tri-County Corridor, Tuscobia State Trail, Flambeau River State Forest Trail, Flambeau ATV Trail System
- NOTE: Be on the lookout for fallen trees and branches and large rocks on the trail.
- CAUTION: Because of the remoteness of the trail and its length, be sure to carry extra fuel, food and water.
- FEES: None.
- AREA ATTRACTIONS: An elk herd in the Clam Lake area.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chequamegon-Nicolet National
Forest
715/762-2461
www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/
Great Divide Ranger District
715/264-2511