A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
There’s more than one way to experience Wisconsin’s famous fall colors. This year, skip the scenic highway and take to the trails. When the trees turn shades of red, orange, and gold, Wisconsin’s ATV and UTV trails become some of the best places to experience the season.
Across Barron County, Forest County, Arbor Vitae & Woodruff, and St. Germain, riders can find miles of ATV and UTV routes winding through forests, small towns, and some of Wisconsin’s best Northwoods scenery. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a full weekend of riding, these destinations make it easy to get out and explore as the leaves begin to change.
Barron County
Barron County is all about UTV accessibility, making it a great place to explore Western Wisconsin this fall. In Rice Lake, hit the 104-mile Wild Rivers State Trail, which connects to even more trails, including the Tuscobia Trail. The miles of trails make it easy to spend the day exploring the changing landscape.
Before you head out, stop at Trailhead Adventures to get your machine ready for the trails, then swing by Comstock Cheese & Sausage to grab some Wisconsin favorites for the ride. With plenty of places to ride, eat, and explore, Barron County is worth adding to your fall route.
Forest County
If you’re looking for a full weekend of riding, put Forest County on your list. With miles of public ATV and UTV trails winding through the Northwoods, there’s plenty of ground to cover. Ride the Wolf River State Trail, explore the Valley Trail, or head out on the Nicolet State Trail, where you can ride all the way into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Base your trip in Carter, where Potawatomi Carter Casino Hotel makes a convenient place to stay between rides. Spend the day on the trails, then come back for a little entertainment, dining, and a comfortable place to recharge before doing it all again the next day.
Arbor Vitae and Woodruff
Pair these neighboring Northwoods communities for a day of riding, exploring, and taking in the fall colors. Located in the heart of the Northwoods, Arbor Vitae has two convenient park-and-ride locations in town, making it easy to unload and hit the trails.
Take the scenic route along Big Arbor Vitae Lake and make a stop at Slo’s Pub for a bite and a drink before getting back on the trails. And while fall is a great time to visit, there’s another reason to put Woodruff on your list for a future trip. Come back in the summer to see the World’s Largest Penny or catch a lumberjack show.
St. Germain
St. Germain is a great choice when you want a little bit of everything. The trails are about 50/50 paved and dirt, giving you a chance to switch up the scenery as you explore the area. With three convenient trailheads, including Birchwood, Fern Ridge, and Downtown St. Germain, it’s easy to find a starting point, and trailer parking makes getting on the trails even easier.
When it’s time for a break, stop at Pine Knot Tavern for a bite and a drink, or swap the trails for the water and spend some time fishing.
Wherever you ride, there’s no better time to hit Wisconsin’s trails than fall. Grab your gear, pick a route, and get ready to see the season from a whole new perspective.
–
Josie Bartol is a Marketing Specialist and Project Manager at Discover Mediaworks. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
