Bearskin State Trail – Minocqua, Wisconsin
- Lori Chown
- Jun 15
- 3 min read
Discovering the beauty, healing, and quiet wisdom of the Bearskin State Trail in Wisconsin's Northwoods.
The Bearskin State Trail is one of the most scenic bike trails in Wisconsin's Northwoods. Stretching 26 miles through forests, wetlands, lakes, and wildlife habitat near Minocqua, this former railroad corridor offers riders a peaceful journey through some of the state's most beautiful landscapes. On this cool, cloud-covered day, we explored a shorter section of the trail and discovered that even beneath gray skies, nature has a way of revealing its beauty.
It was a cold, windy day as we set out to ride the Bearskin State Trail near Minocqua. We had talked about biking the entire 26-mile trail, but the weather quickly helped us decide otherwise. Even with e-bikes, we're definitely fair-weather riders.
Bundled in layers, we settled on riding to the South Blue Lake Rest Area, about nine miles from the trailhead, making for an 18-mile round trip—just right for a chilly Northwoods day.
The opening of the trail alone is almost worth the trip.
A beautiful welcome sign greets visitors, followed by a massive bridge crossing picturesque waterways. At the opening of the bridgebstood an amazing birch tree, as if offering a quiet welcome to all who pass. I know we're not supposed to have favorites, but birch trees speak my language. It isn't just their delicate white bark that draws me in. It's their multiple trunks, reaching outward in different directions, reminding me that there are many pathways to healing and growth rarely
happens in a straight line.
The Bearskin State Trail offered many reminders on this gray day ~ perhaps the greatest being that beauty exists even when the skies are overcast.
For much of the ride, water bordered one or both sides of the trail. Just outside Minocqua, a marshy channel ran alongside us, dotted with bright yellow pond lilies that seemed to glow against the muted landscape. We had been told to watch for deer, and the trail did not disappoint. We easily spotted a dozen along the way, quietly moving through the forest or pausing to observe us as we passed.
There were countless charming spots where I could have stopped for photographs but today was about the ride. Sometimes the greatest gift is simply being present. I chose to enjoy the ride and capture most of the moments in my memory, stopping only a few times along the way.
Like many of Wisconsin's rails-to-trails routes, the Bearskin State Trail is well-maintained with compacted pea gravel, making it comfortable for traditional bicycles and e-bikes alike. Even on a sunny day, much of the route would remain shaded beneath a canopy of towering pines, maples, oaks, and birch trees. Their branches arched overhead, creating a peaceful corridor through the Northwoods.
We later learned that some sections of the Bearskin State Trail run alongside roads. It sounds like we discovered one of the most scenic stretches because our ride remained immersed in nature nearly the entire way.
This beautiful 18-mile ride along the Bearskin State Trail gave us exactly what we needed—a peaceful Northwoods biking experience filled with water views, wildlife, and quiet moments beneath the trees.
Nature's Lesson
Healing comes a little slower on cold days.
Yet there is something about water, trees, and quiet moments in nature that gently settles the mind. The trail reminded me that peace doesn't always arrive with sunshine. Sometimes it finds us beneath gray skies, riding between the trees, grateful simply to be there.
Perhaps that is one of nature's greatest lessons. Beauty is not reserved for perfect conditions. It is present in every season, every cloud-covered sky, and every winding path. We only need to slow down enough to notice it.
Click here for more Whispering Rides or visit our other blogs on Natures Wisdom.
Trail Notes
Trail: Bearskin State Trail
Location: Minocqua, Wisconsin
Distance Ridden: 18 miles round trip
Trail Length: 26 miles total
Surface: Compacted pea gravel
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
E-Bike Friendly: Yes
Wildlife Seen: Deer, birds, waterfowl
Highlights: Water views, wetlands, forest canopy, wildlife sightings, Northwoods scenery
Best For: Nature lovers, families, photographers, and riders seeking a peaceful Wisconsin rails-to-trails experience
