Hiking and Nature Trails

The Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area offers five trails designated for hiking; there are also many miles of old logging roads if you care to explore the back country.

The Hidden Rivers Nature Trail is a 2-mile interpretive trail located off Fisherman's Landing Road. Big Island Trail, Wilson Hills Trail and Deadhorse Trail are hunter walking trails that are great for hiking any time of year. Little Turtle Trail is also a hunter walking trail and is a favorite of bird watchers — this trail is closed to hiking between Dec. 15 and April 15 if the ground is snow-covered because it is part of the MECCA Cross-Country Ski Trail system.

Big Island Trail

This trail begins at the bridge to Big Island. From County Highway FF go south on Popko Circle West approximately 3.6 miles and turn right on a woods road heading west towards Big Island. There is a grass parking area for two or three vehicles about 100 yards before the bridge. There are 8.8 miles of trail on the Island. Big Island Trail Map [PDF].

Deadhorse Trail

The Deadhorse Trail is located in a special management unit dedicated to intensive management for ruffed grouse. Property owners wanting to manage their property specifically for grouse should check out the seven new interpretive signs at various points on this 4.6-mile trail explaining ruffed grouse management techniques. All of the management practices can be applied by private landowners with as little as 10 acres. Access is off Popko Circle West, approximately 2 miles south of County Highway FF. Deadhorse Trail Map [PDF].

Hidden Rivers Nature Trail

Much like beauty, wilderness is in the eye of the beholder. Many people come to the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage seeking a sense of wilderness. What visitors often do not see is that humans have played a vital role in shaping the natural systems of the Flowage. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the Hidden Rivers Trail, take in the natural beauty of the area, and learn how humans have transformed the Turtle and Flambeau Rivers into the environment you experience today. Hidden Rivers Trail Map [PDF].

Little Turtle Trail

There are 5.2 miles of mowed trail in the Little Turtle Waterfowl Management Area. To access the trail, take Popko Circle East south from County Highway FF approximately 1.1 miles to Joe's Shack Road. At the end of Joe's Shack Road turn right to the trail head parking area on the north edge of the Little Turtle Flowage.

NOTE: Between Dec. 15 and April 15, this hunter walking trail is designated part of the MECCA Cross-Country Ski Trail. You may not walk or hike on the groomed portion of this trail any time the ground is snow-covered between these dates. Little Turtle Trail Map [PDF].

Wilson Hills Trail

There are 5.5 miles of maintained trail in two segments between Wilson Lake and the Bonies Mound area of the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. To access the trails from County Highway FF, go south on Popko Circle East approximately 3.6 miles to Wilson Lake Road East. Take Wilson Lake Road East 1.1 miles to a woods road heading east. There are several access points along this woods road. Wilson Hills Trail Map [PDF].