Bearskin State Trail: County Highway K to Heafford Junction
The Bearskin State Trail from County Highway K south to Heafford Junction is 7.5 miles long. The trail offers spectacular views of the rural northern Wisconsin landscape. A highlight of the path is traversing Lake Nokomis. A little over one mile of the trail crosses the 2,433-acre lake on bridges and causeways. However, 4.8 miles of the route are less scenic, traveling on county and town roads.
A well-equipped trailhead is located on County Highway K. In addition to parking, an information kiosk and self-registration station are there. A feeder trail leads from the parking lot to the trail. At that junction are toilets, picnic tables, a hand operated water pump, and a grill. Turn left (south) onto the main trail to head toward the Hiawatha Trail and Tomahawk. The route to the right (north) goes to Minocqua.
The trailhead on County Highway K is a short distance east of U.S. Highway 51. This county highway is north of Tomahawk and in Oneida County. The road is not to be confused with County Highway K in Lincoln County. This road is south of Tomahawk. After turning off U.S. Highway 51, drive 0.8 mile to the trailhead parking lot on the north side of the road.
Back on the trail, the Bearskin State Trail crosses County Highway K after a short distance. An interpretive marker is located on the north side of this intersection. It features the history of Casnovia Junction; a small community at a railway junction that is now a ghost town.
On the south side of the county highway, the trail plunges into the pine forest before crossing scenic Bearskin Creek. The trail then descends through a series of curves before crossing underneath U.S. Highway 51 next to Bearskin Creek. It ascends a hill on the west side, and turns back into the forest. After a short distance, the trail meets Forest Lane.
For the next 4.8 miles, the bike route travels on town and county roads before returning to its own path off Lake Nokomis Road. The route goes south on gravelly Forest Lane to Branch Road. Bike route signs direct cyclists left (east) on Branch Road. A short distance after a sharp turn to the south, the name changes to Lakewood Road. There is no marked bike lane or wide shoulder on this town road, and hills and sharp corners make visibility difficult.
An alternative route is to turn right (west) on Branch Road from Forest Lane. Follow County Highway L to the left (south) where it intersects with Branch Road. This county road has a narrow, paved bike lane. Nonetheless, cyclists should use caution and watch for vehicles. Bright clothing and head/taillights are recommended to enhance safety.
At the intersection of Lakewood Road and County Highway L, the route goes south along the county road. After biking 0.7 miles to Rocky Road, cyclists have a choice of routes. One choice is to continue on County Highway L and turn left (east) on Lake Nokomis Road, where the path resumes. This 1.5 mile route is fairly flat. The other choice is to turn left (east) on Rocky Road, which then turns south. Turn right (west) on Lake Nokomis Road to the start of the trail. This route has less traffic, but has one hill and is 1.9 miles.
By the Nokomis Town Hall, the trail leaves Lake Nokomis Road and continues south on its own path. The town hall serves well as a trailhead. It has a parking lot, sheltered picnic tables, and playground. Restrooms are available when the building is open to the public.
After running south through pine forests for nearly a mile, the Bearskin State Trail traverses a causeway and bridge over part of Lake Nokomis. This chain of lakes in Oneida and Lincoln Counties covers nearly 4,000 acres. It was created by a dam built on the Tomahawk River in 1912. The flowage has 35 miles of shoreline with numerous islands and floating bogs. The view from the trail’s causeway and bridge is spectacular.
The trail travels across a causeway with its bridges and returns to dry land after 1.3 miles. At the northern edge of Heafford Junction is a trailhead. It is located directly off County Highway L, and offers only a parking lot. But next to the parking lot is Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe. In operation since 1993, this unique historic landmark serves 28 flavors of Wisconsin-made ice cream. While lines can be long on summer weekends, the large servings of Kemps and Cedar Crest ice cream are delicious and worth the wait.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
Across the road is the Tilted Loon Saloon. This popular bar and grill serves traditional Northwoods favorites, including flavorful burgers, pizzas, and salads. Their fried chicken and barbequed ribs special along with a Bloody Mary cocktail makes a delicious meal. The restaurant is located directly on the lake, and their outdoor patio offers beautiful views.
Heafford Junction is situated in a picturesque area on Lake Nokomis. The community is home to many lakeside vacation homes and attracts summer tourists. Named for George Heafford, an employee of “The Milwaukee Road” Railway, it is an ideal place to end a ride on the Bearskin State Trail.