Trails in Taylor County, WI

Set out to see the wilds of Taylor County on miles of beautiful general use and specialized trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, and ATV/off-road vehicles. Experience all the scenic joys the county has to offer year round! The many free and low-cost recreational trails that traverse Taylor County are among the most rewarding ways to experience the outdoors.

Summer Trails

Winter Trails

Website: iceagetrail.org
Map of Ice Trail: Ice Trail Map

Map: Pine Line Rail Trail
ATV DNR Info: dnr.wi.gov
Lic Plates: wisconsinatvplates

Hunter Walking Trails:
Taylor County Forest

Hunter Walking Trails:
Taylor County Forest

Ice Age Trail

Taylor County is proudly home to approximately 65 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the most of any Wisconsin county! Winding through public, county, and US National Forest Service land, the Ice Age Trail immerses hikers in the geological formations and landscapes sculpted by glacier movement from long ago. The Ice Age trail is reserved for foot travel only, ensuring an unbroken natural experience.

Jump on at one of the many Taylor County trailheads to enjoy this fascinating terrain year-round with a day trip or thru hike. Backpackers may camp along the trail provided that the camp is at least 50 feet from the trail and 75 feet from any water source. Ice Age Trail is maintained by volunteers and is part of a 600-mile trail system crossing Wisconsin from Lake Michigan in the east, to the St. Croix River in the west.

Timm’s Hill National Trail

This free trail spans 10 beautiful miles on Taylor County’s northeastern edge, connecting the Ice Age Trail with Timm’s Hill in Price County, the highest natural point in Wisconsin. This non-motorized, multi-use path is open for hiking and biking in summer months and is groomed for diagonal skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter months. Horses are allowed on the trail from May 1st to November 15th. Please note that the trail is closed during gun hunting season.

The southern trailhead parking area is located at Rusch Preserve on Highway C in Taylor County just south of Rustic Road #1. While most of the trail is grassy terrain, the southern one-half mile was rebuilt in 2016 to include a kiosk with historical artifacts and a hillside rock wall of over 90 feet. Timm’s Hill Trail is maintained by volunteers.

Aldo Leopold Trail

Aldo Leopold was an important figure in forming the modern ideas of conservation ethics and wildlife management, both in the state of Wisconsin and throughout the United States. His beloved book, entitled A Sand County Almanac (1949), is a work full of thoughtful reflections about the natural world and the ways humans influence it, for better and for worse. Discover these ideas for yourself on your journey on this 1.2-mile hiking trail.  Through a series of engraved educational signs, hikers and nature lovers can explore the life, ideas, and legacy of Aldo Leopold.

The trail is open all year to foot traffic only. The trailhead is located about 25 miles northwest of Medford  off of Highway D, within the Mondeaux Hardwoods State Natural Area.

Bear Crossing Ski Trails

Bear Crossing is a family-owned trail system featuring 4 miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. The Livingston family’s 276 acres offer a scenic wooded display with eight interconnected loops that take skiers and snowshoers through a variety of terrains and forest features. The varying loops, ranging from 0.4 to 0.7 miles long, accommodate skiers of all ages and abilities, while still offering some challenging hills for more advanced visitors. A creek and picturesque wooden bridges run through the area to enhance the natural charm of the winter outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, hares, maybe even a porcupine! A chorus of winter songbirds will serenade you on your outing.

Bear Crossing Ski Trails are located about 11 miles northwest of Medford. Trails are open daily from 8am to dusk; it is recommended to call ahead for trail conditions on weekdays. Donations are appreciated to support costs associated with trail and parking area maintenance, though there is no set fee to use the trails.

Campus Wood Trail

The Campus Woods Trail is a walking and winter recreational trail that winds through the wooded forest near the County/USDA Agriculture Center at the end of Donald Street. This leisurely walking trail makes it possible to enjoy a forest escape just a short distance from downtown Medford. Enjoy an easy day’s hike year-round on foot, cross-country skis, or snowshoes. While you’re there, keep your eyes and ears peeled for many of your favorite Wisconsin birds. In spring, the wildflower display is stunning.

Access the parking area and trailhead from 925 Donald Street.

Forest Springs Trail

The Forest Springs Trails cover a diverse wooded landscape with plenty of quiet spots to stop for reflection and appreciation. In the summer, take your two wheels or two feet out adventuring! Over 12 miles of gravel mountain bike trails give you a great view of the hardwood forest. Hiking loops take you on a pleasant walk with picnic spots and rest benches along the way.

In the winter, cross-country skiers can explore 12 trail loops, each spanning about 1 to 2 kilometers. The naturally variable terrain provides routes ranging from easy to very difficult. Ski trails are groomed daily for classic and skate skiing styles. Separate snowshoe trails take a meandering path through the quiet winter landscape.

Gerstberger Pines Nature Trail

This 3/4-mile, family-friendly hiking trail offers a unique glimpse into the history of Wisconsin’s forests through awe-inspiring ancient trees and educational signposts. Gerstberger Pines Nature Trail showcases one of the last sections of old growth forest in the state, with towering white pines, red oak, yellow birch and hemlock trees that are up to 200 years old. The wood-chip path is marked by numbered posts describing the natural features and historical influences on this great forest.

Gerstberger Pines Nature Trail is located on Taylor County land south of Rib Lake.

Pine Line Trail

The Pine Line Trail spans 26.2 miles of former railroad bed between Taylor and Price counties and is named for the primary cargo shipped on the Wisconsin Central Railroad for over 100 years: eastern white pine. Tall pines still line the path to remind you of this rich history. Enjoy meandering scenery from dairyland, wetland, and rolling forests, including a trestle bridge and restored train depot waypoint in Ogema. From April to November, the limestone and gravel trail is open to bicyclists and hikers. Horses may also use four feet of clearance on the righthand side. During the remaining months, December through March, the trails are open for ATV and snowmobile use, weather permitting.

Access the Pine Line Trail in Taylor county from the Allman Street parking area in Medford or along municipal streets in the cities of Ogema, Westboro, Chelsea, and Whittlesey.

Perkinstown Ski & Snowshoe Trails

Perkinstown Winter Sports Area is home to all the best kinds of Wisconsin winter fun! In addition to a tubing hill, the facility offers 9 miles of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. The segmented loops accommodate winter adventurers of all skill levels– pick just one or do them all! Warm up after your snowy outing in the cozy chalet and enjoy a bite from the concessions area. Perkinstown ski and snowshoe trails are available on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting. Equipment rentals are available on-site at full- and half-day rates.

Rib Lake Ski and Snowshoe Trails

Embrace the winter chill with an exhilarating trek through 30 kilometers (18 miles) of ski and snowshoe trails. The free public trails are groomed regularly for diagonal skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing with options for varying skill levels. Of special note is the Beginners Loop, a 2-mile scenic loop featuring the Friendship Bridge, a 43-foot bridge used solely for cross-country skiing– the longest of its kind in the 48 contiguous states! Several additional loops provide more challenging terrain for experienced skiers and snowshoers.Trails are typically open from mid-December to late March, depending on weather.

Trails are maintained by Rib Lake Ski & Snowshoe Club, a nonprofit organization based in Taylor County.

Riverwalk

Stroll along the waterfront on Medford’s scenic Riverwalk! This walking trail follows the banks of the Black River and millpond through town, weaving through several of the city’s scenic parks along the way. The 1-mile urban trail brings together the freedom of the woods and the nearness of the city, traveling through residential areas and ending at City Park, where even more recreational opportunities abound. Inviting observation areas, a covered bridge, and picnic spots on the water make it a special spot for an afternoon with loved ones. Stay and play awhile!

Taylor County Forest Trail

Access the rich natural resources of wild game on Taylor County Forest’s hunter walking trails. The county’s public hunting land is managed to preserve and grow the natural populations of Wisconsin’s top game animals like whitetail deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, coyotes, and many others. These hunting and trapping trails provide access throughout the county’s public hunting land so you can set up, take aim and bring home the big one.

Taylor County Horse Camp and Trail

Individuals and riding clubs are invited to explore and unwind on horseback! Bring all your friends– both two-legged and four-legged– to Taylor County’s Horse Camp and Trail. Over 12 miles of winding horse trails unfold into uninterrupted county forest lands for a serene and tranquil time away.

The trailhead and parking area are located about 10 miles northeast of Rib Lake.