Traveling to the area as a child, now living in the heart of the Northwoods, it moves me to known the great fortune we have in our parks and trail systems of the area. Of the 50 states, I feel truly honored to live in a state that values preserving its natural landscapes for generations to come. I am certain that just one trip up north will leave you too in awe after seeing the vast and diverse display of trees, plants and wildlife while visiting the trails.
As the first state to designate an official "State Park" back in 1878, Wisconsin has been committed to maintaining the beauty and safeguarding the fauna and flora of the area for over 140 years. Since then, Wisconsin has set up 66 State Parks reserving over 60,000 acres of untouched land, over 800 hiking trails totaling over 2,730 miles and restored the state's tree population that declined significantly after the early 1900's logging industry nearly stripped the land.
Now, roughly 46% of the entire state is covered in trees, most of which are in the Northwoods near Birch Trail Resort. Ideally situated on the border between Vilas County and Oneida County on Amber Lake, Birch Trail Resort has direct access to many trail systems and parks. Our very own neighbor, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest covers more than 1.5 million acres of forested, lake-filled land with a plethora of trails and recreational hot spots. With so much native landscape, it's only natural that while staying here in summer or winter, guests would go out and explore the beauty of the trails.
Below are just a few of our favorites:
Just down the road from Birch Trail Resort is the 1,300 acre natural area named after the river that flows through it. Hiking is available all four seasons as well as fishing and wildlife viewing.
As famous as Paul Bunyan, this 18-mile trail system connects hikers and bikers from downtown Minocqua south to Hwy 51. Built upon an old railroad line, now filled with pebbled granite, this trail has a steady grade, making it a favorite for Birch Trail guests that may need some even footing.
For the avid outdoors-person, this 13-mile trail loop is ideal for a whole day in nature. A modest drive east into the heart of Vilas county, this trail is excellent for catching a glimpse of the majestic Bald Eagle and getting some serious hiking in.
This 8-mile unpaved trail is ideal for fat-tire biking in the winter. Described as a single-track mountain bike trail, this spot is sure to get your heart pumping with excitement!
Another designated mountain bike trail, this area also doubles as a cross-country ski trail during the winter. With a 4.6 and 12.5 mile loop, the extent of your adventure is all up to you!
This list could go on forever, but we don't want to keep you indoors reading it! Book your cabin with us, pack some comfortable hiking shoes, grab your camera, and capture the beauty of the Northwoods one trail at a time. Call 715-588-1962 now.