Wildwood Trail/Partridge Trail

The Wildwood Trail and Partridge Trail offer an engaging off-road adventure for riders of all skill levels, showcasing tight, twisty forested terrain just north of Townsend and Lakewood. This sixteen-mile route can be integrated with adjacent paths to form three distinct loops, providing a customizable riding experience through the scenic Nicolet National Forest. The trail features continuous rolling elevation changes ranging from 1,189 to 1,600 feet, which keep the drive active and engaging. Because of the winding, blind curves throughout the dense forest, safety is paramount; all operators of four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and ATVs should run their headlights or lightbars at all times to remain visible to oncoming traffic. With a technical rating of 2, the route consists of mostly easy unpaved dirt and gravel surfaces, making it highly accessible for stock vehicles while still delivering plenty of outdoor fun. Drivers will encounter a couple of rocky crossings and potentially shallow water depending on recent weather, though these obstacles present minimal difficulty for most four-wheel-drive setups. To access the trail, riders can set out directly from Townsend or Lakewood, or use the convenient parking area at the Carter Casino and head south along the connecting Nicolet State Trail. This trail system is a staple of northern Wisconsin's off-road scene, winding past Pickerel Lake and John Lake, offering superb opportunities to spot local wildlife and experience the region's dense hardwood and pine forests.