I have two friends that took a 3 month job assignment in the Twin Cities. I am planning on meeting up with them 3/2 to 3/5. We all have Wi. Trail passes so we will stay up the Wi side versus Mn. Probably ride for a couple of hours Friday saddle bagging to our first night's stay. Saturday continue north to either Hayward or Danbury and then back to the truck on Sunday. For those who know the area, thoughts on best routes, snow and lodging? Thanks!
Polk, Barron NW Wi.
- Thread starter Snirtdawg
- Start date
I have done this one several times. Park at the cop shop/information building in St. Croix Falls (2nd exit, southeast corner) It is the beginning of the Gandy Dancer trail.. You can be in Danbury in about two hours if you don't hustle it. Lots of trails around that area (Danbury/Webster), but get a map. Call ahead for reservations at the Hole in the Wall Casino or there is a small hotel five miles north of town.
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From just south of New Richmond to Hayward is about 100 miles, depending on where you find a place to stay - it’s a pretty good haul the first night if you go through Clear Lake then Turtle Lake then east.
If you go north out of Turtle Lake, Minong is the same 100 miles from south of New Richmond as well, mostly straight up the rail grade to Cumberland (go east around town on the lake) through Shell Lake. That can be done in 3 hours and the motel in Minong is almost never full. From there you can go back south 5 miles then east through Nelson Lake and points beyond.
If you want a nice 125 mile ride back for Sunday, lots of grade, staying north east of Winter, shoot me a PM.
If you go north out of Turtle Lake, Minong is the same 100 miles from south of New Richmond as well, mostly straight up the rail grade to Cumberland (go east around town on the lake) through Shell Lake. That can be done in 3 hours and the motel in Minong is almost never full. From there you can go back south 5 miles then east through Nelson Lake and points beyond.
If you want a nice 125 mile ride back for Sunday, lots of grade, staying north east of Winter, shoot me a PM.
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Gandy Dancer is nice but not much base before the last snowfalls so with the warmer weather this week it may not be the best, north of Danbury better top off the gas not much for gas from there to Superior. Wild River has a better base especially from Spooner north. Cable and Hayward will be busy this weekend, Barnes and Drummond area trails are good, lots of woods less sunlight ect. That'll be a haul but could be last good weekend??
WorkHardPlayHrd
Active member
Cable will be a zoo on Saturday with the weenie roast and radar runs at Lakewood Resort. To be honest with the temps even with the 5 inches I know they got in Winter on Saturday night if everyone thinks this is the last good weekend it will all be a zoo in the Hayward area and if I could I'd avoid that area. I'd try shell lake, and Spooner straight north. My mom lives in Barron and says it hit 43 degrees there today. I'm afraid this year's season is in jeopardy. SledTL is likely very right about trail closure's and mud on the way back.
I hear you on starting out further north. I was trying to minimize drive time for my buds as they are working Friday. Nothing worse than needing to get back to the truck on Sunday and looking at the brown streak or worse, closed. Spooner it is, keep me posting on conditions a the week melts away, thanks!
dragon_700
Member
Ladysmith/park falls area has been great and alot less traffic!Nice area to ride!Could unload in birchwood head north and east.
sweeperguy
Active member
Rode Park Falls last week Thur-Sun. AWESOME! Good trails Fresh snow Low traffic volume. However temps this week may take a toll on conditions.