Bearskin-Hiawatha State Trail
The Bearskin-Hiawatha State Trail is a popular bike path in northern Wisconsin. This rail-to-trail route originally was a line of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Pacific Railroad (The Milwaukee Road). It was constructed in 1887 and ran from New Lisbon to Minocqua.
It was initially used to haul logs southward, but on the weekends, “The Milwaukee Road” also ran a Fishermen’s Special passenger train. In 1936, full passenger service began on the famed Northwoods Hiawatha Streamliner. Passengers could take the main Hiawatha train from Chicago to New Lisbon, then ride the spur line to Minocqua.
“The Milwaukee Road” ended railroad service in 1970. Several years later, the state of Wisconsin acquired the deed to the railway corridor. By 1977, the Wisconsin DNR had built a recreational trail on the old route. In 2016, the trail was extended by 8 miles. The Bearskin-Hiawatha State Trail now runs for 32 miles from Minocqua to Tomahawk. North of Heafford Junction, the route follows county and town roads for 4.1 miles.
The trail runs through Oneida and Lincoln Counties. The Bearskin Trail is named for the creek running adjacent to the northern part of the trail. This segment begins in Minocqua and ends at Herafford Junction. The Hiawatha Trail, named for the old streamliner train, picks up there and continues south to Tomahawk.
This scenic trail features beautiful Northwoods scenery, dense forests and lakes. Wildlife is abundant in the wilderness segments, including white-tailed deer and black bear. Bald eagles, loons, and other waterfowl live near the lakes. The trail includes 16 converted railroad trestles that bridge creeks, natural springs, spruce and tamarack bogs, and lakes. The longest bridge is the Harshaw Trestle at 746 feet long. The trail is most popular near the towns, with sparser bike and foot traffic in its rural stretches.
The trail surface is hard-packed, crushed granite. While the surface is mostly solid, there are occasional sandy sections. The trail has long straight stretches, with gradual elevations. One large hill is “Pollnow Bypass,” and the surface of the trail is paved here.
The trail is well-marked with mileage and interpretive signs. Each trestle is labelled with the name of the bridge and body of water it crosses. Trailheads and parking lots are located at communities and crossroads along the route, most with basic amenities.
Three of the trailheads have facilities to serve bicyclists. Bearskin Trail Park in Minocqua, the County Highway K trailhead, and SARA Park in Tomahawk have parking lots, self-registration stations, restrooms, information kiosks, and picnic tables. SARA Park also has a campground and additional amenities. Additionally, a unique wayside at South Blue Lake is only accessible from the trail itself.
Minocqua, Hazelhurst, Heafford Junction, and Tomahawk all have businesses to meet the needs of visiting cyclists. Hotels and resorts are scattered throughout this summer tourism area, as are restaurants and cafes. Shops, attractions, and activities cater to Northwoods visitors. Bike shops are located in Minocqua and Tomahawk.
Acesss passes for the Hiawatha-Bearskin State Trail cost $5 daily or $25 annually. They are available at a DNR office or self-registration station. Horses and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail. Cyclists should obey all posted trail signs. The Bearskin-Hiawatha State Trail offers a wonderful ride through the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin.
Route Descriptions