From biking to kayaking, snowshoeing to waterfalls, Iron County is full of outdoor recreation opportunities. Here are some our members' favorites...
Beaver Creek Hemlock Conservation Area
TRAILS: Nearly 3 miles of natural surface hiking trails loop through the property. From the parking area follow a ridgeline bordering the cattail marsh surrounding Beaver Creek. After crossing a small wetland via 100 feet of boardwalk, begin exploring the old-growth hemlock-hardwoods. Take the short loop (~1 mile) or make the trip around the long…
Cary Park & Iron Belle Connector Trail
Cary Park, located just off Highway 77 west of Hurley, Wisconsin, connects to Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail via a paved trail and temporary connector route. Click here for a map of the Cary Park/Iron Belle Connector Trail (PDF, 198k)
Corrigan’s Lookout
Corrigan’s Lookout is located off Highway 122 in Upson, Wisconsin. The site features a .25 mile hike to rock outcrop overlooking Upson Lake to the west, the Gogebic Range to the south, and Lake Superior to the north. CLICK HERE for a map of Corrigan’s Lookout (PDF, 205 kB) Photo by jchapiewsky, used under Creative Commons…
CXC Midwest Ski Events map
There are so many 2019 ski events within a short drive of the Iron County area, including the MECCA and WinMan Turtle River Pursuit, Ironwood’s Sisu Ski Fest, and many more. The Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC Ski) website includes a helpful map of upcoming events – check it out!
Eagle Bluff Winter Recreation
Located at the Eagle Bluff Golf Course in Hurley, Wisconsin. They have a sledding hill and winter fat bike trails. Click here for a map of the Eagle Bluff Winter Bike Trails
Hurley Learning Adventure Trail
The Hurley Learning Adventure Trail is a project of the Hurley K12 school. This interactive trail includes signage from Plantsmap.com, which allows visitors to scan a QR code to learn more about the plants in this native northwoods ecosystem. The Hurley Learning Adventure Trail includes 3 separate loops ranging from .36 miles to .94 miles…
Iron County Cross-Country Ski Trails
The Iron County Forestry and Parks department provides access for several cross-country ski trail systems in Iron County. The MECCA Trails in Mercer, Montreal Ski Trails in Montreal, and Uller Trails in Iron Belt are all located on county forest property. Maps are available on the Iron County Forestry website.
Iron County State Natural Areas
Iron County is home to thirteen designated State Natural Areas (SNAs). From the Wisconsin DNR: State natural areas (SNAs) protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin’s native landscape of natural communities, significant geological formations and archeological sites. Encompassing 402,000 acres on lands owned by the state and its many partners, including land trusts, local and county governments,…
Iron County Trails
ICORE has identified 29 established trails in Iron County, Wisconsin, offering a wide variety of scenery and terrain for walking, hiking, biking, and skiing. Click here for a county-wide map showing all known trail locations (PDF) Site Land Manager Length(miles) Big Island Trail Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area 8.8 Camp Mercer CCC Trail Northern Highlands…
Iron County Waterfalls
Iron County, Wisconsin, is home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Wisconsin. Iron County Economic Development has put together a website with information on some of these scenic sites in and around Iron County. Iron County, Wisconsin, Waterfalls
Lipp Lake Trail
The Lipp Lake Trail is a half-mile hiking trail that loops around tiny Lipp Lake, taking a route through old-grown white pine forest near the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. There is parking for one or two vehicles on the west side of Popko Circle West. The trail begins at stop #14 on the Turtle Flambeau Scenic…
Mercer Bike Trail
The Mercer Bike Trail is a 7.8 mile trail that includes a mix of paved trails and rustic roads, with a few river and wetland bridges along the way. The route takes you from downtown Mercer to Manitowish Waters, connecting Iron County to the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail system that winds through Mercer, Manitowish Waters,…
North Country Trail
The North Country Trail (NCT) winds its way through Iron County as part of its 4,600-mile route through 8 states from North Dakota to Vermont. Highlights of the Iron County portion of the NCT include excellent views of the ancient Penokee mountain range, Wren Falls, Corrigan’s Lookout and an old “gold mine.” CLICK HERE for…
Saxon Falls
Saxon Falls features a 90′ drop on the Montreal River, on the Wisconsin/Michigan border. The gorge below the falls in one of the deepest in the midwest, according to the Iron County Development Zone. Xcel Energy has provided a safe overlook to the falls. Directions to the Saxon Falls Overlook: From Hurley: travel about 11…
Whitecap Mountain Bike Trails
Whitecap Mountain is a ski resort located near Weber Lake in Upson, Wisconsin. Among the many activities at Whitecap are two mountain bike trails through the ancient, worn Penokee Mountain Range. Click here for a map of the mountain bike trails at Whitecap (JPG, 4MB)
Winter Worthy – 8 Great State Parks For Seasonal Fun
Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks certainly don’t shut down in winter, and neither should you. / Photo Credit: Joshua Kowalke Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks certainly don’t shut down in winter, and neither should you. Here are eight state parks perfect for exploring this season. So bundle up, brave the elements and find your winter adventure. High…
Wren Falls
Wren Falls is located on the Tyler Forks River 6 miles south of Gurney, WI, and is one of many scenic sites located on the stretch of the North Country Trail maintained by the North Country Trail Association Heritage Chapter. There is also a primitive campsite on Iron County forest land north of the falls.…