Trail Conditions: Excellent
Date of Report: June 24, 2022
Area Report:
All branches and trees have been removed from the ATV/UTV trails. Thank you to the ATV clubs for checking trails and clearing them.
Trail Conditions: Good
Date of Report: June 16, 2022
Area Report:
6/16/2022 Sawyer County ATV Trail Report:
Wednesday, 6/15/22 we had some nice rain showers which should help keep the dust down and riding conditions great! Mosquito repellant is a must. Many of the trails are still seeing some effects from the March ice storm, so you may see some thinner trees hanging over sections of trail. We have crews planned to take care of these but if you see a trail-related problem, be sure to report to
info@sawyercountyalliance.com or cathy@sawyercountytrails.com.
Northwest area (Nelson Lake area) Trail 8 heading north from Nelson Lake is still wet and has some water in between the dry/rocky trail areas. Head east on the fire lanes around Nelson Lake to get to the Seeley Hills trails. Roads all around Nelson Lake are open to ATV traffic but watch for deer on the side of the roads. It’s also an easy ride to get into Hayward from here.
Northeast area (Seeley Hills-Moose Lake) A scenic trail system through the Sawyer County Forest – most trails are hard-packed dirt with areas of embedded rock and a couple areas of wash-out tiles (Trail 8). There are a few perennial water holes throughout, but they are drying up. This Saturday, June 18th, CAMBA is holding their mountain bike race, the Chequamegon 100. The racers will cross the ATV trails at several spots, as well as be on short stretches of a few ATV trails – Trail 31 from Phipps Fire Lane south for a short distance until they shoot off onto the Birkie ski trail, as well as other short segments. The ATV Trails do not close for these bike races, so please use caution.
We had some recent bulldozer and trail resurfacing on sections of Trail 31 above Chippewa Trail, as well as far up Trail 8 east. There is active logging going on just south of Lake Helane Rd on Trail 77.
Moose Lake Area; Series of gravel fire lanes and dirt trails. Some trails wind through moderate hilly areas. South on FR 319 will take you down to cross Hwy B then east to the River Rd area of the Chippewa Flowage. The graders have been out on Trail 5 and it’s shaping up nicely. A few days ago, bulldozing work was happening on Trail 715 (snowmobile trail 3/21) and a temporary re-route was in place during this. Moose Lake is a beautiful area to ride or stop for a bite to eat at one of the local establishments – all accessible by ATV. South on Trail 5 takes you through the Barker Lake/Fishtrap Lake areas and down to Winter/Loretta- there is a permanent re-route around Wolf’s Eagle Lodge – watch for signs.
LCO Loop: Some areas of sandy trail, along with hard-packed dirt trails that wind through a heavily forested area south of the Casino in Hayward. The first section of wooded trail (30) is probably the wettest, and usually has some good water holes throughout the season due to the heavy tree cover. Follow signage as you will cross a few roads between forest sections. Trail 29 is off Trail 30 and will take you over to the Round Lake. That trail can have a few deep-water holes along the way. Trail 30 ends at the intersection of Trail 3; head SE on Trail 3 at the intersection to get over to the top of Trail 777; two sections of challenging water and rock trail set in a hilly area of the forest, or you can head SW, staying straight on Trail 3, to get over to highway K/Hwy E for road riding to more areas, or to avoid the top of Trail 777.
Tuscobia/9-mile Loop: Graders have been out on the Tuscobia, our recent rain should help hold the dust down. Head west on the Tuscobia to get to the Birchwood area trails and the Spider Lake area trails and fire lanes. East takes you through Couderay, Radisson (gas/food), Ojibwa (camping), Winter (gas/food/more), Loretta (access Deadhorse Trail) and over to Oxbo and down to the Flambeau Forest trails before reaching Price County. There is a temporary re-route in the Flambeau Forest around the Connors Creek Bridge as it is not due to be replaced until fall. The section between Ojibwa and Winter had a few rough spots last weekend but hopefully the graders have it taken care of. 9-Mile Loop has two exits on the Tuscobia near Lemington.
These are not all our trails in Sawyer County, just highlights of ones recently ridden or have reports on over the past week or so.
Please contact the Chequamegon National Forest’s District Recreational Info at 715-634-4821 for additional questions. For the Flambeau State Forest call 715-332-5271.
Non-Resident Trail Passes are required for ATVs. (WI residents do not need a trail pass, but are required to display their registration sticker.)
State law requires ATVs to operate with headlights on at all times.
Sawyer County allows the use of Side by Sides on ALL ATV TRAILS, including those in the Chequamegon National Forest.
Trail Conditions: Unknown
Date of Report: June 15, 2022
Area Report:
All Langlade County ATV/UTV riders are advised to use caution while on the trails over the next few days as there are many branches and trees down over the ATV trails with more expected by tomorrow due to the forecasted weather. The ATV clubs are/will be working on checking trails and clearing them.
Trail Conditions: Good
Date of Report: June 15, 2022
Area Report:
6/14/2022 Sawyer County ATV Trail Report:
Our lack of rain has created some drier trails in our area. The gravel bed trails and roads are dusty so come prepared. The forecast for the upcoming week shows warmer weather without much rain. Bring plenty of water and mosquito repellant. Many of the trails are still seeing some effects from the March ice storm, so you may see some thinner trees hanging over sections of trail. We have crews planned to take care of these but if you see a trail-related problem, be sure to report to
info@sawyercountyalliance.com or cathy@sawyercountytrails.com.
Northwest area (Nelson Lake area) Trail 8 heading north from Nelson Lake is still wet and has some water in between the dry/rocky trail areas. Head east on the fire lanes around Nelson Lake to get to the Seeley Hills trails. Roads all around Nelson Lake are open to ATV traffic but watch for deer on the side of the roads. It’s also an easy ride to get into Hayward from here.
Northeast area (Seeley Hills-Moose Lake) A scenic trail system through the Sawyer County Forest – most trails are hard-packed dirt with areas of embedded rock and a couple areas of wash-out tiles (Trail 8). There are a few perennial water holes throughout, but they are drying up. This Saturday, June 18th, CAMBA is holding their mountain bike race, the Chequamegon 100. The racers will cross the ATV trails at several spots, as well as be on short stretches of a few ATV trails – Trail 31 from Phipps Fire Lane south for a short distance until they shoot off onto the Birkie ski trail, as well as other short segments. The ATV Trails do not close for these bike races, so please use caution.
We had some recent bulldozer and trail resurfacing on sections of Trail 31 above Chippewa Trail, as well as far up Trail 8 east. There is active logging going on just south of Lake Helane Rd on Trail 77.
Moose Lake Area; Series of gravel fire lanes and dirt trails. Some trails wind through moderate hilly areas. South on FR 319 will take you down to cross Hwy B then east to the River Rd area of the Chippewa Flowage. The graders have been out on Trail 5 and it’s shaping up nicely. A few days ago, bulldozing work was happening on Trail 715 (snowmobile trail 3/21) and a temporary re-route was in place during this. Moose Lake is a beautiful area to ride or stop for a bite to eat at one of the local establishments – all accessible by ATV. South on Trail 5 takes you through the Barker Lake/Fishtrap Lake areas and down to Winter/Loretta- there is a permanent re-route around Wolf’s Eagle Lodge – watch for signs.
LCO Loop: Some areas of sandy trail, along with hard-packed dirt trails that wind through a heavily forested area south of the Casino in Hayward. The first section of wooded trail (30) is probably the wettest, and usually has some good water holes throughout the season due to the heavy tree cover. Follow signage as you will cross a few roads between forest sections. Trail 29 is off Trail 30 and will take you over to the Round Lake. That trail can have a few deep-water holes along the way. Trail 30 ends at the intersection of Trail 3; head SE on Trail 3 at the intersection to get over to the top of Trail 777; two sections of challenging water and rock trail set in a hilly area of the forest, or you can head SW, staying straight on Trail 3, to get over to highway K/Hwy E for road riding to more areas, or to avoid the top of Trail 777.
Tuscobia/9-mile Loop: Graders have been out on the Tuscobia, so expect some dusty conditions due to the lack of rain. Head west on the Tuscobia to get to the Birchwood area trails and the Spider Lake area trails and fire lanes. East takes you through Couderay, Radisson (gas/food), Ojibwa (camping), Winter (gas/food/more), Loretta (access Deadhorse Trail) and over to Oxbo and down to the Flambeau Forest trails before reaching Price County. There is a temporary re-route in the Flambeau Forest around the Connors Creek Bridge as it is not due to be replaced until fall. The section between Ojibwa and Winter had a few rough spots last weekend but hopefully the graders have it taken care of. 9-Mile Loop has two exits on the Tuscobia near Lemington.
These are not all our trails in Sawyer County, just highlights of ones recently ridden or have reports on over the past week or so.
Trail Conditions: Good
Date of Report: June 9, 2022
Area Report:
June 9, 2022 Trail Report:
It is a beautiful time to ride the Sawyer County ATV trails! The forested trails are green and scenic, and most of our area resort destinations are now open for business consistently throughout the week.
Many of the trails have dried out due to the lack of recent rainfall. A few trails always seem to have some water holes, such as in the LCO loop. Some of the gravel-based runs, such as the Tuscobia and fire roads may prove to be dusty – so come prepared with appropriate gear.
AND, the mosquitoes are out in full force! Bring bug spray or other protection as they are here early this year and they are hungry!
Be aware that we have some trail improvement work going on throughout the county: bulldozing and trail resurfacing work is happening on sections of Trails 31, 21, 3, 715. Graders are also working on the Tuscobia as well as Trail 15. You can still ride – just watch for machinery.
The March ice storm proved to cause both immediate tree damage (which had been cleared up) as well as ongoing tree problems – especially in the Seeley Hills and LCO trails. It seems that every week we are finding more damaged birch/poplars leaning over trails as they leaf out. If you notice a trail problem or downed tree – please report it to the Sawyer County Snowmobile & ATV Alliance at: info@sawyercountyalliance.com or contact Cathy LaReau directly with urgent issues at 715-558-8966.
We’ve taken in a lot of comments about ATV/UTVs riding on roads that are not legal routes. A road route that is legal to drive should have the green/white route signs posted- If it doesn’t – don’t ride it! Also, State trunk highways (such as Hwy 63, Hwy 77, Hwy 70, Hwy 27, etc) are never ATV routes, although short sections of a state highway to connect trails or routes, or cross the highway, may be signed and legal to use.
Enjoy your ride!
Please contact the Chequamegon National Forest’s District Recreational Info at 715-634-4821 for additional questions. For the Flambeau State Forest call 715-332-5271.
Non-Resident Trail Passes are required for ATVs. (WI residents do not need a trail pass, but are required to display their registration sticker.)
State law requires ATVs to operate with headlights on at all times.
Sawyer County allows the use of Side by Sides on ALL ATV TRAILS, including those in the Chequamegon National Forest.
Trail Conditions: Good
Date of Report: May 31, 2022
Area Report:
All Sawyer County and Federal Forest ATV trails are open for use.
COMING UP: Wisconsin DNR National Trails Day is coming up – June 4-5, 2022. Come ride the trails for this free weekend! ATVs, UTVs and off-highway motorcycles are exempt from registration requirements. Resident and non-resident all-terrain vehicle operators do not need a trail pass to ride state ATV trails.
5/31/2022 ATV Trail Report:
Seeley Hills: (North and Northeast of Hayward: Trails 31, 8, 77, 15) Most of the trails in this area shoot off Sawyer County Forest gravel fire lanes. Leaving the main fire lanes, you’ll find primarily hard-packed dirt and rock trails that wind through the woods with occasional hills, sharp corners, and water holes. Some stretches are heavy with imbedded rocks and wash-out tiles (Trail 8), requiring some careful navigating. You will also find a few areas of newer gravel base from recent rehab work. Typically, these trails are fairly dry, although you will find some perennial water holes on each – they all have hard bottoms though and none are deep enough to cause issues for most riders/machines. Recent rainfalls have helped keep the dust down on these trails and have created a few more water holes than usual. Trail 8 heading north from Nelson Lake and hooking into Seeley Fire Lane is extremely wet right now – and many of these large water holes have a softer bottom/mud, so be prepared if you go this way.
LCO Loop: (South of the Casino on Hwy B, Trails 30, 3, 29, 9) These trails wind through a heavily wooded area and are typically always an adventure. Normally hard-packed dirt, with a lot of water holes and dips to navigate. Some of these water holes (especially on 30 & 29) have a deeper, muddier center to them so use caution going through. With the recent rains, this trail is well-dotted with water and mud. Trails cross several roads (watch for trail signs) and have a few areas of sand plus spotty areas of rock as well. Trail 29 is off 30 and shoots you over to the Little Round Lake area- some of this trail is dry but closer to the lake it has some pretty good water holes, especially with the recent storms.
Trail 30 also intersects with Trail 3. If you head east on Trail 3 you will reach and turn right on gravel Green Lake Rd and shortly turn to the right to start up Trail 777. This trail is probably not for beginners- the first section has some deep-water holes and difficult terrain to navigate – if you make it through the first section and end up on Indian Lake Rd, turn right and road ride down a ways -turn left into the woods again for the second section of steep hills and a lot of rocks. If you make it through this, you’ll end up on Gurno Lake Rd and can continue towards the Chippewa Flowage, or head south down Larson Road to the Tuscobia.
At the 30/3 intersection, you can also head west on 3. Mostly a winding dirt trail with more hilly areas and a few less water holes than Trail 30 – this trail comes out on Hwy K at the Little Casino/gas station. From here you can go north on Hwy E to get back into Hayward or you head south on Hwy K and turn left onto Hwy E, to Gurno Lake Rd to bypass the top of 777, If you stay south on Hwy K, you can road ride all the way down between Lac Courte Oreilles/Grindstone lakes, to Hwy KK for several stops.
Chippewa Flowage Area: From Gurno Lake Rd you can head south on Hwy NN to reach resorts on Chief Lake or continue to Hwy N/CC/Conger Rd to reach intersection of Trail 9 N&S and Trail 33. Trail 9 S has some pretty rocky, wet terrain as you get closer to the Ashegon Fire Ln area, but hooks into 777 and takes you to the Tuscobia. Trail 33 takes you to the Blueberry Lake resorts. Or head south on gravel Boundary Rd traveling under Blueberry Lake, to a short run on Hwy H and onto Blueberry Fire Ln- a rocky, hard-packed narrow road with a few shallow water holes. There is a bad culvert washout on Blueberry Fire Ln – hopefully it will be filled in soon. At the end of Blueberry Fire Ln, a left on gravel Helsing Rd will take you to more southern Flowage resorts, or up Hwy CC (the route dead ends at Hwy B). A right on Helsing will take you south to the Tuscobia. Resorts on the north side of the Flowage can only be accessed by coming down FR319 from the Moose Lake area. You can reach Moose Lake by coming south from the Namekagon region or heading north and west from Barker Lake/Fishtrap Lake trails, fire lanes and routes.
Tuscobia/9-mile loop: This railroad bed goes from Price County line down to Birchwood and has access to many areas to stop for gas or grab food/refreshments. Graders had been out grading it but due to higher traffic, some washboard areas are appearing near intersections/stops. Between Ojibwa and Winter there is also a rougher section along the swamps that will cause you to slow down over some deeper holes, dips, and rocks. We have an order for more grading soon so hopefully this section will be smoothed out soon. Near Loretta, there is a driveway culvert that is exposed and has some damage to it – watch for that. The scenic 9-mile loop is always a fun ride, especially since the ‘water hole’ off the side of the trail, now has some good water to play in. The trail winds around in a big circle, coming back out on the Tuscobia, and has a mix of dirt, sand, mud, rocky areas, and gravel. Recent work on a section that is prone to washout has a larger, sharp grey rock in it.
Eastern Trails: I have not yet run the 56-mile Dead Horse Trail between Clam Lake and Loretta, this spring, but I have heard it has plenty of water on it. The northern section had some logging done late March and I’ve heard that the trails in that area are more challenging than those closer to Loretta. There are no stops or gas on the Dead Horse, so come prepared. Trail 5 has a reroute near Clover Rd/Wolf’s Eagle Lodge so watch for signs there – it’s not on the map. Also, in the Flambeau Forest, the bridge over Connor’s Creek is not going to be replaced until early fall, so that trail is rerouted as well.
Enjoy the trails – keep your lights on, and please keep noise and speed in check when road riding through residential areas- we can lose these connector routes if we get too many complaints.
Please contact the Chequamegon National Forest’s District Recreational Info at 715-634-4821 for additional questions. For the Flambeau State Forest call 715-332-5271.
Non-Resident Trail Passes are required for ATVs. (WI residents do not need a trail pass, but are required to display their registration sticker.)
State law requires ATVs to operate with headlights on at all times.
Sawyer County allows the use of Side by Sides on ALL ATV TRAILS, including those in the Chequamegon National Forest.
Trail Conditions: Early Season
Date of Report: May 27, 2022
Area Report:
With the continued wet weather, the ATV/UTV trail between intersection 43 and the Wolf River State Trail is temporarily closed. To view a Langlade County ATV/UTV Map, click here. Please keep checking back for updates.
Beware the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is studying wolves in the Langlade County Forest. This effort involves live-trapping and collaring wolves. The traps are buried near some side roads and trails. Areas that are being trapped are marked with red signs. It is not advised to allow dogs out of your vehicle in areas marked with the red warning signs. Trapping activities in the County Forest may continue for up to 3 weeks. All traps will be removed by June 30th.
Trail Conditions: Good
Date of Report: May 25, 2022
Area Report:
All Sawyer County and Federal Forest ATV trails are open for use.
COMING UP: Wisconsin DNR National Trails Day is coming up – June 4-5, 2022. Come ride the trails for this free weekend! ATVs, UTVs and off-highway motorcycles are exempt from registration requirements. Resident and non-resident all-terrain vehicle operators do not need a trail pass to ride state ATV trails.
May 25, 2022 Trail Report:
Seeley Hills Area Trails: The local ATV club has not yet graded these trails so expect some rough areas throughout. I personally like the trails this way; a mix of smooth sailing, rustic winding trails, periodic mud and water, as well as rocky/hilly terrain to navigate. Hungry? Sawmill Saloon and Wayside are both off Trail 63, the old RR grade which runs along Hwy 63. Go a little further west to Tagalder Rd to reach the Nelson Lake area for more stops. Going north on either 77 or 8 will take you up to gravel Rock Lake Rd (8) which you can head east to get over to the Bayfield County Namekagon areas. Offshoot trails from Trail 8 will take you north into the Cable area as well. Trail 15 off 77/Phipps Firelane will take you over to Hwy 77 where Hayward Power Sports, and Blackiron Grill is located. Head south on Trail 31 to get into Hayward or head to the LCO Loop trails for more fun.
LCO Loop: Starting at the Casino on Hwy B & K, this loop will give you some adventures. Trail 30 heading south from Casino always has some pretty good water holes throughout. Trail 29 will take one over to the Little Round Lake area but the route/trail ends there. Trail 30 hooks up with Trail 3 – head east on 3 to find Trail 777; 2 challenging sections – one with some deeper water holes, and the other with steep, rock-laden hills. Make it through that over to the Chief Lake area or south to the Tuscobia. If you head west on Trail 3 at the 30/3 intersection, you’ll come out at the Little Casino/gas station and can road ride down Hwy K for lunch at Trail’s End, Bernie’s, The Boulevard or Angler’s Haven, or you can road ride down Hwy E to Gurno Lake Rd to bypass the challenging 777 trail on your way to the Chippewa Flowage area.
Chippewa Flowage Area: You can reach many of the southern flowage destinations from the LCO Loop. The River Rd area resorts on the north side of the flowage can be reached from FR 319 Trail system coming from the Moose Lake Area.
I haven’t been out to the far eastern part of the county yet this spring, but be aware that Trail 5 has been re-routed near Wolf’s Eagle Lodge. Follow the recently-installed signs when you get there, some will be road routes for short stretches. Sections of Trail 5 had been recently graded as well.
Tuscobia/9-mile Loop: Grading has been ongoing and its quite a process as the grader must make several passes. It may seem rougher than normal to you, but your riding will help us pack down the dug up dirt clots – so have at it! So many destinations can be had from the Tuscobia – too many to list here. Recent rains should help keep dusty conditions down for your Memorial Day riding.
I didn’t mention every single area or trail – its impossible to list all the opportunities our beautiful Sawyer County Trails offer to riders!
Keep your lights on – and please watch your speed and noise when road riding on routes through residential neighborhoods – do you realize these routes are renewed on a yearly basis and we can lose them if we get too many complaints? We work tirelessly to open new routes and trails, and sure don’t want to go backwards here, so PLEASE help us keep the ones we opened so far! Enjoy!
Please contact the Chequamegon National Forest’s District Recreational Info at 715-634-4821 for additional questions. For the Flambeau State Forest call 715-332-5271.
Non-Resident Trail Passes are required for ATVs. (WI residents do not need a trail pass, but are required to display their registration sticker.)
State law requires ATVs to operate with headlights on at all times.
Sawyer County allows the use of Side by Sides on ALL ATV TRAILS, including those in the Chequamegon National Forest.
Trail Conditions: Good
Date of Report: May 20, 2022
Area Report:
All Sawyer County and Federal Forest ATV trails are open for use.
COMING UP: Wisconsin DNR National Trails Day is coming up – June 4-5, 2022. Come ride the trails for this free weekend! ATVs, UTVs and off-highway motorcycles are exempt from registration requirements. Resident and non-resident all-terrain vehicle operators do not need a trail pass to ride state ATV trails.
Local Trail Conditions:
Seeley Hills trails: Ride with caution as this area suffered a lot of damage from the March ice storm. Blockages have been cleared and trails are passable but still ‘dirty’ with smaller downed tree branches and debris from the storm. Expect some minor-moderate trail washouts until we can get these trails graded. Please help our hard-working trail maintenance volunteers by throwing a few branches off these trails whenever you are out riding! There will be a few bike races during the month of May and June – and they may cross or use small portions of the ATV trails. ATV trails do not close for these bike races, but you may be delayed at crossings if racers are there. Please watch for these racers and cheer them on!
LCO Loop; Open and ready to ride. Some minor tree damage and trail debris in this area as well. We will be working on signage improvement, especially on 777. Please be mindful of your speed/noise while on the residential road routes within this trail system.
Tuscobia & 9-Mile Loop: Graders have been out on the Tuscobia, but it takes several passes to complete. Please help us by riding over any dirt clots to help flatten the trail. Our volunteer trail maintenance staff are working on new signage for the Tuscobia.
Eastern County/Moose Lake: Graders are currently out grading Trail 5 from Moose Lake south. Please note that a portion of ATV Trail 5 has been rerouted near Wolf’s Eagle Lodge- pay attention to new signage there.
As always – enjoy your ride, lights on, and watch your speed & noise while road/route riding through residential areas.
Trail Conditions: Closed
Date of Report: May 19, 2022
Area Report:
Recent rainfall has alleviated fire danger across a majority of Washburn County and trail surface conditions have stabilized after the spring thaw. Washburn County ATV trails will officially open for the season as of 8:00 a.m. this Saturday, May 21.
Current conditions have allowed us to open a full week earlier than the traditional Memorial Weekend dictated by ordinance. Clubs are currently opening gates and inspecting trails for down trees or other obstacles after rain and wind events earlier this week.
County staff are currently grading but not all trails will be patrolled prior to the opening. Trail conditions will be variable. Riders may encounter rough conditions, washouts and wet/soft areas. Please ride with caution, tread lightly and stay on designated trail surfaces.