The fall colors in the Northwoods are hard to beat. Northern Wisconsin is blanketed by thick forests, and when the days grow short and the air cools, they explode with color. A gorgeous state recreation trail will take you through the heart of this fall color – enjoy an autumn stroll that can be as short or as long as you like. Here’s what’s waiting for you on the Bearskin State Trail, a trestle bridge fall walk that’s full of bright foliage.
In the 1800s, rail lines were built across northern Wisconsin to transport timber that was harvested by vast logging operations. Rail lines also serviced northern mines and transported people and materials between new Northwoods communities.
Alltrails / Erika Gibson
While you’ll still find active train lines all over Wisconsin, many of the old lines have been decommissioned and repurposed into state trails. One of the prettiest to visit in the fall is the Bearskin State Trail.
Mariam Case/AllTrails
The trail is on the bed of a rail line that was built to transport white pine logs from logging operations to cities around the Midwest.
Alltrails / Elise Schaffer
Today the trail runs between two cities that are popular with tourists who are seeking fall colors: Minocqua and Tomahawk.
Alltrails / Erika Gibson
The trail has many trestle bridges – 16 in all. They helped trains cross many streams and wetlands, and they offer some scenic views. You may want to pause to take some fall color photos!
Alltrails / Abi Glaum
The out-and-back trail runs 43 miles round-trip, so you could run a marathon and still have some scenic miles to go. But you can pick any stretch of the Bearskin and enjoy a scenic stroll that’s just the right distance for you. It’s also a fantastic trail for a bike ride!
Alltrails / Brent R
The Bearskin State Trail is a good place for a stroll in the fall, but it becomes a snowmobile trail in the winter. If you decide to ride a bike on the trail, a state trail pass is required. Learn more about the Bearskin on the state DNR website. After exploring the Bearskin, there are some places to find the best scenic colors in Wisconsin.
Alltrails / Erika Gibson
Mariam Case/AllTrails
Alltrails / Elise Schaffer
Alltrails / Abi Glaum
Alltrails / Brent R
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Address: Bearskin State Trail, Harshaw, WI 54529, USA
