The Northwoods of Wisconsin is home to an incredible variety of mountain bike trail systems — from beginner-friendly flow trails to technical singletrack through rugged glacial terrain. Whether you're a first-time trail rider or a seasoned shredder, there's a trail system here for you. Rent a bike at Coontail and get out there!
Location: Winchester / Manitowish Waters | Mileage: 23+ miles of singletrack
This is one of the premier mountain bike destinations in northern Wisconsin. The trail system is professionally designed and includes a mix of machine-built flow trails, cross-country singletrack, and technical features. Riders can expect smooth berms, rollers, rock features, and optional jumps. Many trails include ride-around lines so beginners can avoid technical sections. The network also includes scenic riding through hardwood forest and glacial terrain.
Location: Woodruff | Mileage: ~6–7 miles
The Raven Trail system winds through mixed hardwood and pine forest near Clear Lake, Inkpot Lake, and Hemlock Lake. Trails are generally narrow singletrack with moderate climbs, rolling terrain, and occasional technical roots or rocks. A small skills park near the trailhead includes wooden bridges, rock features, and balance obstacles. The trail is known for its scenic lake views and flowing forest riding.
Location: Northern Highland–American Legion State Forest | Mileage: ~13 miles
A beginner-friendly network of trails looping around Hawk, Helen, and McNaughton lakes. The terrain is relatively gentle with smooth dirt and grass surfaces, small climbs, and wide singletrack. The trails were originally built for cross-country skiing, so the grades are gradual and forgiving. This is a great place for new mountain bikers or relaxed scenic rides.
Location: Woodruff | Mileage: ~3–5 miles
This small trail system circles Madeline Lake and nearby forest. The trails include tight forest singletrack, short climbs, and occasional roots. The riding is short but fun, making it a good quick ride or skill-building trail for beginner and intermediate riders.
Location: Minocqua | Mileage: ~6 miles
The Zip Trail is a flow-oriented singletrack system built by the Lakeland Area Mountain Biking Organization (LAMBO). It features smooth dirt tread, banked turns, rollers, and gentle climbs, allowing riders to maintain speed through the forest. The trail is designed to be approachable for beginners while still fun for experienced riders, and it is also groomed in winter for fat biking.
Location: Conover
A newer trail network built by LAMBO that includes flow trails, jump lines, and technical singletrack through county forest land. Riders will encounter bermed corners, small drops, and rolling forest terrain. The system continues to expand.
Location: Sayner
Muskie Mountain offers technical riding with rocky sections, steep climbs, and challenging descents. The trails weave through rugged forest terrain and glacial rock features, making it a good destination for experienced riders seeking more technical riding than most Northwoods trails offer.
Location: Rhinelander | Mileage: ~8 miles
Heal Creek Bike Park offers smooth, beginner-friendly singletrack loops through pine forest. The trails include gentle curves, small hills, and good sightlines, making them ideal for learning mountain biking skills or relaxed rides. The park also includes a skills area and trailhead facilities.
Location: Woodboro / Rhinelander area | Mileage: ~11 miles
Washburn Lake features a mix of trail types, including easy doubletrack and more technical singletrack sections. Riders will encounter rock gardens, tight turns, roots, and moderate climbs. The variety makes it suitable for both beginners and advanced riders, depending on which trails are chosen.
Location: Rhinelander area
These forest trails provide tight, twisty singletrack with rolling terrain and frequent direction changes. The riding is moderately technical with roots, small climbs, and narrow corridors through dense forest. It's a good place for riders who enjoy classic cross-country style trails.
Location: Rhinelander
Fern Ridge features rolling hills, forest singletrack, and natural obstacles created by glacial terrain. Riders will encounter short climbs, roots, and occasional rocky sections, making it an enjoyable intermediate ride.
Stop into Coontail before your ride for bike rentals, trail maps, and local knowledge. Our staff are riders too — we know these trails and are happy to help you find the perfect route for your skill level and the day's conditions.
Reserve a Bike — Arbor Vitae | Reserve a Bike — Boulder Junction
