Recreation
Brule River State Forest
Biking
The Brule River State Forest has no designated trails for biking; however, it does contain numerous multi-use trails and roads that are ideal for mountain biking. Cyclists who enjoy getting away from the crowd may use any of the hunter walking trails, the Afterhours Trail (off ski-season), the Brule-St. Croix Snowmobile Trail, the Tri-County Corridor and many back roads.
View Hunter Walking Trails Map Packet [PDF].
Camping
Camping at Brule River State Forest
Canoeing, kayaking and boating
Canoeing, kayaking and boating at Brule River State Forest
Fishing
Fishing at Brule River State Forest
Hiking
Hiking at Brule River State Forest
Horseback riding
Horseback riders can enjoy miles of trails within the Brule River State Forest, including the Brule-St. Croix Snowmobile Trail, hunter walking trails and numerous back roads. The North Country Trail is for foot traffic only; no horses are allowed.
Riders are encouraged to locate watering points on a map before starting out or bring water along on the ride. Riders should also keep in mind that hunters use the trails during the deer season. There is no horse camping on the Brule River State Forest, but private campgrounds in the area do accommodate horse campers.
View Hunter Walking Trails Map Packet [PDF].
Hunting
The Brule River State Forest has more than 40 miles of hunter walking trails that provide easy access to favorable habitat for numerous game animals. Deer and grouse are the most commonly hunted species. Other hunting opportunities include woodcock, bear and waterfowl. Trapping of species such as beaver, muskrat, fisher, otter and mink is also common.
View Hunter Walking Trails Map Packet [PDF].
Visit DNR hunting for regulation, season and license information.
Picnic areas and shelters
Picnic areas and shelters at Brule River State Forest
Swimming
The forest has no designated swimming beaches, but some people enjoy swimming at Rush Lake on the eastern edge of the forest or in the cold waters of Lake Superior at the mouth of the Brule. Both locations have sandy beaches and clear water. Public beaches near the state forest are located on Lake Minnesuing and Lake Nebagamon.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities abound on the forest. Wildlife diversity is influenced by the variety of northern hardwood habitats that exist on the forest, including wetlands, pine barrens, grasslands, shrub-lands and boreal forest. The diverse terrain and soil types on the forest, as well as the Brule River itself, are responsible for this assortment of habitats.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the Brule River State Forest. Such rare birds as the black-backed woodpecker, white-winged crossbill, merlin, great gray owl and goshawk have been seen and likely nest on the property. Mammals such as the badger, bobcat, fisher and gray wolf can also be found.