Explore the best rated trails in Rib Lake, WI, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Bearskin State Trail and River Bend Trail (WI) . With more than 9 trails covering 269 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I rode a recumbent trike from Howard to Pulaski. The trail was in good condition and a fairly smooth ride.
We biked this trail from downtown Chippewa Falls to Brunet Island State Park stopping in Cornell for lunch which has two bar & grills and one restaurant to choose from. The trail from Chippewa to Anson trailhead is basically riding through town and business park warehouses and I think we’re gonna skip this section next time. The Anson trailhead is probably the best place to park. As you ride north the trail becomes particularly beautiful from Jim Falls north. When you get to the end take the time to ride the big loop at Brunet Island State Park which is beautiful. The rail trail itself is straight long and flat-reduced to four stars due to sections of the trail being rough with many cracks, holes, etc.
I rode the entire trail in late May 2025 from Phoenix Park in Eau Claire north to Brunet Island State park and back. Just north of Eau Claire there are quite a few tarred cracks running across the trail for a mile or two of not so pleasant riding. Just south of Cornell there are some well marked frost heaves that are easily negotiated. Overall great trail that I rate 4.9999 stars. Traveling cyclist Facebook
So yes, the gravel isn’t the greatest, the bigger the tire the better. It’s a bit chunky and loose..gets chunkier in Price county, seems to be kept up though? It’s so worth the extra effort come Fall. I had very little issues with my gravel bike. It’s super peaceful. No ATVs allowed, but horses are ¿. Seen quite a few grouse and there’s all new bridges throughout! It’s quite the beautiful trail and worth enduring the subpar gravel.
We listened to previous reviews and picked "the cream of the crop" for our ride -- heading north out of Jim Falls to Cornell. Beautiful ride along the river and plenty of tree canopy. Trail in great shape. At Cornell, we decided to bike into Brunet State Park for a nice ride around the small island. We got back to Jim Falls and kept going, for a daily ride of about 33 miles. Highly recommend a tour of the Leinenkugel Brewery in Chippewa Falls, overnight lodging at the amazing Otter Creek Inn in Altoona, and dinner at Mona Lisa in Eau Claire -- the pizza and pasta were outstanding, and a great dinner after a great ride!
I biked most of the length of the trail while on a long-distance tour. With 1.5" tires it was challenging to get through, and sometimes nearly impassable. The gravel shoulder of Highway 13 is easier traveling, honestly. The surface isn't crushed limestone. It's made of loose gravel and stones up to 1"—basically the same as the ag roads in the area. I would only recommend this if you are on an unloaded mountain bike or fat tire bike.
That said, it is flat, straight, and low-traffic in a beautiful area.
My sister and I loved this trail. All black top. And a very cute town to explore
The Bearskin trail is lovely from the trailheads between Old Hwy K and Minoqua. However, many people are under the impression it continues into Tomahawk. It doesn't as railroad grade riding. The 5 mile stretch between Highway K and Lake Nakona Rd north of Tomahawk is hilly County road and highway riding. Fine enough for what it is, but for a family ride with younger children, not appropriate.
I’m not sure why it says it has a break in the trail because it doesn’t.. The “break in trail” is quite rough though.. Where the trail starts in Eau Claire is pretty cool. Where the trail ends is cool too, being in the state park. I got on the trail right from my campsite!
This trail had been my favorite by far, the different roads you drive on, true windy trails, steep hills, multiple loops. I had a blast!!! Already can't wait to go again.
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