Minocqua sits at the heart of Wisconsin's lake country, a small town ringed by chains of clear lakes and surrounded by the vast Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. It is best known for boating and fishing, but the hiking here is quietly excellent: glacial eskers, old-growth pine stands, and trails that thread between dozens of lakes. Here are the hikes worth lacing up for.
Raven Trail
The Raven Trail, just south of Minocqua near Woodruff, is the area's signature hike. The trail system offers loops from about 2 to 8 miles through rolling forest, past Hemlock Lake and Clear Lake, with sandy paths under towering red and white pines. The longer loops give you genuine solitude even on a summer weekend. It is also a beloved cross-country ski trail once the snow flies.
Bearskin State Trail
For an easy, flat walk or bike, the Bearskin State Trail follows an old rail bed for roughly 18 miles from downtown Minocqua south toward Harshaw. You can do a short out-and-back over the trestle bridges that cross the lakes, which is one of the most photogenic spots in town. It is fully accessible and great for families.
Fallison Lake Trail
North of Minocqua near Sayner, the Fallison Lake Trail loops about 4 miles around a quiet kettle lake. It passes through hardwood ridges and lowland bog with interpretive signs, and the fall color here in late September and early October is superb. Look for the boardwalk sections crossing the wetlands.
Where to Find Big Trees and Views
- Star Lake-Plum Lake old-growth area: a short walk among some of the largest old-growth hemlock and pine left in the state.
- Escanaba Lake area: quiet trails in the heart of the state forest with good wildlife watching at dawn.
- Fire towers: climb a restored fire tower in the surrounding forest for a rare elevated view over an endless carpet of trees and water.
When to Hike
The prime hiking window runs from late May through mid-October. Late spring brings wildflowers and fewer crowds but plenty of mosquitoes, so carry repellent. Summer is warm and busy on the lakes but the forest stays cool. The payoff season is autumn: from late September into early October the maples and aspens light up the Northwoods in gold and crimson. Winter turns most of these trails into excellent groomed ski and snowshoe routes.
Planning a Longer Northwoods Trip
Minocqua makes an ideal base for exploring the wider region. From here you are within easy reach of Eagle River, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and a day's drive of the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior. To weave these trails into a full road trip, see our 10-day Wisconsin Northwoods itinerary, which uses the lake towns as anchors for hiking, paddling, and waterfalls.
Trail Tips for the Northwoods
- Bug season: June and early July bring mosquitoes and black flies; bring repellent and consider a head net.
- Trail maps: pick up a state forest map at the Woodruff DNR service center.
- Leave no trace: the kettle lakes and bogs here are fragile, so stay on boardwalks and marked paths.
Whether you want a flat lakeside stroll or a long loop through old pines, Minocqua delivers some of the most relaxing hiking in Wisconsin. Pick a trail, time it for cool weather, and let the quiet of the Northwoods do its work.
