Oneida County in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods is a paradise for folks who like to get out and play in the snow—we’re home to some of northern Wisconsin’s best routes for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. Here are a few trails you shouldn’t miss.
Cross-country ski trails
Part of the Northern Highland-American Legion (NHAL) State Forest, the McNaughton Trail near Lake Tomahawk is groomed for classic skiing and is a great spot for beginners, as it follows level terrain along former logging roads and offers impressive views of three different lakes. There is also a 4-mile loop around McNaughton Lake that’s groomed for skate skiing.
One of the best places for cross-country skiing in Oneida County—or the Midwest, in fact—is Minocqua Winter Park, a 6,500-acre complex with 86 kilometers (53 miles) of world-class ski trails that offer something for every skill level. All the park’s main trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing, and there is also a heated chalet with a café, trailside shelters, fire pits, and much more.
The Three Eagle Trail, which connects Three Lakes in northeastern Oneida County with Eagle River in Vilas County to the north, offers nearly 5 miles of level trail that’s groomed for skate and classic skiing.
Snowshoeing trails
The Washburn Lake Trail near Rhinelander offers 13 miles of trails with different routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (as well as some dedicated fatbike trails). A heated shelter is available at the Perch Lake trailhead on the west side trail system.
The Tara Lila Trails consist of more than 20 miles of trails spread across three park units (Sundstein Road, Ripco Road, and Section 9) near Three Lakes and Sugar Camp in northeastern Oneida County. Note that some trail segments are open to hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing only while others share space with fatbike routes.
Hiking trails
Depending on snow levels, you might not even need skis or snowshoes to explore Oneida County’s winter trails. Lace up a pair of warm winter boots and explore the Hanson Lake Walking & Snowshoeing Trail and the Rookery Run Hiking and Snowshoe Trail near Rhinelander, the Raven Nature Trail (part of the NHAL) in Minocqua, and the Sam Campbell Memorial Trail near Three Lakes.
Bonus: Winter fatbike trails
Looking for winter fun on two wheels? Many of Oneida county’s trail system welcome fatbiking in the winter. The LAMBO Zip Trails, located on the grounds of Northwoods Zip Line in Minocqua, offer 6 miles of winter bike trails to explore, and the Enterprise Winter Recreation Trail in the Pelican Lake Area has 8 miles of groomed fatbike trails.
