Pine Line Trail: Prentice to Westboro
The Pine Line Trail runs 11.2 miles south from Prentice to Westboro through Wisconsin’s north woods. The trail condition is fair. In Price County, the surface is crushed gravel, thickly applied in some areas. In other spots, grass has grown over the trail, parted by two remaining lanes of gravel. In Taylor County, the surface is crushed granite, and in slightly better condition. Bicycles tires 32mm or wider work best on this trail.
The grade in this 11-mile section gradually climbs and then descends about 125 feet. This trail segment runs through some of the highest elevation in Wisconsin. Timm’s Hill County Park, the highest point in Wisconsin, is near Ogema and only 5 miles east of the trail. The path also travels over terminal moraines, which have long gradual ascents. This can make for an arduous climb in places where surface conditions are poor.
The northern trailhead is south of Prentice on Morner Road. To reach the trailhead by car, drive 2.7 miles south on Wisconsin State Highway 13 from its junction with U.S. Highway 8. Turn left (east) onto Morner Road and go 0.7 mile to the trailhead. It is a modest trailhead with only a parking lot and information kiosk. In Prentice, a public park has athletic fields, playground, pavilion, drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables.
The village of Prentice began as a lumber town. Alexander Prentice of Portage formed the Jump River Lumber Company in 1882 and set up milling operations there. The mill sawed up to 100,000 board feet of lumber per day, until the industry faded in the 1890s due to depletion of the forest. Today the local gas station best serves the needs of visiting trail-goers, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 8 and Wisconsin State Highway 13.
At the trailhead, the Pine Line Trail proceeds straight south 1.6 miles before crossing Spring Road. Halfway there, the path crosses Douglas Creek. The stream flows through the thick forest. In mid-summer, the trail is lined with white and yellow wildflowers, adding to the scenery. Mile markers along the route indicate distances to Medford.
After Spring Road, the trail continues along its ways. The route bends slightly east before heading south again. The path travels through forests and by occasional farm fields. A sign marks a snowmobile route to nearby Timm’s Hill County Park. With an elevation of 1,951 feet above sea level, it’s the highest place in Wisconsin.
It is 2.7 miles from Spring Road to Ogema, mostly uphill. The trail passes Ottertail Creek and Ottertail Springs before emerging from the forest into Ogema. Established in 1872 as a station on the Wisconsin Central Railroad line, settlers reached Ogema by 1875. Sawmills, lumber yards, businesses, and houses were soon built. The little town has weathered harsh northern Wisconsin conditions, enduring blizzards, floods, and forest fires.
Today, the Pine Line Trail runs through the town center, past the old, red Larkin Schoolhouse of 1885, and the restored railroad depot that now serves as a rest area. Other historic buildings are visible from the trail, including the 1921 public library. The Rail Trail Café is right next to the path, and serves meals and coffee drinks throughout the day.
Other facilities for trail-goers are at nearby Pioneer Park and Campground. The park sits on a millpond one block off the trail, and has campsites with fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. No fee is required, and no reservations are accepted. The facilities include flush toilets, drinking water, an open-sided shelter, pavilion, and gazebo with table. The park also has boat access, shore fishing, playground, nature trails, horse hitching post, and ball diamond.
As the Pine Line Trail departs Ogema to the south, it crosses Holmes Creek by the Ogema Millpond. After crossing Smokey Road and a large business, it returns to the wilderness. The land varies between forests and open wetlands, with occasional farms. The route continues south 3.2 miles, crossing Linden Road before arriving at Macky Spur Road.
At this intersection the trail moves closer to Wisconsin State Highway 13. A mile later, the path enters Taylor County. Both trail signs and surface conditions reveal the change. In Taylor County, the trail surface improves. Crushed granite covers the whole trail, but may still pose a problem for bikes with narrow tires.
It is nearly 2 miles from the county line to Westboro. It is a gentle uphill climb. The Westboro trailhead is at the corner of County Highway D and Old State Highway 13. It’s another modest trailhead, with a parking lot and gazebo. By car, to access the trailhead from Wisconsin Highway 13, turn east on County Highway D (North Street) in Westboro. Drive 0.3 mile and turn right (south). The parking lot is 450 feet down the road.
Map of trailheads and addresses along this section of the trail.
The township of Westboro was created in 1847. A community developed decades later on the Wisconsin Central Railroad line. Westboro was named after the town in Massachusetts. One local tavern is found there today.
Trail last ridden and documented in July, 2022.