The outdoor adventures in Vilas County don’t stop when the snow flies—we’re home to some of northern Wisconsin’s best winter silent-sports trails, from scenic cross-country ski routes to stunning spots for snowshoeing to fat-tire biking hotspots. Here’s where you can find fun winter trails in each of our welcoming communities.
Find more information Vilas County’s trails here. Navigate your way on Vilas County’s trails with the free Map It Vilas County trails app.
Boulder Junction – Boulder Junction Winter Park
There’s lots of winter fun to be had at this park just east of downtown Boulder Junction. Skiers, snowshoers, and hikers can enjoy the approximately one-mile loop (groomed for cross-country skiing) that circles the park, and there is also a sledding hill, a regulation-size ice skating rink, and a new ice-skating ribbon at the park.
Conover – Pioneer Creek Cross-Country Ski Trail
Explore rolling hills that pass through a variety of forest types at this trail system, which can be accessed at Conover Town Park. The routes are groomed weekly (or as needed) and are appropriate for most skill levels. Conover Town Park has ADA-accessible heated bathrooms and a plowed parking area in winter.
Eagle River – Tara Lila Trails
Located adjacent to the Three Eagle Trail, which connects Eagle River with Three Lakes in Oneida County to the south, the Tara Lila Trails offer more than 10 miles of ungroomed cross-country ski and snowshoe routes to explore.
Lac du Flambeau – Powell Trail
Skiers, hikers, and snowshoers can enjoy this scenic, ungroomed trail that’s perfect for beginners and passes through old-growth timber and recently logged areas. The trail system is part of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and abuts the Powell Marsh Wildlife Area northeast of Highway 47.
Land O’ Lakes – Land O’ Lakes Cross-Country Ski Trails
Head to Land O’ Lakes in northern Vilas County to find this trail system, which offers 9 miles of groomed routes for skiers of all abilities. The eastern loop is groomed to provide extra room for snowshoers. The trails are maintained by the Land O’ Lakes Fish & Game Club in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service.
Manitowish Waters – North Lakeland Discovery Center Trails
This 12-mile trail system can be found on the grounds of the North Lakeland Discovery Center just north of U.S. Highway 51 in Manitowish Waters. The trails are open from dawn to dusk for skiing and snowshoeing and pass by Statehouse Lake and the Manitowish River. Parking, trail information, and a warming house can be found at the Discovery Center.
Minocqua Area – Madeline Trail
This trail system in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is located just east of Woodruff in southern Vilas County and features tracked routes for cross-country skiing that range from 3 to 5 miles. Snowshoeing, hiking, and pets are not allowed on the Madeline Trail in the winter. A Wisconsin DNR trail pass is required.
Phelps – Deerskin Snowshoe Trails
This winter route is maintained for snowshoeing starting December 15 and running through the end of the snow season. Trail users will find four color-coded loops that cover a total of 12 miles along forested ridges and the Deerskin River. Each loop is one-way, and the trails are maintained by the town of Phelps. (Note that snowmobilers may use some segments of the trail.)
Presque Isle – Van Vliet Hemlocks
A recently developed trail system at the Van Vliet Hemlocks State Natural Area near Presque Isle is open to hikers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers in the winter. The trail system consists of loops of various lengths on the shores of Van Vliet Lake and Averill Lake.
Sayner-Star Lake – Razorback Ridges
A popular destination for mountain biking in the warmer months, Razorback Ridges (about 2 miles west of Sayner) is a great spot for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Half of the groomed ski trails are dedicated to skate-style skiing, with the other half groomed for classic skiing. Two trail loops are designated for snowshoeing, and the trails are open to skijoring on Thursday and Sunday afternoons. Restrooms and warming facilities are located at the trailhead.
St. Germain – Shannon Trail
Fat-tire bikers will enjoy riding on this trail in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest that has a mix of easy/beginner and intermediate loops. Part of the trail system loops around Shannon Lake, while the rest of this gently rolling trail passes through beautiful Northwoods forests.
Winchester – WinMan Trails
The WinMan Trails are located halfway between Manitowish Waters and Winchester in northwestern Vilas County and sit on 1,300 acres of public and private land. In winter, WinMan is home to 23km (14 miles) of ski trails for classic and skate-style skiing, 10 miles of groomed fat-tire biking trails, and more than 9 miles of snowshoe trails. Trails are free to use but donations are accepted.
