Bearskin State Trail
About 18 miles of compacted crushed granite on an old rail line, starting with the trestle off Minocqua’s island and heading south along Bearskin Creek.
- Length
- About 18 miles
- Surface
- Crushed granite
- Opened
- 1977
01Good to know
Built to haul pine
The railroad was pushed north to carry white pine out of the woods. Daily passenger trains between Merrill and Minocqua started in 1888.
From rails to trail
The line from Heafford Junction to Minocqua was abandoned in 1972. The state took over the corridor in 1973 and finished the trail, bridges and trestles by 1977.
All the way to Tomahawk
Past Heafford Junction, a few miles of quiet roads connect to the Hiawatha Trail, making a route of about 32 miles from Minocqua to Tomahawk.
Trail pass
Bikers 16 and older need a Wisconsin state trail pass.
Sources
- Minocqua Kawaga: history of the Bearskin
- Oneida County: Bearskin State Trail
- Travel Wisconsin: Hiawatha Trail and Bearskin State Trail
Conditions, hours and trail status change. Check with the trail or venue before you go.