Chippewa County Offers Outdoor Options for All Season
winter, spring, summer, and fall, the great outdoors await
With an abundance of hiking and biking trails plus beautiful lakes and rivers to explore, whether it’s a sunny summer or snowy winter, outdoor recreation is not hard to find in the Chippewa County.
Chippewa Country Forest
For a little bit of everything, the Chippewa County Forest is a prime destination. Much of the forest is located in the northern part of the county, and owes its rolling terrain being along the terminal moraine of the last glacier. You can bike, hike, camp, tube, ski, fish, hunt, paddle, and just about anything else in these 33,000 acres of beauty.
Chippewa County ATV Trails
If you fancy a bumpier ride, these ATV trails span more than 23 miles and run throughout the Chippewa County Forest. There are three parking lots and entrances to the trail: 157th Avenue, Bloomer; 24375 Deerfly Trail, New Auburn; and 22974 County Highway M, Holcombe.
Deer Fly Trail Area
This 8,500-acre trail area is part of the Chippewa Country Forest and is great for hunting, camping, fishing, or just exploring. Don’t be scared by the name – there aren’t that many deer flies.
Erickson Park
Glen Loch Road, Chippewa Falls
Another great area for biking and hiking, but with 400 feet of breath-taking shorelines overlooking Glen Loch in Chippewa Falls. Hop in the water or a boat if you want to explore the area. The park features a handicapped-accessible boardwalk and boat launch, as well as a bridge that connects to Irvine Park.
Irvine Park and Zoo
125 Bridgewater Ave., Chippewa Falls
A great place to take the kiddos! There is a petting zoo, a preserved schoolhouse and log cabin, hiking trails, and an overlook of the Glen Loch Dam.
Joas Park Nature Reserve
12651 50th Ave., Chippewa Falls
Joe Joas donated this land to keep it free from development and so it could be studied and enjoyed by the public. There are biking and hiking trails as well as skiing opportunities in the snowy months.
Lake Wissota State Park
18127 County Highway O, Chippewa Falls
For hiking with a view, check out more than 11 miles of trails along the shoreline of 6,000-acre Lake Wissota and stay the night in one of the 116 campsites. You can also rent canoes, kayaks, and skis.
Old Abe State Trail
What used to be an abandoned railroad is now a stellar trail for bikers, hikers, horseback riders, and in-line skaters. It connects two state parks and several different trails.
Ray's Beach
On the south side of Lake Wissota, this cute beach offers a great place to cool off as well as picnic tables to enjoys a whole day in the sun.
Riverview Reserve Trail / Area 178
Seymour Cray Sr. Boulevard, Chippewa Falls
Hot dam! Check out the Xcel Energy dam on the paved and unpaved trails on this reserve. It connects to the Duncan Creek Parkway Trail and the Old Abe State Trail, and is great for biking, hiking, exploring, and snowshoeing in the winter.
River Road Cross-Country Ski Trail
For those cold-blooded creatures who like to venture into the snow, this trail – located 2.5 miles north of Cornell – is perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Beginners can try out the River Road while more experienced skiers are welcome on the blue trail, and intermediate skiers have a place on the yellow trail.
For more information on these and other recreational amenities, including directions and maps, visit gochippewacounty.com.
