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Cattail State Trail Just an hour’s drive from the Twin Cities, the Cattail State Trail is one of the most popular ATV destinations in northwestern Wisconsin. Developed on a former railroad grade, the 18-mile Cattail State Trail meanders through some of Wisconsin’s most picturesque forests and farmlands. The trail passes through Turtle Lake as it connects Amery in Polk County with Almena in Barron County. The Cattail is a prime example of a multi-use trail that’s enjoyed by many outdoor recreational enthusiasts. Open year round for ATVing, other trail uses include hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, horseback riding and snowmobiling. Offroad motorcycles are allowed on the trail year-round in Polk County only. As a multi-use trail, the Cattail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. Consequently, it’s important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users. In Amery, the trailhead is situated near Hwy 46 and the ever-popular Apple River. Heading east, you ride through some remnant forest before encountering farmland and prairie. Just east of Amery, the trail follows Beaver Brook northwest toward the hamlet of Joel, about six miles from Amery. East of Joel, the trail dives into a thick wooded section and cruises past rich wetlands with an abundance of wildlife. Turtle Lake is also home to Lake Country Dairy (www.lumberjackcheese.com, 715/986-2893), a 60,000 square-foot cheese factory that can turn 2 million pounds of milk into 80,000 pounds of cheese in a day. Visitors can see the cheese-making process and buy a variety of cheeses in their retail outlet. After sampling these diversions in Turtle Lake, saddle up and continue heading east on the Cattail Trail. Just out of town, the tree-lined trail skirts Mud Lake, then bridges the creek between Upper and Lower Turtle Lakes before crossing Hwy 8 on the final leg of the trail to the Barron County Picnic Area in Almena. You’ll find fuel and food and a chance to rest before the return trip on the Cattail Trail. For those with a continual need for speed, motorsports abound in nearby towns. The Kopellah Speedway (www.kopellahspeedway.net; 715/566-0646) in nearby St. Croix Falls hosts automobile racing on its one-quarter mile, semi-banked clay oval race track every Friday night from early April through early September. Or, head north to Rice Lake for Saturday night racing action at the Rice Lake Speedway (www.rlspeedway.com; 715/236-2002) where racing begins in April and ends in September. DIFFICULTY: Easy. TRAILHEAD LOCATION(S): The trailhead in Amery is near Hwy 46 and the Apple River. Trail access also is available in Turtle Lake at Railway Park, and in Almena at the Barron County Picnic Area. SEASON: Open year round. OTHER TRAILS IN THIS REGION: Gandy Dancer State Trail, Wild Rivers State Trail, Tuscobia State Trail. 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. AREA ATTRACTIONS: St. Croix Casino and Hotel, and the Lake Country Dairy in Turtle Lake. FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Click here to download the Cattail ATV Trail map.
Wild Rivers State Trail
Located in the Red Cedar Valley of Wisconsin, Rice Lake is a hotbed of outdoor recreation. The southern trailhead is located near Hwy 48 and Cty SS. Three miles north of town, the Wild Rivers State Trail connects with the Tuscobia State Trail. While it might be tempting to take the Tuscobia east, ATV use is prohibited from Rice Lake to near Birchwood (about 10 miles). The Wild Rivers Trail continues north following Cty SS as it crosses to the west side of Highway 53 through the town of Haugen and into Washburn County. It’s an easy ride into Sarona, where you can make a quick pit stop for gas. North of Sarona the trail meanders along Hwy 53 for a few miles before veering northwest into deep forest sections. Riders will enjoy the wide sweeping turns and spectacular views. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of deer and other wildlife. In Spooner you’ll find plenty of food and lodging choices. Off the 4-wheeler, you can tour the Tommy G. Thompson State Fish Hatchery (715/635-4147) or the Railroad Memories Museum (715/635-3325, www.spoonerwi.com). If you’re a real railroad buff, you might like a train ride aboard the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad Excursion Train (715/635-3200, www.spoonertainride.com). From Spooner, the trail cuts back to the northeast around the northern edge of Spooner Lake. An easy ride brings you to Trego and the Namekagon River, which is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Be sure to stop on the bridge north of town to take in the vista of the rolling, winding waterway. Heading north, the trail winds past Lampson skirting the eastern shore of Leaving Minong, the Wild Rivers Trail continues north past Wascott and Gordon to Solon Springs in Douglas County. Solon Springs marks the north/south watershed between the Lake Superior basin and the Mississippi River basin. From here, the St. Croix River tumbles southwest 200 miles to meet the Mississippi at Prescott. In the marshes just north of town, the Bois Brule River begins its run in the opposite direction – north to Lake Superior through the 48,000 acres of the Brule River State Forest (715/372-5678, www.wiparks.net). In Solon Springs, riders can take a small spur trail that heads east to a gas station and restaurants. The trail terminates at the St. Croix Inn with access to Upper St. Croix Lake. Just to the north, Lucius County Park overlooks the lake with 24 campsites nestled among large white and red pines.
DISTANCE: 104 miles one way from Rice Lake to just south of Superior.
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| Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 October 2009 16:44 |
One of the longest trail systems in the state, the Wild Rivers State Trail traverses three northwestern Wisconsin counties. The 104-mile trail is a former Omaha and Soo Line Railroad grade that parallels US Hwy 53 from Rice Lake to Superior.