As ATV-ing continues to be one of the fastest growing activities in the state, Wisconsin is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer trail-trekking on four wheels. In my travels with "Discover Wisconsin," I scoured the state in search of Wisconsin's top ATV destinations. You ready for a virtual tour?
1. Barron County - I absolutely love the Wild Rivers and Tuscobia State Trails. The latter is a 74-mile abandoned railroad grade that starts in Barron County and takes riders northeast to Park Falls (in Price County), while the Wild Rivers Trail starts in Rice Lake and ends in Superior.
2. Black River Country - Jackson County is home to some of the most popular ATV trails in the Midwest. With more than 330,000 acres of public land, it's often said you can ride trails for a week straight without seeing the same area twice.
3. Burnett County - Start at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, which happens to be one of two national parks in Wisconsin. While you're at it, tour Burnett County's 100,000+ acres of forestland and 500+ glistening clear-water lakes.
4. Douglas County - Heard of Big Manitou Falls? At 165 feet, it's the state's tallest waterfall and is located just 12 miles south of Superior at Pattison State Park. Plus, the Douglas County Forest happens to be the largest county forest in Wisconsin with roughly 270,000 acres to explore.
5. Iron County - With more trails and routes than any other county in Wisconsin, Iron County provides the ultimate ATV adventure.
6. Neillsville - You'll find five of the 10 Clark County parks directly on Neillsville's ATV trail system. A pristine lake and numerous campgrounds often lure ATVers to make a longer vacation out of their ATV trip. The High Ground Veteran's Memorial makes for a memorable side-trip - just note that it's not along an ATV trail.
7. Price County - Start your adventure at Tuscobia State Park in Park Falls with access to the Tuscobia Trail. I highly suggest you also explore the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest by ATV - be on the lookout for deer, grouse, bears and bobcats. And winter riders should definitely experience Prentice Bushbenders Winter Trail. It only opens when the temps dip below 28 degrees and takes riders to Wisconsin's highest geographic point, Timm's Hill.
8. Washburn County - The majority of their ATV trails are located in the southeastern section of the county. Some 900 glistening lakes and 150,000 acres of forestland make up just a few of the beautiful landscapes ATV riders will appreciate in Washburn County year-round.
Pack your riding gloves. And make sure that tank is full.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
1. Barron County - I absolutely love the Wild Rivers and Tuscobia State Trails. The latter is a 74-mile abandoned railroad grade that starts in Barron County and takes riders northeast to Park Falls (in Price County), while the Wild Rivers Trail starts in Rice Lake and ends in Superior.
2. Black River Country - Jackson County is home to some of the most popular ATV trails in the Midwest. With more than 330,000 acres of public land, it's often said you can ride trails for a week straight without seeing the same area twice.
3. Burnett County - Start at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, which happens to be one of two national parks in Wisconsin. While you're at it, tour Burnett County's 100,000+ acres of forestland and 500+ glistening clear-water lakes.
4. Douglas County - Heard of Big Manitou Falls? At 165 feet, it's the state's tallest waterfall and is located just 12 miles south of Superior at Pattison State Park. Plus, the Douglas County Forest happens to be the largest county forest in Wisconsin with roughly 270,000 acres to explore.
5. Iron County - With more trails and routes than any other county in Wisconsin, Iron County provides the ultimate ATV adventure.
6. Neillsville - You'll find five of the 10 Clark County parks directly on Neillsville's ATV trail system. A pristine lake and numerous campgrounds often lure ATVers to make a longer vacation out of their ATV trip. The High Ground Veteran's Memorial makes for a memorable side-trip - just note that it's not along an ATV trail.
7. Price County - Start your adventure at Tuscobia State Park in Park Falls with access to the Tuscobia Trail. I highly suggest you also explore the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest by ATV - be on the lookout for deer, grouse, bears and bobcats. And winter riders should definitely experience Prentice Bushbenders Winter Trail. It only opens when the temps dip below 28 degrees and takes riders to Wisconsin's highest geographic point, Timm's Hill.
8. Washburn County - The majority of their ATV trails are located in the southeastern section of the county. Some 900 glistening lakes and 150,000 acres of forestland make up just a few of the beautiful landscapes ATV riders will appreciate in Washburn County year-round.
Pack your riding gloves. And make sure that tank is full.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.