Horseback Riding in Northwest Wisconsin

A leisurely way to see and experience the beauty of the northwoods is by horseback.

Trails wind through incredible hardwood forests, along scenic lakes, and offer views that can only be seen by foot, or hoof in this case. Many offer trailside lodging, camping and other services.

Locator Map

Please hover over icon on the map to see more info.

Marker 1

Brule River State Forest | Douglas County

Length: 14 Miles 

Fee/Pass Required: Yes

Horseback riders can enjoy miles of trails within the Brule River State Forest, including the Brule-St. Croix Snowmobile Trail, hunter walking trails and numerous back roads.

Marker 2

Copper Park Equestrian Trails | Rusk County

Length: 10 miles 

Fee/Pass Required: Unknown

Located on the former Flambeau Mine. Varied terrain including woods, prairie, agriculture, and portions along the banks of the Flambeau River. Trailhead includes a picnic area, trailer/truck parking, and tie-ups.

Marker 3

Douglas County Wildlife Area/County Forest | Douglas County

Length: 15 Miles/1,200 miles 

Fee/Pass Required: No

Designated horse trails wind through a gently rolling prairie landscape. Corrals and stables are available for public rental. Riders may share the 1,200 miles of roads and trails meandering evergreen and hardwood forests in the 278,000-acre County Forest.

 

Marker 4

Dugan Run Horse Trails & Campgrounds | Washburn County

Length: 30+ Miles 

Fee/Pass Required: No (camping fee only)

Trails loop through gently rolling hardwood ridges. North and South trailheads. Campgrounds, bathrooms, parking, pavilion, grills, and hand pump for water available.

Marker 5

Governor Knowles State Forest | Burnett County

Length: 14 miles 

Fee/Pass Required: Yes (16 and over)

Snowmobile/horseback trail in Burnett and Polk counties. Out-and-back trail in enchanted forest with stunning vistas and access to the St. Croix River and quaint, natural water pools.

Marker 6

Governor Knowles State Forest | Polk County

Length: 21 miles 

Fee/Pass Required: Yes (16 and over)

Trade River Horse Trails are located on the northwest section of Polk County. Trails wind through incredible hardwood forests, along scenic lakes, and offer views that can only be seen from these trails.

Marker 7

Hay Meadow Trail | Chippewa County

Length: 22 miles 

Fee/Pass Required: No

Gravel parking, toilets, fire pits and tie lines. The equestrian trails wind through scenic northern hardwood forests. Riders will pass many lakes, ponds, and woodland streams on the scenic trails. Bring drinking water for yourself and your animals.

Marker 8

Holy Cross Trail | Price County

Length: 6 miles 

Fee/Pass Required: No

Trail system designed by equestrians, especially for equestrians and horse cart drivers (keyed entry). Hitching rails, shelter, picnic area, water, toilets and dispersed camping (permit required). Moderately hilly trail through a variety of timber types.

Marker 9

Horseshoe Lake Saddle Trail | Bayfield County

Length: 12 miles 

Fee/pass required: Yes

Scenic and gently rolling, the trail passes through hardwoods and pine forests with some open areas. These two loops are easy for anyone to navigate and can be ridden in one day.

Marker 10

Lake Wissota State Park | Chippewa County

Length: 7 miles 

Fee/pass required: Unknown

Trails available in the park for daytime horseback riding. Horse rental is not available in or near the park.

Marker 11

Narrow Gauge Trail | Barron County

Length: 6 miles 

Fee/pass required: Unknown

Trail, parking, and primitive camp system in the Narrow Gauge area of Bear Lake township on county forest land. Managed by the Barron County Horse Trail Association.

Marker 12

Old Abe Trail | Chippewa County

Length: 6 miles 

Fee/pass required: Unknown

Alongside part of the paved trail is 6 miles of beautiful equestrian trail. The trail winds through agricultural and forestland while following the undeveloped shoreline of the Chippewa River.

Marker 13

Pine Line Rail Trail | Price County

Length: 28 miles 

Fee/pass required: Unknown

View the terminal moraine left by glaciers 12,000 years ago, plus picturesque dairy farms, hardwood forests, pine stands, and abundant wildlife.

Marker 14

Saunders State Trail Douglas County

Length: 8 Miles 

Fee/Pass Required: Yes

The trail begins near the town of Saunders and passes through several communities. The entire trail is open to horseback riding. The trail is not groomed or surfaced and may be rough or soft in many sections. Riders must share the trail with motorized vehicles.

Marker 15

Smith Rapids Saddle TrailPrice County

Length: 16 miles 

Fee/Pass Required: No

Along the banks of the South Fork of the Flambeau River, this trail offers open vistas and opportunities to view wildlife. Picnic area nearby with water available. The trail is peaceful, relatively flat and traverses various forest types.

Marker 16

Tri-County Recreational Corridor | Ashland, Bayfield & Douglas Counties

Length: 60 miles 

Fee/Pass Required: No

Multi-Use Trail parallels Hwy 2 and stretches from Superior to Ashland. The tri-county corridor is an abandoned rail bed trail of pea-sized limestone gravel. Many miles of forest roads and trails are open to horseback riding in Bayfield County in addition to the Tri-County Corridor.

Marker 16

Tri-County Recreational Corridor | Ashland, Bayfield & Douglas Counties

Length: 60 miles 

Fee/Pass Required: No

Multi-Use Trail parallels Hwy 2 and stretches from Superior to Ashland. The tri-county corridor is an abandoned rail bed trail of pea-sized limestone gravel. Many miles of forest roads and trails are open to horseback riding in Bayfield County in addition to the Tri-County Corridor.

Marker 16

Tri-County Recreational Corridor | Ashland, Bayfield & Douglas Counties

Length: 60 miles 

Fee/Pass Required: No

Multi-Use Trail parallels Hwy 2 and stretches from Superior to Ashland. The tri-county corridor is an abandoned rail bed trail of pea-sized limestone gravel. Many miles of forest roads and trails are open to horseback riding in Bayfield County in addition to the Tri-County Corridor.

Marker 17

Tuscobia State Trail | Sawyer & Washburn Counties

Length: 56 miles 

Fee/Pass Required: No

A reclaimed railroad trail, not groomed or surfaced and may be rough or soft in spots. Users share the trail with motorized vehicles.

Marker 17

Tuscobia State Trail | Sawyer & Washburn Counties

Length: 56 miles 

Fee/Pass Required: No

A reclaimed railroad trail, not groomed or surfaced and may be rough or soft in spots. Users share the trail with motorized vehicles.