Cattail State Trail: Amery to Turtle Lake

Trail Overview

Cattail State Trail: Amery to Turtle Lake is an 11.8-mile point-to-point trail rated 2 of 10 located in Polk County. The Amery to Turtle Lake section of the Cattail State Trail is a packed gravel rail-to-trail that has a gentle elevation gain of 200 feet over the length of the trail. Departing Amery, the trail crosses the old rail trestle bridge. In Amery, the trailhead is situated near Highway 46 and the ever-popular Apple River. Heading east, you ride through some remnant forest before encountering farmland and prairie. Just east of Amery, the trail follows Beaver Brook northwest toward the hamlet of Joel, about 6 miles from Amery. East of Joel, the trail dives into a thick wooded section and cruises past rich wetlands with an abundance of wildlife. The Cattail State Trail is an all-access trail that is open year-round for ATVs, snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, and other trail uses, including hiking, mountain biking, wild viewing, and horseback riding. Motorcycles are allowed on this section of the trail year-round (Polk County) but not east of Turtle Lake in the winter. The Cattail State Trail is an all-access trail that is open year-round for ATVs, snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, and other trail uses, including hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and horseback riding. Motorcycles are not allowed on the Barron County section of the trail during the winter season (east of Turtle Lake). The Cattail State Trail is one of the most popular ATV destinations in northwestern Wisconsin. Developed on a former railroad grade, the 18-mile Cattail State Trail meanders through some of Wisconsin's most picturesque forests and farmlands. The trail passes through Turtle Lake as it connects Amery in Polk County with Almena in Barron County. ATV riders can access the trail in Amery, Turtle Lake, or Almena. The ride is relatively short and can be easily completed in a single day. This trail allows riders to park right in the towns where dining and other recreational opportunities exist. Services are available in Amery and Turtle Lake. Cellphone coverage is generally good along the entire route.

Photos of Cattail State Trail: Amery to Turtle Lake

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Difficulty

The trail is a well-maintained graded rail-to-trail. Local ATV clubs help to maintain and sponsor this trail.

Technical Rating