Want to get out and explore Oneida County’s great outdoors but don’t know where to start? Here’s a community-by-community breakdown of some of the county’s best hiking and biking trails that will take you into some stunning northern Wisconsin wilderness.
Willow Flowage Nature Trail, Hazelhurst
This accessible nature trail can be found in the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area in western Oneida County, a wild and remote natural area that’s popular among boaters, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. A parking area for the roughly one-mile crushed granite trail is located a quarter mile north of the dam on Willow Dam Road.
McNaughton Trail, McNaughton
The McNaughton Trail in central Oneida County is part of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest (NHAL) and follows old logging roads through the woods for roughly 10 miles. The trail winds around three different lakes: Hawk Lake, Helen Lake, and McNaughton Lake. The trailhead is located on Kildeer Road, and a state trail pass is required for mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
Three Eagle Trail, Three Lakes
This popular trail that connects Three Lakes in northeastern Oneida County with Eagle River in southeastern Vilas County stretches for more than 12 miles and is open to hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers (groomed for skate skiing and classic skiing). There is parking and a trailhead at Don Burnside Park in Three Lakes, but the trail can be accessed via parking areas at several points along the route.
LAMBO Zip Trails, Minocqua
Created and maintained by the Lakeland Area Mountain Biking Organization (LAMBO), these trails are located on the grounds of Northwoods Zip Line Adventures in Minocqua in northern Oneida County. Riders will find more than 6 miles of Northwoods mountain biking on a variety of terrain that’s suitable for everyone. The LAMBO Zip Trails are free and open to the public; they are also groomed for fatbiking in the winter.
Newbold Town Trails, Newbold
Explore these combined road routes and gravel paths northwest of Rhinelander on a bike or in your hiking boots. The Newbold Town Trails stretch from McNaughton southeast toward Rhinelander on a route that roughly follows U.S. Highway 47.
Nose Lake County Trail, Woodboro
This trail system, which is overseen by the Oneida County Forestry Department, offers more than 7 miles of hiking and biking in the spring, summer, and fall (the area is open for skiing and snowshoeing in the winter). The west loop is 3.5 miles long, and the eastern loop covers 4.8 miles; they are joined by a 0.7-mile connector route. Parking is available in a lot off Hancock Oneida Lake Road about 12 miles west of Rhinelander.
Raven Trail, Woodruff
Another NHAL trail system, the Raven Trail, consists of 11 miles of trails passing Clear Lake, Hemlock Lakes, and Inkpot Lake in Woodruff east of Minocqua in northern Oneida County. It is open to hikers and bikers in the spring, summer, and fall, and there is a single-track mountain bike trail on site and a bike skills course across the street from the parking lot on Woodruff Road. A state trail pass is required for biking and skiing.
Bearskin State Trail, multiple communities
One of northern Wisconsin’s most popular trails, the Bearskin State Trail follows a former railroad corridor for more than 21 miles from Minocqua in northern Oneida County south to Tomahawk. The level, compacted granite trail is a popular spot for biking and hiking in the summer. The route highlights some of the most scenic stretches of the Northwoods as it passes through the communities of Goodnow, Hazelhurst, Harshaw/Cassian, and Minocqua.
Almon Park Trail, Rhinelander
Another Oneida County Forestry route, the Almon Park Trail south of Rhinelander offers 2.25 miles of hiking loops through Almon County Park and along the shores of Buck Lake. The wetlands trail features three boardwalks totaling more than 1,100 feet, and the park also includes a picnic area and a swimming beach.
Tara Lila Trails: Ripco Road, Sugar Camp
The Tara Lila Trails in northeastern Oneida County consist of three units that include more than 20 miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fatbiking. The Ripco Road unit is the largest segment, containing nearly 800 acres and more than 15 miles of trails to explore. Parking is available on Ripco Road in Sugar Camp.
Find more biking trails in Oneida County and the Northwoods of Wisconsin here.
Find more hiking trails in Oneida County and the Northwoods of Wisconsin here.
