Area Parks & Trails

PRESQUE ISLE/WINCHESTER BIKE ROUTE

The paved trail starts at the Presque Isle Community Center where you can park in the parking lot, visit the library, gardens, Shanty Boy Cemetery, and other trails including the Presque Isle Nature Trail. Follow Main Street to the intersection of County Roads B & W. On County Road W follow the bike trail crossings and signs on the pavement. Enjoy a loop around the South Pond of Pipke Park. Follow quiet roads through the woods and bike lanes on the side of the county highway. One 4.25 mile trail route ends at Wilderness Park and Presque Isle Lake, a great picnic area to enjoy. Another 10.5 mile trail route continues along Old Hwy W and ends at the Birch Lake boat landing in Winchester.

Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area

Located 2 miles East of Presque Isle. From the intersection of Hwys B & W take Hwy B to East Bay Road (turn north on East Bay Road). The 2,189-acre nature preserve includes 15 lakes and ponds with 36,000 feet of undeveloped shoreline. It is open to the public from sunrise to sunset for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, bird watching and other low impact recreational activities. Dogs must be on a leash from April 1 to August 1 to protect ground-nesting birds. Contact the Nature Conservancy at 715-682-5789 or visit our web page at www. presqueisle.com for more information.

GUIDO RAHR, SR. TENDERFOOT FOREST RESERVE

At this 971-acre preserve, you can hike through 500 acres of old growth forest and explore nearly four miles of undeveloped shoreline on the pristine waters of Tenderfoot, Roach and Mirror lakes. Access to preserve is by water.

Heritage Apple Orchard

A new addition to the trail system is the trail through the Heritage Apple Orchard. Over 80 trees make up the natural grown heritage orchard. It is not unusual to see deer on the path and visitors love to try the different apples.

NORTH LAKELAND DISCOVERY

Center

Exploring the region’s natural, cultural & historic resources. The Discovery Center is a designation and resource for lifelong learning and outdoor recreation. Our active and engaging site within the NHAL State Forest enables us to provide creative and cutting edge programs for a diverse audience. We empower all in mindful stewardship based on a strong nature ethic and are dedicated to providing meaningful connections among nature, people and community through quality programs and adventures for a lifetime of learning. Scheduled programs, drop in hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, geocaching and more. More information is online at www.discoverycenter.net.

North Lakeland School Trails

On the grounds of North Lakeland School, at the corner of County Highways P & K, you will find a beginner friendly, classical/skate groomed ski trail that loops 6 miles through a variety of towering evergreens and hardwoods. These trails are also open for hiking during the rest of the year. The winter entrance is located by driving from the intersection of County Hwy K and Papoose Lake Road (west of the school). Drive north on Papoose Lake Road approximately 1 mile to a parking area. The trailhead can also be accessed from the north side of the school’s football field. Amenities include a heated Chalet with water, comfortable seating, changing and restroom.

Pipke Park

This beautiful walking/ birding area near town encircles two ponds. These ponds were used in the logging era to float logs and most recently as a walleye rearing facility. The trail begins near 11662 County Road W. Drive in and left to the parking area, where you will find a new pavilion with rest rooms and picnic area, available both summer and winter. From the parking area you can walk around the pond passing the children’s fishing pier, exercise stations, wildflowers and wildlife. In winter, the heated pavilion will be available for skiers, snowshoers and skaters. An area near the pavilion will be cleared for skating. You can also enjoy this trail as part of the Presque Isle/ Winchester Bike Route.

Presque Isle Community Park

The flagship of our park system can be found at the Community Center/ Library. Shanty Boy Hill Cemetery and the Heritage Cottage Museum are also located within the 53 acre Presque Isle Community Park. Nature trails, beautiful perennial gardens, baseball diamonds, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and playground equipment are here for your enjoyment. Adjacent to the playground are pit rest rooms meeting ADA requirements. Two shelters are available, one between the ball diamonds serving concessions during games and the other an open log pavilion available for large parties or simply eating your lunch. Grills and picnic tables are available.

PRESQUE ISLE / POMEROY / HENRY LAKE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL

All trails in this segment are beginner to intermediate level. The primary indicator of difficulty is the length of the trail. Parking at the Presque Isle Community Building.

Presque Isle Nature Trail System

You will want to walk the Nature trail system behind the Community Center on top of the hill in Presque Isle. The Nature Trail loop is handicapped accessible with a lake overlook, a footbridge and views through maples and ferns. You will also find signs to identify some native plants. Another trail in the system winds through the woods to the Shanty Boy Cemetery, a burial and memorial place for loggers of long ago. Parking and restrooms available at the Presque Isle Community Park.

Shanty Boy Hill

This historic cemetery, located northwest of the Presque Isle Community Center behind the baseball diamond, is maintained as a memorial to the men who risked their lives logging the northwoods, the “Shanty Boys”. Many were buried with only a first name or no name at all.

Sensenbrenner Park

While keeping “Wisconsin’s Last Wilderness” in mind Presque Isle has created several charming parks within the community. Established in 1988, Sensenbrenner Park is located on Main Street. The highlight of this park is Little Horsehead Lake Dam. Also available is playground equipment for little ones, a fishing pier and a pavilion with a grill and a canoe launch.

Wilderness Park

Wilderness Park is on Presque Isle Lake and accessed from Bay View Road, off Highway W. This park includes a boat launch, picnic area with tables, grills and water. Pit rest room facilities on site meet ADA requirements.

WINMAN SKI/SNOWSHOE TRAILS

A new destination for winter silent sports: classic skiing, skate skiing, fat biking, and excellent snowshoeing. This 1,300-acre mix of public and private property is a silent sports mecca - with development and growth still in the works. The site features a plethora of trails with 8 miles of classic and skate ski trails and 5 miles of nice wide trails maintained as groomed snowshoe trails. The groomed trails are conducive to larger groups, snowshoeing side by side, and to snowshoe running by yourself or with a group. The rolling topography and unique ecology make this a blast to recreate in and enjoy nature, and the site has proven attractive to wildlife with unique sightings such as moose and badger. The main trailhead is at the intersection of Hwys W and J #6870 County Highway W in Winchester, WI.

Van Vliet Hemlocks

This recently developed trail system gives visitors the opportunity to explore and experience what was once abundant in Wisconsin; an old growth hemlock forest. The site’s 400 acres and mile and a half of undeveloped shoreline represent a rare remnant of this uniquely historic forest system. Walk along undisturbed cedar swamps, bog lakes, climb scenic eskers, and take in the richness of the plant and animal life that abounds in this special place. From the intersection of Highways B and W, go east 0.4 miles and turn right on Crab Lake Road.For the East Trailhead, go 3.8 miles to East Van Vliet Road, turn right and go 1¼ miles to the large sign at the parking area. For the West Trailhead, go 5.3 miles to West Van Vliet Road, turn right and go 1.4 miles to trail sign located on the left.