One hiking trail to try in each Vilas County community

Lace up your boots and hit the trails! Vilas County is home hundreds of miles of hiking routes that pass through some of northern Wisconsin’s most stunning scenery and are an amazing way to explore the Northwoods. Each of Vilas County’s friendly communities have their own distinct trails to show off—here are some you shouldn’t miss.

You can find more Vilas County hiking trails here.

And don’t forget to download the free Map It Vilas County trails app to help you navigate all sorts of Northwoods trails—even if you don’t have a cell signal.

Raven Trail, Arbor Vitae

The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, (NHAL) covers thousands of acres in Vilas County and is home to some truly stunning trail systems, including the Raven Trail near Arbor Vitae in the southern part of the county. The Raven Trail is home to 11 combined miles of routes, including trails that follow the shorelines of Clear Lake, Inkpot Lake, and Hemlock Lake.

North Trout Lake Nature Trail, Boulder Junction

Another trail that’s part of the NHAL, this short, mile-long route loops around a bog of black spruces and tamaracks and skirts the shores of Trout Lake just south of Boulder Junction in central Vilas County. It’s a great route to explore in spring, when you can see lots of wildflowers, and fall, when the trees show off their seasonal colors.

Decker Lake Trail, Conover

This 4.5 mile-trail system near Conover in eastern Vilas County is a great place for a hike in any season, offering gently rolling terrain as it winds through a forest of aspen, oak, and pine. It’s part of the Vilas County Forest Hunter/Hiking Trail System.

Tara Lila Trails, Eagle River

A set of five public-access trails located on private land near the Three Eagle Trail south of Eagle River, the Tara Lila Trails offer more than 10 miles of hiking. The trails pass through a variety of ecosystems, including forests, swamps, and bogs. Leashed pets are allowed on the trails.

Powell Trail, Lac du Flambeau

This trail, also located in the NHAL, offers an easy hike past Spring Pond and Sherman Lake, winding through stands of aspen, birch, red maple, and white pine. Leashed pets are allowed, and a state trail pass is not required.

Wilderness Lakes Trail System, Land O’ Lakes

The Wilderness Lakes Trail System is a 37-mile route that circles the Sylvania Wilderness in northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. In Land O’ Lakes in far northern Vilas County, hikers can enjoy a scenic walk through the Northwoods alongside lakes and over creeks.

North Lakeland Discovery Center Trails, Manitowish Waters

The North Lakeland Discovery Center—a nature center located in Manitowish Waters in northwestern Vilas County that provides educational programming and events year-round—is also home to 12 miles of multi-use trails that follow the Manitowish River and the shores of Statehouse Lake. There is also a marked Interpretive Trail and a Birding Trail for those looking to learn about the wildlife of the Northwoods.

Spectacle Lake-Kentuck Lake Trail, Phelps

This trail near Phelps in northeastern Vilas County follows the path of the former Thunder Lake Railroad, offering an easy, level hike that connects the Kentuck and Spectacle Lake Campgrounds in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Foerst.

Presque Isle Nature Trail, Presque Isle

This 1.5-mile nature trail is located next to the Presque Isle Community Center and offers a marked, self-guided loop for users. The trail also connects to the Presque Isle-Pomeroy-Henry Trails.

Razorback Ridges Trails, Sayner-Star Lake-Cloverland

A popular spot for mountain biking in the spring, summer, and fall and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, Razorback Ridges just west of Sayner in central Vilas County also allows hiking on its 16-mile trail system. Leashed dogs are also permitted.

Shannon Trail, St. Germain

Explore trails ranging from a little under 2 miles to more than 6 miles in length in this scenic trail system that’s part of the NHAL. Don’t miss the beautiful views on the trail segment that circles Shannon Lake. Trailheads are located on County Highway G and Shannon Lake Road in St. Germain.

WinMan Trails, Winchester

While this popular trail system between Winchester and Manitowish Waters (WinMan, get it?) is rightfully known for its excellent mountain biking and winter sports offerings, the 1,300-acre property also opens more than 7 miles of its ski and snowshoe trails to hikers and trail runners in the spring and fall.