State Forests_Content Page_Black River Winter

Winter Recreation

Black River State Forest

Cross-country skiing

The Black River State Forest has 20 miles of cross-country ski trails. Trails are groomed for skaters and traditional skiers and provide a variety of skill levels from beginner to expert. A daily or annual trail pass is required for all skiers 16 years of age and older.

For a map of the trails and additional information, see the Hiking, Biking, and Skiing Trails brochure [PDF].

See Travel Wisconsin's cross-country ski conditions for updated trail conditions.

Snowmobiling and ATVing

The Black River State Forest contains 48 miles of snowmobile trails that link with the Jackson County Forestry and Parks trail system. Snowmobilers can travel on state forest trails between Millston and Lake Arbutus and between Black River Falls and City Point.

Please see Travel Wisconsin’s snow conditions page for updated trail conditions.

Wisconsin law requires those who use snowmobile trails to display either a Wisconsin registration or a snowmobile trail pass. Passes are available to purchase online, over the counter at any DNR-authorized license agent or by phone at 1-877-945-4236.

For details on registration, trail pass requirements, age restrictions and safety tips please see DNR snowmobiling.

Access

Parking lots for the state forest trail system are plowed after each snowfall and trail maps are available at parking lot facilities. Parking lots and trail access points are located on:

  • North Settlement Road, north of County Road O
  • State Highway 54, east of Black River Falls
  • East 7th Street off Highway 12 East near Black River Falls

Emergencies

To report an accident, dial 911. Other contact information includes:

  • Jackson County Sheriff: 715-284-5357
  • Black River State Forest Superintendent: 715-284-1406 or 715-284-4103
  • Your nearest DNR conservation warden

Snowshoeing

With the exception of groomed cross-country ski trails, visitors may snowshoe anytime there is snow on the ground. For a map of the trails and additional information, see the Hiking, Biking, and Skiing Trails brochure [PDF].