Mountain Biking Trails
Mountain Biking Wisconsin – A thrilling challenge for experts and families
*All trails will be closed from March 31 to May 15 depending on conditions or unless otherwise posted.
Please do not ride the trails during seasonal transitions when the frost is entering or leaving the ground.
Welcome to the Mountain Biking Capital of the Midwest! Over 300 miles of mapped and marked trails greet the mountain bike enthusiast in the Cable Area. Developed by the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA), the system is divided into six clusters, each with one or more trailheads. The system stretches from Hayward to Iron River, making the Cable Area the hub of one of Wisconsin’s best mountain biking destinations.
The CAMBA trails have become one of the Midwest’s most popular because of their variety, scenic beauty and “impossible to get lost” signage. The routes follow a variety of paths, including logging roads, fire lanes, snowmobile trails, ski trails and extensive singletrack. The terrain lends itself to riders of all abilities, from beginners to seasoned fat tire experts. There are no urban-style bike paths in this system. Forget crowded trails, for they don’t exist in the Cable area!
Trail Heads:
An overview map of the entire system is available to help get you to each trail head, while a set of four cluster maps provides detailed information for each trail. Maps and mountain bike rentals are available at area bike shops. Maps and more information are also available at the Cable Area Visitor Center.
In November of 2010 the Namakagon Cluster of CAMBA trails received designation as an IMBA “EPIC Ride.”
Favorite Rides:
1. Rock Lake
2. Sleigh Trail
3. Spring Creek Trail
4. Reynard Lake Trail
For mountain bike services & retail, check out Start Line Services!
Area Trails
Cable Cluster
CABLE TRAILHEAD
Directions: Approaching Cable from the south on Highway 63 turn right (east) on Highway M. Drive 1/2 block and turn right onto Randysek Rd. Park in the municipal parking lot adjacent to the Fire Department. Water available.
SHORT & FAT
Mileage: 15.1 miles Difficulty: Intermediate Trail Type: 20% easy-riding singletrack, 30% two-track, 40% gravel road, 10% paved road. Description: This is the actual route used during the annual Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. Lots of trail types and terrain variations in a roller coaster ride through the woods with several cut-off options available.
WILD RIVER
Mileage: 5 miles Difficulty: Beginner Trail Type: 20% paved road, 40% two-track, 40% gravel road. Description: Easy family-friendly ride on pavement, snowmobile trail and abandoned railroad grade with a spectacular view of the Wild & Scenic Namekagon River from an old railroad trestle.
NORTH END TRAILHEAD
Directions: From Cable travel 1/2 mile east on County Hwy M. Turn right (south) on Randysek Road and drive 2 miles to the North End Trailhead.
OJIBWE TRAIL
Mileage: 10.5 miles Difficulty: Intermediate with narrow and technical sections. Trail Type: 100% singletrack. Description: Deep woods singletrack with frequent punchy climbs. Great blend of old school and more contemporary style trail. Links to FlowMama and southbound trails and Esker and eastbound trails.
SLEIGH TRAIL
Mileage: 3.7 miles Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: 24% easy-riding singletrack, 20% gravel road, 4% Birkie Trail, 33% ski trail. Description: Enjoy the roller coaster profile of southern Bayfield County Forest on a route that provides a wide variety of trail types and terrain changes. Sample forest road climbs, Birkebeiner Trail descents, and meandering ski trails through a mixed hardwood forest.
BIRKIE START TRAILHEAD
Directions: From Cable turn right on Randysek Road and drive 1.5 miles south. Turn left on McNaught Road and follow 2 miles to the trailhead. Water available.
TELEMARK TRAVERSE
Mileage: 2 miles Difficulty: Intermediate Trail Type: 100% singletrack Description: Connects Birkie Start Trailhead near Telemark Resort to Ojibwe. Winding climb out of the valley on moderately technical singletrack.
TELEMARK TERRAIN PARK
Mileage: 1.5 miles Difficulty: Difficult Trail Type: 100% technical singletrack. Description: Challenging technical trail that climbs and traverses wooded areas between old Telemark ski slopes. Steep climbs, tight turns, narrow — in a word, gnarly.
ESKER TRAIL
Mileage: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Intermediate Trail Type: 100% singletrack. Description: Glacial features at their best in this aerobic workout. Climb to the top of a knife ridge esker, ride past a spring-fed lake and view other glacial features. Not for the weak of body or mind. Quickest Access: Spider Lake Firelane at C9 or C8.
DANKY DANK
Mileage: 4.5 miles Difficulty: Difficult Trail Type: 100% singletrack. Description: A blend of winding and technical and open and flowing through very remote country including several glacial esker ridge routes. Rock features and technical segments elevate the difficulty of this trail. Quickest Access: From Esker Trail at C12.
Delta Cluster
DELTA LAKE PARK TRAILHEAD
Directions: From Iron River – 9 miles southeast on Cty Hwy H to Scenic Dr. to Delta Lake County Campground. From Drummond- 11 miles north on Delta- Drummond Rd. (FR 35) and .25 miles west on Cty Hwy H to to Scenic Drive, 1.5 miles west on Scenic Drive.
WEST FORK TRAIL
11.3 Miles Difficulty: Intermediate Trail Type: 46% singletrack, 15% two-track, 20% gravel road, 29% paved
Description: Everything! Pine barrens, tall red and white pines and terrific singletrack.
TALL PINES TRAILHEAD
Directions: From Delta Lake Trailhead- 5 miles west on W. Delta Rd. (FR 231) and 2 miles south on Beck Rd. (FR 229). From Drummond – 5.8 miles west on Cty Hwy N and 5.5 miles north on Beck Rd. (FR 229).
TALL PINES TRAIL
10.8 Miles Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: 10% singletrack, 77% two-track, 13% gravel road
Description: Scenic, remote forest with wild blueberries and raspberries in July.
WILDERNESS LAKE TRAIL
9.2 Miles Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: 2% easy-riding singletrack, 94% two-track, 4% gravel road
Description: Smooth surface makes for a pleasant ride. Connects to Drummond Cluster.
Drummond Cluster
DRUMMOND TOWN PARK TRAILHEAD
Directions: From Hwy 63 in Drummond turn north on Wisconsin St. at the Black Bear Restaurant. Go 3 blocks and turn left (west) at the T intersection on Superior St. Follow Superior St. to the Town Park. Park in the upper lot. Water available.
CISCO LAKE TRAIL
Mileage: 4.6 miles Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: 25% gravel road, 75% paved road. Description: Easy beginner’s loop. Watch otters and loons on Lake Drummond or visit the historical Rust Owen Reservoir site.
HORSE PASTURE TRAIL
Mileage: 18.2 miles Difficulty: Easy. Non-technical terrain over a longer distance. Trail Type: 10% two-track, 60% gravel road, 30% paved road. Description: Not technical in difficulty, long mileage through flat to rolling terrain. See trilliums in the spring.
PIGEON LAKE TRAIL
Mileage: 11.4 miles Difficulty: Easy. Trail Type: 60% gravel road, 40% paved road Description: Easy gravel jaunt through the deep woods.
REYNARD LAKE TRAIL
Mileage: 14.8 miles Difficulty: Easy. Non-technical terrain over an intermediate distance Trail Type: 55% gravel road, 45% paved road Description: Forest road gravel route, with wildflowers, remote lakes, bogs and swamps.
STAR LAKE TRAIL
Mileage: 11.6 miles Difficulty: Easy. Non-technical terrain over an intermediate distance Trail Type: 40% gravel road, 60% paved road. Description: Water, wildflowers and wildlife abound on this cruise through Northwoods lake country.
DRUMMOND SKI TRAILS TRAILHEAD
Directions: From Hwy 63 in Drummond drive south on FR 213, .9 mile. Turn left (east) at the entrance to the trailhead for the Drummond Ski Trail System.
ANTLER TRAIL
Mileage: 1.9 miles Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: 100% easy-riding ski trail singletrack. Description: Good beginner’s loop to experience some easy singletrack riding.
BOULEVARD TRAIL
Mileage: 6.2 miles Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: 75% two-track, 25% easy riding singletrack. Description: Double track out and back trail. Visit Lake Owen picnic ground and swimming beach.
JACK RABBIT TRAIL
Mileage: 4.3 miles Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: 100% easy-riding ski trail singletrack. Description: Easy backwoods ride to develop your off-road skills.
Hayward Cluster
HATCHERY CREEK PARK TRAILHEAD
Directions: From the intersection of Highways 77 & 63 in Hayward, drive east 2 miles to Fish Hatchery Road. Turn left (north) and go 0.7 miles to the lower parking lot at the log cabin shelter. The trailhead is to the south about 100 yards. Water available.
HATCHERY CREEK TRAIL
Mileage: 8.9 miles with 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 mile cut-offs Difficulty: Intermediate Trail Type: 100% singletrack. Description: Rolling singletrack, moderately technical through glaciated terrain. Not a beginner’s trail, but a thoroughly fun singletrack romp. Also accessible via Mosquito Brook Trailhead.
MOSQUITO BROOK TRAILHEAD
Directions: From Hayward drive 2.9 miles north on Hwy 63 to Phipps Road (near KOA campground). Turn right (east) and go 2.1 miles on Phipps Fire Lane to Mosquito Brook Road. Turn right (south) and go 0.8 miles to parking lot at Birkie Trail crossing.
BIRKIE TRAIL
Mileage: 9 miles point-to-point Mosquito Brook to OO Difficulty: Intermediate ski trail Trail Type: Wide grass ski trail. Description: World famous ski trail, grass, 30 feet wide with a worn-in single track. Use other routes when wet.
MAKWA TRAIL
Mileage: 12.5 miles to OO; 5 miles to Gravel Pit Road—point-to-point Difficulty: Intermediate Trail Type: 100% singletrack. Description: Twisting, climbing, fun, flowing singletrack. You will love this ride!
PHIPPS FIRE LANE
Mileage: 7.7 miles one-way Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: Dirt road, fast rolling hills. Description: Forest-lined gravel road that parallels the Birkie Trail. Some sandy sections but a fast and fun ride. Good wet weather route. Watch for occasional vehicles. Access from OO or Mosquito Brook Trailheads. Provides link between several two-track routes.
PLANTATION TRAIL
Mileage: 2.2 miles from H 9 to H 10 Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: 60% two-track, 40% dirt road Description: Rolling fun ride through hardwood and big pines. Good choice when wet (access via Phipps Fire Lane).
SUGARBUSH TRAIL
Mileage: 1.75 miles, point-to-point Difficulty: Difficult Trail Type: 100% singletrack Description: Challenging technical singletrack connecting Makwa Trail to Whitetail Trail. Access at H 18 north of Mosquito Brook Trailhead.
TRAIL DESCENTE
Mileage: 3.3 miles from H 5 to H 7 Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: 50% two-track, 50% dirt road Description: Fire lanes, Birkie Trail and forest roads.
WHITETAIL TRAIL
Mileage: 4.3 miles, stacked lollipop loops Difficulty: Easy Trail Type: 45% Birkie Trail, 10% two-track, 45% old forest road shared with ATVs. Description: Connects to all other trails in the Hayward Cluster.
GRAVEL PIT ROAD TRAILHEAD
Directions: From intersection of Hwy 77 & 63 in Hayward, drive east 9.5 miles to Pit Road. Turn left/northwest and go 1.5 miles to trailhead parking at the Makwa Trail crossing.
MAKWA TRAIL(North to OO)
Mileage: 7.2 miles point-to-point Difficulty: Intermediate (South to Mosquito Brook) Mileage: 5 miles point-to-point Difficulty: Intermediate Trail Type: 100% singletrack Description: Twisting, climbing, rolling singletrack. You will love this ride!
Namakagon Cluster
Namakagon Town Hall Trailhead
Directions: Take Cty Hwy M east of Cable 10 Miles to the intersection of Cty Hwy D. Town Hall is on the right.
Namakagon Trail
15 Miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Type: 77% easy-riding to moderately technical singletrack, 13% two-track.
Description: EPICS Challening rolling terrain. Deep forest singletrack to open double track. Great to hammer or just cruise.
Patsy Lake Trail
12.5 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: 78% singletrack, 22% two-track
Description: EPICS You won’t be a “patsy” if you try this trail. Patsy Lake, bogs, sweet singletrack, rolling hills, great mix of trail and forest types.
Rock Lake Trailhead
Directions: 7miles easy of Cable on Cty Hwy M. Parking for hiking, biking, and ski trails. National Forest parking fee in effect at this trailhead.
Glacier Trail
8.4 Miles
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Type: 78% singletrack, 22% double track
Description: Variety and scenic views abound with portios of fast riding double track and easy-riding to moderately difficult singletrack
Rock Lake Trail
12 Miles including Hildebrand Lake Loop
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail Type: 100% technical singletrack
Description: EPICS Thecenterpiece of the CAMBA trails, comprised entirely of moderately difficult to difficult singletrack. Shorter cut-offs are less difficult, while the longer routes require advanced bike handling skills and fitness.
Cut-offs:5.5 Miles, Emerson Lake – 9.9 Miles.
Rock Lake Trail – Hildebrand Lake Loop
Mileage: 2.4 Miles (must ride entire Rock Lake Loop to access)
Defficulty: Very Difficult
Trail Type: 100% technical singletrack.
Description: The most difficult portion of the Rock Lake Trail woth technical features, scenic lake views, plank bridge water crossing and stunning side hill singletrack.
Wilson Lake Trailhead
Directions: From Hayward, take U.S. Hwy 63 north 1/2 mile to U.S. Hwy 77 east. Right on Hwy 77 for 15 Miles to upper A/FR 205. Turn left (north) and go 7 miles to the intersection with FR 206. Turn left (north) and go 1 mile to trail head.
Patsy Lake Trail
14.8 Miles (loop via Namakagon Town Hall Trailhead, several cut-offs possible)
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: 78% easy singletrack, 22% two-track
Description: Bogs, sweet sections of tight wandering singletrack, interesting bridges and rolling hills — a great mix of trail and forest types. Primitive campsites at Wilson Lake and Patsy Lake.
Wilson Lake Spur
.75 Miles
Difficulty: Easy
Description: Rolling double track to Wilson Lake and its two primitive campsites.
Seeley Cluster
OO Trailhead
Directions: 10 miles north of Hayward on Hwy 63, turn right (east) on Cty Hwy OO for 3.5 Miles to Birkie Trail. Sawyer County Forest Parking fee in effect at this trailhead. Water available on west side of garage builing.
FireTower Trail
4.0 Miles Loop from S-8
Difficulty: Intermediate to difficuly
Trail Type: 70% two-track, 30% gravel road
Description: Lots of gradual climbing and some rocky descents. Includes some of the tougher sections of the Chequamegon 40 race course. A short side trip takes you to former site of Seeley Firetower (0.5 Miles) and the steepest Climb in the CAMBA system.
Frost Pocket Trail
9.3 Miles
Difficulty: Easy/ Intermediate
Trail Type: 25% two-track, 38% gravel road, 14% asphalt, 20% single track
Description: Varied riding with views of glacial potholes
Lake Helane Trail
OO TH – 4.5 Miles, loop S-20
Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
Trail Type: 60% two track, 40% gravel road
Description: Great variety including gradual climbs, rocky descents and fast flats. Sample some fun sections of the Chequamegon 40 race course. Watch for and yield to oncoming traffic after a long gradual downholl as Boedeker Road meets Northern Lights Road.
Makwa Trail
12.5 Miles point to point
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Type: 100% Singletrack
Description: Twisting, Climbing, rolling singletrack. Slightly more technical, but not daunting. You will love this Ride!
Seeley Pass
5.1 Miles to Boedeker Rd.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Type: 100% Singletrack
Description: A great cross country ride with rolling descents and a couple serious climbs plus the “Pothole Plunge.” Accesses remote parts of the forest along the backside of Martel’s Pothole.
Winding Pine Trail
3.5 Miles, Loop from S-5
Difficulty: Intermediate
Trail Type: 70% two-track, 30% gravel road
Description: Easy, grasual Climbs, short hills and generally rolling terrain. A few short descents keeps it fast.
Additional Info
CAMBA, the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association, is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization whose mission is: To support mountain bike advocacy, education, sustainable trail development and tourism in the Chequamegon Area in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, local governments and agencies and private landowners. CAMBA is responsible for the development and management of a regional mountain bike trail system of over 300 miles in northern Sawyer and southern Bayfield Counties of Wisconsin. Trails are based in the towns of Cable, Delta, Drummond, Hayward, Namakagon and Seeley on National and county forests and some private land.
The Cable Area hosts multiple mountain bike races throughout the year. Check out the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival, Seeley Lions Pre Fat and many other fun rides.
Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival – Held annually in September, an off road mountain bike race from Hayward to Cable on the famous American Birkebeiner Trail with many events for the entire family throughout the weekend.
Mt. Borah Epic – Held annually in May- The 32 mile Epic starts in Cable and finishes at Hatchery Creek Park in Hayward.
