Three Eagle Trail
The Three Eagle Trail travels nearly 13 miles through northern Wisconsin’s beautiful pinewood forests. Set within Oneida and Vilas counties, it has two detached trail segments joined by a bike route on country roads. The southern section starts in Three Lakes at Don Burnside Park and goes 8.4 miles to a trailhead on Sundstein Road. The route follows roads for 1.5 miles to another trailhead. It’s 3 miles from that trailhead to Eagle River.
The trail surface is in excellent condition, composed of crushed stone. At certain places (such as where the trail passes over hills), the surface is paved asphalt. Much of the path is 10 feet wide, making it broader than other trails. Its width allows for two cyclists to bike side-by-side with space for oncoming trail-goers. The grade is level with a few small hills.
The natural setting is impressive, and provides a sense of quiet serenity to the biking experience. Pines, aspen, oak, and maples fill the woods, and the smell of pine permeates the air. The route blends long, straight sections with curvy, meandering portions. It offers an excellent opportunity to bike through the serenity of peaceful, lush forests.
One highlight of the trail is crossing four separate boardwalks and bridges over streams and low, boggy marshes. Eagles and osprey may be seen overhead in these open areas. Deeper in the forest, wildlife is often spotted on secluded trail sections. Cyclists may notice curious white-tailed deer standing motionless as they spy on human onlookers from the trail.
The success of the Three Eagle Trail is credited to an active, community-based foundation. The Three Eagle Trail Foundation is a local non-profit, volunteer organization that assisted with the trail’s creation. With their support, the trail opened to the public in 2007.
Today, the route passes a segment of a 1,600 acre land conservancy known as Tara Lila, LLC. The conservancy works with the Three Eagle Trail Foundation to preserve natural scenic beauty, maintaining a network of public hiking and snowshoe trails. It was formed in 2007 by land donations from Eagle River residents. Several facilities along the trail are a result of the collaborative efforts of the Trail Foundation and Tara Lila.
Two sections of the trail follow the route of the former Chicago and Northwestern Railroad. This railway line connecting Three Lakes and Eagle River ran from Michigan’s upper peninsula to the Eland railroad junction in Shawano County. The trail follows the old rail corridor for 3 miles north from Three Lakes and 1.5 miles south to Eagle River.
There is no admission fee to use the Three Eagle Trail. Non-motorized vehicles and horseback riding are not permitted on the path. Trail-goers should stay on the main route and not divert to Tara Lila’s paths, except to hike. Bicyclists should yield to pedestrians and obey all posted rules.
Route Descriptions