Summer-Use ATV/UTV Trails open Friday, May 22.

During the summer season, (which runs through September 15), you may operate your ATV/UTV on State-funded Summer-Use Trails ONLY. Summer-Use Trails are designated with WHITE blazers.

Remember - It is illegal to ride ATVs & UTVs on the Gandy Dancer Trail south of Hwy 77 in Burnett County during any non-frozen season.

All ATVs and UTVs must display either a Wisconsin registration or an ATV Trail Pass to ride on our trails. Only machines meeting the state definition of an ATV/UTV are allowed on these trails. Please go to the WI DNR webpage for the state definitions and registration/pass information.

Trails will close in the event of a Red Flag Alert due to fire danger. Always check back for updated information before riding.

Caution: Trail maintenance vehicles may be on the trails at any time.

Use caution and look for signage regarding timber sale activity. Trucks may be crossing trails.

Some township ordinances allow for ATV/UTV use of the town roads and others do NOT allow it. It is the rider's responsibility to contact the township in which you plan to ride in and get the current rules pertaining to ATVs/UTVs and their town roads.

NO OFF-TRAIL USE IS ALLOWED. Please stay on the designated trails to protect our trail agreements with private landownders.

It is your responsibility to know where you are and whose property you are on. Please be careful, be respectful to other trail users, and ride safely.

Contact Information

If you need any maps, or if you need any other information, please contact Burnett County Tourism at 1-800-788-3164 or feel free to email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

To contact Burnett County Forest & Parks, please visit their website at www.burnettcounty.com/trails. 

5/21/20 – The Flambeau Trail is open and is in good condition. Brushing is begging today on trails 103 and 104 by Wintergreen Lake. Once this area is completed brushing will begin on trail 111 between Blockhouse and Hwy 182. Beavers have been active on trail 111 near Newman Lake. If you notice any plugged culverts or water coming over the trail please contact Brady Howe at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 715-762-5104. Trails are a little dusty at the moment, but with some rain in the forecast that shouldn't be an issue for much longer. Have a fun and safe holiday weekend!

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism has released some great information for getting outside, staying safe and being well during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Here are some great tips for accomplishing getting outside, staying safe and being well.  

Get Outside. Stay Safe. Be Well. 

Time spent outdoors being physically active keeps your mind and body healthy. Follow these recommendations to keep yourself and others safe.​

• Feeling Sick? Please stay home. Have a cough or fever? Call your doctor.
  
  
• Physical distance 6 feet from others. Maintain a safe distance from others not in your household. Smile and wave hello, but respect others' space.
  
  
• Ride solo or only with other members of your household. Ride solo, but let others know your plans, your route and when you'll be back.
  
  
• Avoid congregating. Maintain a safe distance at access points. Allow others to leave before entering a crowded area.
  
  
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly. Wash for 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer after touching shared surfaces and before you touch your face. 
  
  
• Pack it out. Leave no trace. Be respectful of nature. Please take your trash with you if receptacles are unavailable or full.
  
  

Due to a washout on Benson Lake Road, the trail from Goodman Park to the west to the Forest County line is closed. The detour will be; from the power line trail turn west on Homestead Lake Road to County I turn right on I to Camp 5 Road west on Camp 5 rd to Harper lk rd West on Harper Lake Road to Valley Lake Road than north on Valley Lake Road to Benson Lake Road. This detour should only be approximately 2 weeks. These are town roads you will be using this route with vehicles use extreme caution on your ride.

DATE: 13 May 2020

TO: News Media and Other Parties of Interest

FROM: Dale Mayo, Vilas County Parks & Recreation Administrator RE: Vilas ATV trails scheduled to open.

THE VILAS COUNTY ATV TRAIL SYSTEM IS SCHEDULED TO OPEN AT 8:00 A.M. ON FRIDAY 15 MAY FOR THE 2020 SEASON. THERE WILL BE A SEGMENT OF LANDOVER TRAILS IN CONOVER THAT WILL BE TEMPORARLY DETOURED DUE TO HIGH WATER.

As always, please enjoy Vilas County recreational trails responsibly and maintain social distancing.

Dale Mayo
Administrator
Vilas County Parks & Recreation Department