Bearskin State Trail

The Bearskin State Trail is a 43 km point-to-point rail trail in Oneida County, Wisconsin, United States, following a converted railroad bed through northern Wisconsin's Northwoods from Minocqua to Heafford Junction. Gaining fewer than 80 m of elevation along its nearly flat course, the trail is rated easy and is celebrated for its 15 historic timber trestles, the winding Bearskin Creek corridor, and immersive pine-and-tamarack wilderness.

About the Bearskin State Trail

The Bearskin State Trail is one of Wisconsin's most scenic long-distance rail trails, stretching 43 km through the heart of the Northwoods in Oneida County. Developed on the former bed of the Chicago and North Western Railway, the trail connects the resort town of Minocqua in the north to the hamlet of Heafford Junction in the south, passing through the communities of Hazelhurst, Goodnow, and Harshaw along the way.

The trail surface is compacted crushed granite, averaging roughly 2.4 metres wide and suitable for walking, hiking, cycling, and — in winter — cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. What sets the Bearskin apart from other Midwestern rail trails is the string of 15 wooden trestles and causeways that carry walkers and cyclists over Bearskin Creek and its surrounding wetland pools. The longest of these structures spans more than 215 metres (700 feet) across a forest-rimmed bog, offering views over open water and tamarack canopy that feel unexpectedly remote for a groomed multi-use path.

Managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the trail is open year-round and is one of the few long-distance routes in the Upper Midwest that can be enjoyed in every season. Summer brings warmth and wildflowers; autumn turns the maple and oak canopy brilliant orange and red; winter transforms the corridor into a groomed ski track through silent snow-covered forest.

The northern third of the trail, from Minocqua to Hazelhurst, is the most visited section. Upland forests of sugar maple, red oak, and white pine shade the corridor, and the proximity to Minocqua's lakeside resorts means you will share the path with cyclists and families on weekend mornings. South of Hazelhurst the landscape shifts: hardwoods give way to boreal conifers, the creek becomes a constant companion weaving under and beside the trail, and development falls away almost entirely. By the time you reach the southern stretch approaching Heafford Junction, the Bearskin feels like genuine wilderness — a spruce-tamarack bog ecosystem more typical of northern Canada than the American Midwest, with natural cold-water springs seeping from glacial till beside the trail.

The South Blue Lake rest area, roughly at the trail's midpoint, provides drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables, and grills — a welcome landmark for through-hikers and the logical turnaround point for out-and-back day trips from either end.

Route Overview & Stages

The Bearskin State Trail runs south from the Dr. Pink Drive trailhead in Minocqua to its southern terminus near the Hiawatha Trail junction at Heafford Junction. The three sections below follow the trail's natural landscape transitions from resort-bordered hardwood forest through a wilderness creek corridor to boreal bog.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Minocqua Trailhead (Dr. Pink Drive) — The northern terminus offers ample parking and sits within walking distance of Minocqua's downtown restaurants, gear shops, and lakeside resorts. It is the most accessible entry point for visitors arriving from the south on US-51.
• Bearskin Creek Trestles — Fifteen timber trestles and causeways carry the trail over Bearskin Creek and its adjacent wetland pools. These former railroad bridges are the defining feature of the route, providing intimate water-level views of the creek's clear, cold flow through boreal forest.
• 215-Metre (700-Foot) Trestle — The longest structure on the trail spans a broad wetland basin. On calm mornings the still water reflects the surrounding tamarack canopy, making this one of the most photographed spots on any Wisconsin rail trail.
• Hazelhurst — The first community south of Minocqua provides a convenient resupply point roughly 10 km into the trail. A small grocery and several cafes are within a short walk of the corridor.
• South Blue Lake Rest Area — Located at the trail's approximate midpoint, this facility provides drinking water, flush restrooms, grills, and picnic tables — the main planning landmark for two-day through-hikes.
• Spruce-Tamarack Bog — In the southern section the trail skirts a rare boreal peatland habitat. Tamarack (Larix laricina) turns brilliant gold in October, making this the finest autumn colour stop on the entire route.
• Natural Cold-Water Springs — Multiple spring seeps emerge from glacial till beside the southern corridor, keeping the surrounding air noticeably cool even in mid-summer and sustaining a dense fringe of ferns and bog mosses along the trail edge.
• Heafford Junction & Hiawatha Connection — The southern terminus connects to the Hiawatha State Trail, extending options for cyclists and hikers who want to continue south through Lincoln County.

Best Time to Hike the Bearskin State Trail

The trail is open year-round, but each season delivers a distinctly different experience. As of 2026, trail conditions and facility schedules remain consistent with Wisconsin DNR long-term management standards.

Summer (June–August) is peak season: daytime temperatures average 21–27°C, the compacted granite surface is firm and dry, and all facilities including the South Blue Lake rest area are fully operational. The downside is insects — northern Wisconsin's mosquito and deer fly populations peak in June and July, so pack a DEET-based repellent and cover exposed skin during early mornings and evenings.

September is the single best month to hike the Bearskin State Trail. Temperatures settle at a comfortable 12–18°C, the northern hardwood section turns amber and orange, and the tamarack bog in the south begins its gold transformation. Insect pressure drops sharply after the first cool nights, and weekend crowd levels fall compared to the summer peak. Book Minocqua accommodation several weeks in advance for mid-September weekends, as autumn colour draws visitors from across Wisconsin and neighbouring states.

October extends the colour season at cooler temperatures of 6–12°C. Late October can bring frost and occasional snow flurries; check the Wisconsin DNR conditions page before heading out.

Winter (December–March) transforms the Bearskin into a cross-country ski and snowshoe corridor. DNR grooming depends on snowpack, with conditions typically best in January and February when snowfall is most reliable in Oneida County.

Spring (April–May) brings snowmelt and rain that can temporarily soften the compacted granite. The trail remains open but heavy use during wet periods can damage the surface, so wait for several consecutive dry days before planning a spring outing.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Minocqua is the best-served base for a Bearskin through-hike, with dozens of lakeside resorts, motels, and vacation cabin rentals ranging from approximately €75 to €230 per night. The town sits directly at the northern trailhead, making car-free logistics straightforward for the first day. Hazelhurst, roughly 10 km from the northern end, offers a small selection of B&B-style lodging at around €80–€110 per night.

For budget travellers, the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest — Wisconsin's largest state forest, which borders the trail corridor — has multiple campgrounds charging approximately €18–€28 per night for tent sites. There are no huts or trail hostels on the Bearskin itself, and wild camping on the trail corridor is not permitted by the Wisconsin DNR. Hikers planning a two-day traverse should book accommodation in advance, particularly during the September and October colour season when demand across the Minocqua area is high.

Getting There & Back

The Bearskin State Trail is located in rural Oneida County and is not served by scheduled public transport. Access by car is the standard approach: Minocqua is approximately 3.5 hours north of Chicago on I-90 W and US-51 N, 3 hours east of Minneapolis on I-94 E and US-51 N, and 2.5 hours northwest of Green Bay on US-51 N.

The nearest commercial airport is Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport (RHI), 35 km northeast of Minocqua, with connecting flights from Chicago O'Hare (ORD). Car rental at RHI is essential as no shuttle or taxi service connects the airport to the trailhead. Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International (MSP) offer greater flight frequency and are both within a 3–4 hour drive. For point-to-point logistics, several outfitters in Minocqua offer seasonal vehicle shuttle services between the northern and southern trailheads — arrange these in advance during summer and early autumn.

Permits & Fees

Hikers and pedestrians use the Bearskin State Trail free of charge. Cyclists aged 16 and older must carry a Wisconsin State Trail Pass — $5 per day or $25 per year as of 2026. Passes are available at self-registration kiosks at all major trailheads and online through the Wisconsin DNR. Parking at designated trailhead lots is free. There are no backcountry permits, timed entry restrictions, or lottery systems — the trail is open to walkers at any hour of the day or night.

Gear & Packing List

The Bearskin's flat compacted-granite surface keeps gear requirements modest compared to mountain trails. Trail runners or sturdy walking shoes provide adequate grip in all but spring mud-season conditions; waterproof footwear is only worth the added weight after prolonged rain or during the April-May thaw. In summer, DEET-based insect repellent is as essential as water — northern Wisconsin's mosquito and deer fly populations are aggressive from June through mid-August and the trail's open trestle sections offer no refuge.

For a single day covering 20–25 km, a compact daypack or hydration vest in the 12–20 L range is the right tool. The Salomon ADV Skin 20 works particularly well: the integrated water reservoir and vest fit keep hands free on the trestle sections, and 20 L holds a layer, emergency kit, and snacks without unnecessary bulk. Overnight through-hikers covering the full 43 km across two days need a 40–50 L pack with room for a lightweight tent, a sleeping bag rated to at least 5°C (September nights in Oneida County can drop to 8°C), and two days of food. The Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 balances back-ventilation with capacity for warm summer starts and expands when needed, while the Osprey Aether 65 suits hikers who prefer a fully adjustable torso fit and structured organisation pockets. For a deep comparison of sub-1 kg options, see our Best Ultralight Backpacks 2026 guide.

If you are calculating food weight for the southern section where there are no resupply stops between South Blue Lake and Heafford Junction, our hiking calorie guide walks through daily energy needs by body weight and pace. Essential items to pack regardless of trip length:

• DEET-based insect repellent (critical June through mid-August)
• Sunscreen and a hat — open trestle and bog sections have no overhead shade
• At least 1.5–2 L water capacity; refill at South Blue Lake rest area
• Waterproof rain jacket — afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer
• Warm mid-layer for September and October evenings

Similar Trails You Might Like

The Bearskin's accessible, flat format is an excellent confidence-builder before progressing to more demanding American trails. Hikers who have completed the Bearskin and are ready for steeper terrain and more dramatic scenery frequently move on to canyon and high-altitude routes. The following trails offer that next level of challenge across the United States:

• South Kaibab Trail (United States) — a strenuous point-to-point descent into the Grand Canyon with exposed ridgeline panoramas and a 1,500 m drop to the Colorado River
• North Kaibab Trail (United States) — the Grand Canyon's cooler, less-crowded north-rim corridor through riparian cottonwood forest and towering canyon walls
• Hidden Canyon (United States) — a short Zion National Park route through a narrow Navajo sandstone slot with chain-assisted sections
• Clouds Rest Trail (United States) — a high-altitude Yosemite ridge walk to 2,855 m with sweeping valley panoramas that rival Half Dome at a fraction of the permit difficulty
• Panorama Trail (United States) — a classic Yosemite loop through meadows, waterfalls, and valley viewpoints above the valley floor

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Bearskin State Trail?
September is the optimal month: temperatures settle at 12–18°C, the northern hardwood section turns amber and orange, the tamarack bog turns gold, and insect populations drop sharply after the first cool nights. The trail is open year-round, but spring (April–May) brings soft, muddy conditions that can make the surface difficult underfoot, and some facilities reduce hours outside the main June–October season.

How difficult is the Bearskin State Trail?
The trail is rated easy throughout its 43 km. As a converted railroad bed, gradients are minimal — rarely exceeding 1–2% — and the compacted granite surface is firm and even. There are no technical sections, route-finding challenges, or significant climbs. The main consideration is distance: 43 km is a full day or a comfortable two-day outing for most hikers, but the flat terrain makes it accessible for beginners, families with older children, and hikers returning from injury.

How far should I plan to walk each day on the Bearskin?
Most through-hikers split the 43 km into two days of roughly 21–22 km each, stopping overnight near South Blue Lake or in Hazelhurst. Fit hikers complete the full distance in a single long day of 8–10 hours at a moderate pace. Because the route is essentially flat, daily distance is a more reliable planning figure than elevation gain, and 20–25 km per day is very achievable on this compacted surface.

Where can I stay along the Bearskin State Trail?
Minocqua, at the northern trailhead, offers the widest choice — lakeside resorts and cabin rentals from around €75–€230 per night. Hazelhurst has limited B&B-style options at €80–€110 per night. The Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, adjacent to the trail corridor, has campgrounds at approximately €18–€28 per night for tent sites. Wild camping on the trail corridor itself is not permitted by the Wisconsin DNR.

Do I need a permit or pass to hike the Bearskin State Trail?
Hikers and pedestrians require no permit or fee. Cyclists aged 16 and older must carry a Wisconsin State Trail Pass ($5 per day or $25 per year as of 2026), available at trailhead self-registration kiosks or online from the Wisconsin DNR. Parking at all designated trailhead lots is free. There are no entry gates, timed access windows, or lottery systems — the trail is open and free to walkers at any time of year.