Recreation
Gandy Dancer State Trail – Northern Segment
The Gandy Dancer State Trail is divided into a northern segment and a southern segment and trail activities vary. The northern segment of the Gandy Dancer State Trail begins on the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River. The trail runs for 31 miles in Minnesota and then crosses back into Douglas County for 15 miles.
The trail may bring a number of different users to the trail at the same time. It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users.
All-terrain vehicles
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are allowed year-round on the trail in Douglas County. Operators must follow all Wisconsin ATV operation laws. All-terrain vehicles must display valid registration in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. Visitors from Minnesota will need a nonresident ATV trail pass to ride the Wisconsin portion. The trail also connects to the Saunders State Trail and other Douglas County ATV routes.
All-terrain vehicles and other off-road vehicles are allowed on the Gandy Dancer State Trail corridor in Minnesota. For more information and a map of the Minnesota section, visit the Gandy Dancer Trail (Minnesota) webpage [exit DNR].
All-terrain vehicles and other motorized vehicles are prohibited on the southern segment of the Gandy Dancer State Trail in Burnett and Polk counties.
Off-Highway motorcycles
Off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) are allowed on the one mile stretch from Foxboro Chaffey Road in Douglas County south to the Minnesota-Wisconsin state line, from the official spring trail opening date until Oct. 31. Operators must follow all Wisconsin OHM operation laws. Off-highway motorcycles must display valid registration in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. Visitors from Minnesota will need a nonresident OHM registration to ride the Wisconsin portion. The trail also connects to Douglas County’s OHM trails and Minnesota’s OHM trail system.
Off-highway motorcycles and other off-road vehicles are allowed on the Gandy Dancer State Trail corridor in Minnesota. For more information and a map of the Minnesota section, visit the Gandy Dancer Trail (Minnesota) webpage [exit DNR].
Off-highway motorcycles and other motorized vehicles are prohibited from the north of Foxboro Chaffey Road in Douglas County and are also prohibited on the southern segment of the Gandy Dancer State Trail in Burnett and Polk counties.
Horseback riding
The trail in Douglas County is open to horseback riding. The trail is not groomed or surfaced and may be rough or soft in many sections. Riders must share the trail with motorized vehicles.
Walking and bicycling
The entire trail is open to walking and bicycling, though bicycling is not recommended on this segment of the trail. The trail may be rough or soft in many sections. If you plan to bike the trail, the tread is more suitable for off-road bikes.
Pet owners, please be sure to have your pet on a leash, 8 feet or shorter, at all times. You must pick up after your pet.
Winter activities
Snowmobiles are permitted on the trail. Operators must follow all Wisconsin snowmobile laws. The trail also connects to numerous miles of county snowmobile trails.
The opening and closing of snowmobile trails are at the discretion of each county. Snowmobile trails that cross DNR lands are opened and closed consistent with the surrounding county (or counties). Whenever possible, the opening and closing of snowmobile trails are done on a county-wide basis, however, localized conditions may require localized trail opening and closing. It is the responsibility of the county to provide notification about the status of snowmobile trails.
The Travel Wisconsin Snow Conditions Report [exit DNR], and local club and county snowmobile web pages [exit DNR] and telephone hotlines will provide the most current information.
The trail is open to walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, however, the trail is not groomed and users must share the trail with snowmobiles. Skiers do not need a trail pass while using the trail.
No Hunting and trapping allowed on trail
Hunting and trapping are not allowed on the trail corridor. For more information, please see: