As the weather warms up and the snow begins to melt, it’s time to start thinking about your next outdoor adventure in the Minocqua Area. Here are a few biking and hiking trails to put on your to-do list this spring.
Learn more about Minocqua’s biking and hiking trails here.
Bearskin State Trail
The most popular trail in the Minocqua Area, this 21.5-mile trail follows a former railroad line from Minocqua south to Tomahawk. (The trail takes its name from the Bearskin Creek it follows on the southern end.) The trail is compacted granite, meaning it’s perfect for walking and bicycling in the spring and summer. Note that a trail pass is required for bicyclists.
McNaughton Lake Trail
Located south of Lake Tomahawk along Highway 47, the McNaughton Trail offers 13 miles of biking and hiking routes around three lakes: Hawk Lake, Helen Lake, and McNaughton Lake. The unpaved trails offer gentle terrain with few steep hills and are suitable for all hikers and bikers. A parking area can be found along Kildare Road. Note that a trail pass is required for bicyclists.
Madeline Lake Trail
Hikers can head to Woodruff to discover this trail system that offers easy hikes and great views of Madeline Lake to the south. Trail loops range from 3.2 miles to 5.1 miles and traverse scenic Northwoods forests around not only Madeline Lake but also Carrol Lake and Little Arbor Vitae Lake. Pets are allowed on the trail when there is no snow.
Raven Trail
This trail system east of downtown Minocqua consists of several different loops, varying in length from 1.4 miles to 4.2 miles. The trails are moderately hilly and pass along the shores of Clear Lake, Inkpot Lake, and Hemlock Lake. The Raven Nature Trail, a 1.4-mile loop, is only open to hikers and pets are not allowed.