Northwest Wisconsin is a region rich in Nordic skiing tradition and history and blessed with some of the best cross country ski trails in the country. Not only are there literally hundreds of kilometers of groomed trails, but they represent a wide range of family-oriented to athletically challenging experiences in a setting of incredible natural beauty. With the region's strong Scandinavian heritage, it was only natural that Nordic skiing took root in northwest Wisconsin. Farmers, loggers and settlers of Norwegian, Finnish and Swedish extraction used cross country skis for work and recreation dating back to the early part of the twentieth century.
Snowshoeing is just about as silent a "silent sport" as you can find. The soft sound of your snowshoes packing the snow and your own heartbeat are about all one can hear as you make your way through the woods in the deep snow of our long northwestern Wisconsin winters. But where does one go to enjoy this increasingly popular winter sport? Unlike cross country skiing, developed snowshoe trail systems are still evolving across the region. We are fortunate, none the less, to have many excellent places to explore here in the wilds of northwestern Wisconsin.
Of course, the real die-hard adventurer doesn't even need a trail and can just head out into any tract of undeveloped land. For you, the vast county forests and national forest lands will provide ample opportunity to explore. Existing hiking and nature trails also offer fantastic snowshoeing options, many through deep woods in remote areas with others close to towns or major highways.
Though the number of mapped and marked snowshoe trails is still growing, those that we do have are outstanding. From the easy and rolling to trails that take you through some of the most rugged terrain in the region, there is a trail for everyone.
The quiet, the healthful exercise and fresh air, or the intimacy with wildlife and the forest - all good reasons to try snowshoeing in northwest Wisconsin. It doesn't take any special skills, but the rewards are many. We hope you enjoy your snowshoeing experience here in northwest Wisconsin and come back often to explore other parts of the region. And please, tell your friends.
The Wild Rivers State Trail stretches 104 miles through Douglas, Washburn and Barron counties in northwest Wisconsin. The Wild Rivers trail is maintained and managed by each of the three counties it passes through. The area surrounding the Wild Rivers trail is rich in natural resources and wildlife habitat. The trail crosses numerous rivers and streams, including the Namakagon River, a federally designated river which is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The trail is open to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is groomed, and skiers and snowshoers must share the trail with snowmobiles and motorized vehicles.
