We admit that our cross-country ski trails and snowshoe hikes can get lost in the Snowmobile Capital of the World®. But if you know, you know how great they truly are for anyone willing to explore.
Skiing groomed trails and hiking through the woods on snowshoes is both a connection to our past and with the natural world of today. Spotting the same kind of wildlife our ancestors saw hundreds of years ago can bring a deep, soul-touching satisfaction. Check out some of the history of these two silent winter sports.
So, you ask, where are these trails? Well, that’s what this page is all about! Subtle slopes or heart-racing hills, find the groomed cross-country skiing trail you’re looking for with some advice from local Trees For Tomorrow Education Director Kim Feller.
Short Trips
If you’ve only got an hour or so, or you have limited experience, Kim recommends the Eagle River Nordmarka trails at the Eagle River golf course. They’re consistently groomed and maintained and they give skiers a nice variety of topography to enjoy along the ride. Skiers of all ability levels can enjoy a quick outing and stop by the nearby shops and restaurants of downtown Eagle River to warm up afterward.
One- to Two-Hour Routes
For a scenic out-and-back, Kim suggests the “Military Road” trail at Anvil Recreation area in Nicolet National Forest. It’s a shorter ski – about one mile each way – and could take a beginner close to an hour, but an advanced skier could do it in much less time. If you’re legs are feeling up to it, there are additional loops, like the lake loop (with steeper hills) that can be added to this trail. Just make sure you look at the maps or print one out to take along.
Area Trails
When you're up north, you'd better be down to explore. And with 240,000 acres of public lands and over 1,300 area lakes, there are plenty of ways to get out there. Whether you're hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, motorcycling, horse-back riding - heck, whatever you're doing, we've got the trail for you. Take a look below and use the filters to find your next adventure.
Longer Routes
Razorback ski areas in Sayner (maintained by the local Lions club) offer fantastic ski routes and are Kim’s personal favorite for cross-country skiing. There are multiple loops and routes available for both classic and skate skiers, plus a warming tent at the beginning of the trail system with running water to help keep you hydrated. Beginners and advanced skiers can choose from beautifully maintained free trails at all skill levels, but we like to think the Lions Club deserves a donation or two for their hard work grooming the area.
Nature Routes
Want to connect more with nature? Feed chickadees out of your hand at the warming shelter at Anvil Ski Trails. Just remember to bring your own birdseed (unless you run into Tom Hill). The shelter can be found at the junction of Military, Devil’s Run, Ninemile and East Trails. Parking is available off Hwy 70 with a 3-4-km ski easy way. Or you can park off Military Road for a shorter 2-km ski.
Make your way through the varied habitat of Three Eagle Trail. Go over three bridges covering marshes and spruce bogs and enjoy the scenic, mostly flat trail. The trail is 5 miles one-way from trailhead to trailhead.
No Gear? No Problem.
Visitors who forgot their skiing gear at home or need to rent some in the Eagle River area are in luck! For a variety of sporting gear to choose from and quality guides, check out our silent sports business page.
Come Play in the Snow!
With miles and miles of snow-covered trails, you’re sure to get in a good workout while soaking up incredible views. We’ve got the snow, the trails, the dedicated volunteers to maintain those trails, and places to buy or rent gear to move you along the trails. We just need you!
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