Skiing & Snowshoeing
Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Pipke Park Wilderness Trail Map
JUST OPENED! This 2.8 mile trail system features a meandering trail along the Presque Isle River, 5 boardwalks, and a nice, intimate setting ideal for a snowshoe. Trail signs allow you to shorten the distance by not taking the loop options. Park at the Pipke Park warming hut, which features a heated space, flush toilets, and picnic tables. The trailhead is a short distance away, just over a shared walking/snowmobile bridge. The warming hut overlooks our historic rearing ponds, and an outdoor ice rink is maintained by the Town throughout the season.
Presque Isle Nature Trail
A short snowshoe or walk can be enjoyed anytime, and is easily accessible off the community center/library's back parking lot. The loop features a lake overlook, footbridge, and beautiful but easily navigable topography throughout. One other trail in the system wind through the woods to the Shanty Boy Hill Cemetery, a burial and memorial place for loggers of long ago. The Chamber hosts an annual Candlelit Snowshoe and Sky Lantern Send-Off, a sweet event not to be missed!
Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area
This 2,189-acre nature preserve includes 15 lakes and ponds with 36,000 feet of undeveloped shoreline. Donated by the Catherine Wolter family, longtime residents of Presque Isle, the wilderness area is an undisturbed gem in the heart of Presque Isle and allows the enjoyment of nature in its pristine state for years to come. It is open to the public from sunrise to sunset for hiking, cross country skiing -- including both groomed and ungroomed trails, snowshoeing, bird-watching, and other low impact recreational activities.
North Lakeland Discovery Center
The Discovery Center is a destination and resource for lifelong learning and outdoor recreation. Our active and engaging site within the NHAL State Forest enables us to provide creative and cutting edge programs for a diverse audience. We empower all in mindful stewardship based on a strong nature ethic and are dedicated to providing meaningful connections among nature, people, and community through quality programs and adventures for a lifetime of learning. Drop in hiking, biking, skiing, swimming, kayaking, geocaching and more.
Van Vliet Hemlocks
This newly developed trail system gives visitors the opportunity to explore and experience what was once abundant in Wisconsin; an old growth hemlock forest. The site’s 400 acres and mile and a half of undeveloped shoreline on Van Vliet Lake represent a rare remnant of this uniquely historic forest system. Walk along undisturbed cedar swamps, bog lakes, climb scenic eskers, and take in the richness of the plant and animal life that abounds in this special place. The Wisconsin DNR has added Van Vliet Hemlocks to the state natural area program.
WinMan Trails
This 1,300-acre mix of public and private property is a silent sports mecca. The site features one of the region’s only purpose built single-track mountain biking (MTB) trails. Trails are designed and built as a Midwest destination site – and to international standards. Fatbikes are welcome in the winter; and trails are rolled and groomed for x-country, skate, and snowshoeing. Rolling topography and unique ecology make this a blast to recreate in. More info including regularly updated maps can be found on Facebook.
NL School X-Country Ski Trail System
On the grounds of North Lakeland School, at the corner of County Highways P & K, you will find a beginner friendly, groomed classical ski and skate trail system that loops 8-10 miles through a variety of towering evergreens and hardwoods. A superb warming hut and trail entrance is located by driving north on Papoose Lake Road (off of County Hwy K), approximately 1 mile to a parking area. Warming hut has bathrooms, hot drinks, reading materials, and lots of coziness!
Northwoods Trails
Find a trail for whatever moves you at this all-inclusive website, featuring all seasons of trails in Western Vilas County. Biking, Hiking, Paddling, Skiing, and Snowshoeing, with downloadable maps and real-time tracking via your phone. Trails are designated by difficulty, wilderness rating, and have details on length and amenities. A wonderful site for the silent sport enthusiast.