• Chippewa County ATV Trails

The hills, valleys and challenging terrain of northern Chippewa County were created by the action of glaciers many thousands of years ago. This glacial topography is what makes this area ideal for ATV riding. The Chippewa County ATV Trail rambles through a scattered string of the county’s 33,000 acres of county forestland. Even though the trail here is short – 15 miles - you’ll be challenged with steep hills and valleys. Winding past small lakes and beaver ponds, the trail is an open door to spectacular vistas and abundant wild life.

Beginning at the western trailhead, you’ll ride down a gravel road for about five miles on a swing north of Burnt Wagon Lake. The road winds east, then north toward Bass Lakes where you can stop and stretch your legs. A picnic table and newly built restrooms, funded by ATV registration money, are available. After a brief respite, hop back on your quad and continue north. The road turns into an ATV-only trail. The compacted surface provides ample traction in all kinds of conditions.

A mile north of Bass Lakes, the trail crosses the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (800/227-0046 or 608/663-8278, www.iceagetrail.org). The Ice Age Trail is unique to Wisconsin, tracing the southernmost advance of the last Wisconsin glacier some 12,000 years ago. The 1,000-mile Ice Age Trail starts at Potawatomi State Park in Sturgeon Bay, runs south through the Northern and Southern Units of the Kettle Moraine State Forests, swings west through Madison, then northwest through Wisconsin Dells and Eau Claire to it terminus at Interstate Park near St. Croix Falls. It is a backpacker’s dream; but ATVs are not allowed.

After crossing the ice Age Trail, you’ll swing northeast around Dorothy Lake. The trail winds up and down hills and passes several wetlands. Heading north toward Cty M, it gets a little rockier with loose rocks on uphill climbs or descents, and on some corners.

About a mile north of Cty M, the trail curves east as it crosses Willow Creek. Here the trail becomes a gravel road. After a half-mile or so, you’ll come to an intersection. The Chippewa Trail heads to the right. If you continue straight, the gravel road cuts through private land leading to county roads posted for ATV use. As always, follow the signs and ride only on roads marked as ATV routes.

Staying on the Chippewa ATV Trail, you’ll pass through a narrow gate. In fact, there are several narrow gates on the trail. Most of them are located at road intersections. The trail dives deep into the forest passing more wetlands on the way to Cty E. From here it’s a short swing past the Birch Creek Trail to the eastern trailhead on Cty M.

Area attractions include the Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area just west of the trail (715/967-2800, www.wiparks.net). This 3,300-acre recreation area doesn’t offer any camping, but it does have a terrific nature center that interprets the glacial legacy of the area and of the Ice Age Trail. If camping is a part of your outdoor fun, Brunet Island State Park (715/239-6888, www.wiparks.net) is only five miles southeast of the trail in Cornell with 1,200 acres of fun and 69 campsites. Even nearer, Pine Point Park is only about two miles east of the trail’s eastern trailhead. This Chippewa County park occupies a 3,900-acre peninsula jutting into the Holcombe Flowage with 48 campsites and an absolutely stunning location.



DISTANCE: 15 miles.
DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate.
TRAILHEAD LOCATION(S): The eastern trailhead is located about 4.5 miles west of Holcombe on Cty M. The western trailhead is located about 8 miles
northeast of Bloomer on 153rd St.
SEASON: May 1 to November 15.
OTHER TRAILS IN THIS REGION: Eau Claire County ATV Trails, Clark County ATV Trails
NOTE: Stay on the trail; ATV routes are well marked. There are no services on the trail, but some businesses can be accessed along roads marked as ATV routes.
CAUTION: The trail crosses the Ice Age Trail, which is off limits to ATVs. Watch for large rocks in the middle of the trail and standing water after it rains.
FEES: None.
AREA ATTRACTIONS: Brunet Island State Park, Ice Age National Trail, Chippewa Moraine Interpretive Center.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chippewa County Tourism
866/723-0331 or 715/726-7880
www.chippewacounty.com
Chippewa Falls Area Chamber of
Commerce
866/723-0331 or 715/723-0331
www.chippewachamber.org

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