Trail Overview
Designed for riders of all skill levels seeking a scenic cruise through the dense forests of northern Wisconsin, the West Elcho trail stands out as a crucial connector route offering access to the region's vast backcountry trail network. Spanning approximately 5.6 miles, this unpaved route connects County Road T to Moccasin Lake Road, serving as a primary corridor for ATVs, SxSs, and four-wheel-drive vehicles. The path traverses mostly flat terrain with a minimal elevation change, moving between 1,670 feet and 1,760 feet above sea level. This main thoroughfare is highly accessible, though travelers should be prepared for spotty cellular service throughout the dense timber.
While the majority of the journey consists of an easy dirt road rated as a technical difficulty of 2, multiple low-lying sections are prone to flooding during the spring thaw or after heavy rain. Drivers should navigate these soft, muddy areas slowly to prevent trail erosion and maintain traction. Adventurous offroaders can use this route as a launching pad to explore numerous scenic and more challenging branch trails that fork off into the surrounding wilderness. The southern trailhead sits about 3.5 miles from Summit Lake, while the northern end connects to Moccasin Lake Road, placing riders roughly 7 miles from the full-service town of Elcho.
Access Description
The trail is open to ATVs, SxSs, and four-wheel-drive vehicles. Some low-lying sections are highly susceptible to seasonal flooding and mud during the spring months or after heavy rainstorms. Cellular service is spotty or nonexistent along the route, so downloading offline maps prior to arrival is highly recommended.
