Pine Line Trail
The Pine Line Trail is in Price and Taylor Counties, running 26.4 miles from Prentice to Medford. This north country trail traverses some of the highest elevations in the state of Wisconsin. The route doesn’t have any steep grades, but it gently climbs over several wooded moraines. The scenery surrounding the trail also includes wetlands and cedar swamps. As it ventures south, its passes through fertile farm country.
The trail surface is in fair condition. The northern section in Price County consists of crushed gravel. In some places, the trail has two parallel tracks of sparse gravel surrounded by grass. In other places, the gravel is applied in a thick layer. The southern section in Taylor County is better groomed. The surface is crushed granite, and becomes less coarse heading south. The surface for the final 5 miles north of Medford is screened limestone.
Due to the coarse surface, it is recommended that cyclists use bikes with 32mm or wider tires. Horseback riding is permitted, restricted to the path’s grassy areas. At the time this trail was ridden, it appears horseback riders had been using the gravel areas, creating a choppy surface in some spots. ATVs are not permitted on the trail in warm weather, but when this trail was ridden, there was also evidence of these vehicles using the path.
Elevation rises and falls throughout the trail’s 26 miles. The northern portion runs through a terminal moraine left by glaciers thousands of years ago. Hardwood and pine forests line the path with cedar swamps and bogs also present. The trail crosses several streams and rivers, where bridges offer a good view of the wooded landscape. Wildlife may be seen from the trail, and the southern section takes cyclists past picturesque Wisconsin dairy farms.
The Pine Line Trail passes through several small communities between Prentice to Medford. Ogema, Whittlesey, and Medford have local parks with facilities. Prentice and Westboro have trailhead parking lots. While no trail facilities are available in Chelsea, nearby Chelsea Lake County Park has picnic tables, grills, well pump, pit toilets, and a shelter. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail also crosses the Pine Line Trail between Westboro and Chelsea.
In the late 1800s, Wisconsin’s white pine stands were a valuable economic resource. The Pine Line Trail follows the railway used to bring lumber to sawmills. The Wisconsin Central Railway launched service in 1876. The rail line ran from Chicago to Portage, and on to Ashland and Ironwood. The Soo Line Railroad took over from 1909 to 1985. The Wisconsin Central Railway then received the line back, and ceased using it in 1988. Price and Taylor Counties acquired the railway corridor and developed it as a public recreational trail.
No fee is required to use the Pine Line Trail. It is owned by Price and Taylor Counties and managed by the Price-Taylor Rail Trail Commission. From April through November, trail use is reserved for pedestrians and bicyclists. Non-motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail during those months. Horseback riders may use the four feet of grassy trail on the right. Due to its location in northern Wisconsin forests, trail-goers are advised to bring insect repellant. Obey all posted rules while using the trail.
Route Descriptions