The Tuscobia State Trail is a 74-mile, multi-use, rails-trails conversion that spans four counties in northern Wisconsin. It was once the Omaha Line and for seventy years it was the transportation backbone of the region’s logging and farming industries. It took 15 years to build the line between Rice Lake and Park Falls. When it was completed in 1914, it quickly became the best way to transport pulpwood to the burgeoning Flambeau Paper Mill in Park Falls. But times changed. By the mid-50s the line was abandoned in disrepair. In 1968, development of the Tuscobia State Trail began.
While the full length of the trail is 74 miles, only 62 miles are open to ATVs. The westernmost 12 miles of the trail, from Rice Lake to Birchwood, are closed to ATVs. Despite that, the trail from Birchwood east to Park Falls offers some terrific scenery and plenty of ATV adventures. With six towns along the route, lodging, food and fuel are readily available.
In Park Falls, a large parking area is located at the Park Falls-Tuscobia Trailhead County Park, which has an ATV loading ramp. The city of Park Falls is ATV friendly; riders can travel through town on posted roads. If you like camping, Smith Lake County Park & Campground just west of the city has direct access to the trail. Located on the shores of the Flambeau River, the park offers year-round electric hookups, flush toilets and showers April through October, and an ATV loading ramp.
Park Falls is a district headquarters for the nearby Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. At the district office, (1170 4th Ave S), you can pick up a map showing the forest roads and trails posted for ATV use.
- DISTANCE: 62 miles one way from Park Falls to Birchwood.
- DIFFICULTY: Easy.
- TRAILHEAD LOCATION(S): In Rice Lake and in Park Falls.
- SEASON: April 15 to November 15.
- OTHER TRAILS IN THIS REGION: Wild Rivers State Trail, Flambeau Trail System, Flambeau River State Forest Trail, the Pine Line Trail, Georgetown
- Trail, and Dead Horse Trail.
- NOTE: The Tuscobia is closed to ATV use from Rice Lake to Birchwood. Traveling on posted roads in Park Falls is permitted; signs will indicate designated routes. Headlights and taillights must be on within the city limits. Drivers and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.
- CAUTION: Trail is open to other outdoor enthusiasts. Please use caution and good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.
- FEES: None.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Friends of the Tuscobia Trail
800/762-7179
www.tuscobiatrail.com
Park Falls Area Chamber of
Commerce
800/762-2709
www.parkfalls.com
Price County Tourism
800/269-4505
www.pricecountywi.net
Winter Area Chamber of Commerce
800/762-7179 or 715/266-2204
www.winterwi.com
