This 74-mile trail on a former rail corridor is one of the longest rail trails in the state, running from Park Falls to the Wild Rivers State Trail just north of Rice Lake. The trail passes through part of the Flambeau River State Forest and the rugged wilderness of Wisconsin's Blue Hills. The trail connects seven small communities in Barron, Washburn, Sawyer and Price counties, each providing year-round accommodations and services.
The Tuscobia State Trail is a year-round multiple use recreational trail that offers opportunities for ATVs, snowmobiling, horseback riding, off-road bicycling and walking. Trail activities vary by time of year and by county. The western end of the trail is part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Trail activities
The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.
Walking and bicycling
The entire trail is open to walking and bicycling year-round, though bicycling is not recommended. The trail is not groomed or surfaced and may be rough or soft in many sections. If you plan to bike the trail, the tread is more suitable for off-road bikes.
Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.
Motorized vehicles
All-terrain vehicle use varies by different sections on the trail. In Price County, ATVs are allowed on the trail during the summer months between April 15 and November 15. From the Price/Sawyer county line to the Red Cedar Lake Bridge just west of Birchwood (Sawyer County and a small part of Washburn County), ATVs are allowed year-round on the trail, except during hunting seasons from November 15 to December 15. Operators must follow all Wisconsin ATV operation laws. The trail also provides numerous connections to many county ATV trail systems.
All-terrain vehicles are not allowed on the Tuscobia State Trail between the Red Cedar Lake Bridge and the junction with the Wild Rivers State Trail as this segment is currently designated as part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. All-terrain vehicles are permitted to cross west over the bridge to connect with Washburn County ATV trails, but must stay off the Tuscobia Trail corridor from the the Red Cedar Lake Bridge to the Wild Rivers Trail.
Horseback riding
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.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
The section of the Tuscobia State Trail from its connection with the Wild Rivers State Trail north of Rice Lake (County Highway SS in Barron County near Haugen) to the Barron/Washburn county line west of Red Cedar Lake at 30th Avenue is certified as part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The Ice Age Trail is designated further east over the Red Cedar Lake Bridge to Loch Lomond Blvd.
After crossing over the bridge, the current route of the Ice Age Trail goes off the Tuscobia State Trail corridor and continues east on Featherstone Road (which parallels State Highway 48), then south on Loch Lomond Blvd. to the Barron County Forest.
All-terrain vehicles are permitted to cross west over the Red Cedar Lake Bridge to connect with Washburn County ATV trails, but must stay off the Ice Age Trail certified/designated portion of the Tuscobia Trail corridor from the the Red Cedar Lake Bridge to County Highway SS.
Winter activities
Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The trail also connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails.
The opening and closing of snowmobile trails is at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails which cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails is done on a county-wide basis, however localized conditions may require localized trail opening and closing. It is the responsibility of the county to provide notification about the status of snowmobile trails.
The trail is open to walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed and users must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.
Hunting
The Tuscobia State Trail corridor is open to hunting from Park Falls west, approximately 64.5 miles, to the Washburn/Barron County Line during the Wisconsin state parks hunting time frame. No hunting on the Tuscobia State Trail in Barron County. Certified Ice Age National Scenic Trail utilizes the Tuscobia State Trail corridor in Barron County.
