Beginner Off-Road Trails Near Bayfield, Wisconsin

This is a gravel forest road starting on State Highway GG, right outside of Mellen, and ending on County Highway C in Highbridge. These forest roads have some nice scenic views as you make your…
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This backwoods trail features the Mellen Lookout Tower at the top of Mount Whittlesey and a few old Berkshire Mine Ruins. The trail offered a few steep hill climbs, rutted-out and rock-filled sections, and a…
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This trail descends gradually through a series of steep, winding sections on its way to the Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center along the north shore of Lake Superior. The road is well-maintained but can be dusty…
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County Road 7 is a long, wide gravel road that remains well-maintained along its entire length. It is a busy route with frequent local traffic, often moving at higher speeds, and can be pretty dusty,…
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This well-maintained gravel road offers an engaging drive with a series of steep ascents and descents as it winds through a dense and scenic forest. At the start of the trail, travelers may notice signs…
Learn more about Sonju Lake Road

This trail follows a well-maintained gravel surface that winds through forested terrain with a mix of ascents and descents. As the trail progresses, the final section consists mostly of a steady uphill climb. Along the…
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Trail 17 from Hurley to Mercer is an easy, railroad-grade trail that's well maintained. The trail follows most of the snowmobile trail 17, with some exceptions where it follows dirt or paved road for short…
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This trail runs parallel to Lake Superior before turning inland and climbing back into the forest. It follows a wide, well-maintained gravel surface with a few bumps along the way, but remains easy to navigate.…
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This forest road is a pretty drive through many birch trees and other colorful trees in the fall. Overall the road is quite wide but is one car wide as the elevation gain increases. There…
Learn more about Temperance River Backroad Scenic Drive

The Timber Trail which combines with Randysek Road starts out like a normal trail with some narrow and mostly dirt terrain. However, as you get closer to the cable this intersects with Randsek Rd. and…
Learn more about Bayfield Timber Trail

This is a short loop trail that connects Camp 38th to Randysek Road allowing you to get off the automobile-shared route. There are a few more narrow spots where meeting another machine will require someone…
Learn more about Trail 57

Trail 77 is a gravel connecting route from Trail 8 to County Road OO or Trail 31. It is one of the longer connecting trails and has nice easy rolling terrain to get you over…
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Trail 8 is a long dirt/gravel mix trail connecting 2 roads that could be used for access. It is mostly a dirt trail, and it is easy to navigate with plenty of spots to pull…
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This trail climbs steeply along a well-maintained but bumpy gravel road. The initial section is relatively wide and can accommodate two vehicles, but caution is advised as both hikers and cars use the route. As…
Learn more about Onion River Road

This trail is accessed via a wide, well-maintained gravel road that winds through the forest with moderate ascents and descents. Logging activity is present near the beginning of the trail, particularly around the Richey Lake…
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This trail is a wide, well-maintained gravel surface that winds through the forest, with gentle ascents and descents along the way. Early in the route, the trail leads to a public water access point on…
Learn more about Richey Lake

This trail follows a mostly smooth gravel surface, though there are stretches with corrugations and potholes that may require slower travel. Early in the route, the trail reaches an intersection where the Manitou Overlook Hiking…
Learn more about Shoepack Lake

This two-track trail is accessed from Kane Lake Road and remains relatively undamaged throughout its length. It winds through a mixed forest of pine and birch, offering a peaceful setting with a variety of wildflowers…
Learn more about Kane Lake Spur J

This trail begins off Highway 2, with the initial stretch consisting of a paved road. After the first few miles, the surface changes to poorly maintained gravel marked by frequent potholes, washboard sections, and standing…
Learn more about Kane Lake

The Hoist Lake trail is a wide, well-maintained gravel route that branches off from Trail 7 near the saloon, a convenient stop for supplies like ice before heading in. At the beginning of the trail,…
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This trail is a wide and well-maintained gravel surface, though some sections are affected by mild corrugations. The trail winds through dense forest and sees regular use, so drivers should be cautious of oncoming or…
Learn more about The Grade

This is a beautiful, winding gravel road through Northern Wisconsin that gives a beautiful view without significant danger to your vehicle. This trail is lined with a lovely variety of northern hardwoods and evergreens. Wildlife…
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The Manitou trail is a well-maintained single-lane gravel road that winds steadily through forested terrain. It features gentle ascents and descents, with a few minor potholes scattered along the route, but overall provides a smooth…
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Forest Service Road 362A is a narrow, overgrown route that winds through forested terrain, offering moderate ascents and descents along its length. The trail surface is rough, with numerous rocks that make for a bumpy…
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Wanless Trail is a scenic and generally well-maintained route that connects with Trappers Lake Trail and continues to Sister Lake Trail. The surface is mostly smooth, although some stretches of light corrugation may result in…
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This trail is surfaced with well-maintained reddish-brown gravel, and in August 2025, there was active roadwork along certain sections, so drivers should be prepared for possible delays or construction equipment. The route winds through forested…
Learn more about Barker Lake

Wanless Road is considered one of the more scenic routes within the Superior National Forest. This long, well-maintained gravel trail winds through dense woodland. It passes several picturesque lakes, including Dumbbell, Hogback, Charity, Elixir, Homestead,…
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The trail is narrow and overgrown in places, with a rocky and uneven surface that makes for a slow and somewhat bumpy ride. Despite its condition, the trail remains passable, with no major obstructions along…
Learn more about Wigwam Lake

Segment 2 of Trail 31 is the perfect go-to for a relaxing afternoon drive and lies between Phipps Fire Lane and Thannum Fire Lane. T-Mobile seems to have good service most of the time, but…
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Ward Lake trail is a long and winding, well-maintained but bumpy gravel surface. The initial stretch of the trail passes several private residences and a cathedral. Although the Cathedral in the Pines is a notable…
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