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The Cattail State Trail runs for 18.2 miles along an old railroad corridor between the communities of Amery and Almena, passing through the village of Turtle Lake in between. The trail traverses forests, farms, wetlands, and remnants of prairie.
The Cattail State Trail is open year-round to motorized uses, including ATVs, snowmobiles, and UTVs (restrictions apply to the latter). Off-road motorcycles are allowed in Polk County only. The trail may be too rough and soft in places for both horseback riders and mountain bikes.
About the Route
The western trailhead at Amery has restrooms and picnic areas, and wildlife is abundant throughout the area.
The trail heads northwest from Amery along a crushed stone corridor. Most of the trail is enveloped by the surrounding tree line and the trail is largely flat as it heads towards Almena, the trail's eastern endpoint. In Almena, there are a few retail and dining options.
Connections
From the trail's western endpoint, trail users can continue along the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail.
The Cattail State Trail runs between 130 Center St. E (Amery), where parking is available, and Alama St. N (Almena).
Please see TrailLink Map for detailed directions.
We started in Almena on a gorgeous Tuesday in September. We were on a two up ATV. Went to Amery and back. Then did part of the extension in Barron Co to the 40 acre ATV Playground. Nice conditions on trail and groomed alongside. Pleasant varied scenery with several bridges. Lakes, rivers, bogs, woods, farmland. Can definitely understand why it is named Cattail trail! We stopped for a lunch in Turtle Lake at the Hotel Bar & Grill. Nice place right off the trail.
We went on this trail for biking. It was very difficult to maneuver due to the looser gravel. It seems it would be fine for walking or UTV/ATV but other than that, we had a hard time with our bikes. We have hybrid and mountain bikes. We ended up getting off of the path and going onto the roads because it was just too loose of gravel. There was also a point we went through a bridge and it was all water and muck so walking would be difficult in that area. Beautiful scenery on the path, but we couldn’t appreciate it because our eyes had to be glued to the path.
Ran the Cattail Trail Saturday from Almena to Amery. Tough terrain. The scenery was great and it's a spectacular trail... but not for running.
Awesome day with our new Can-Am Commander. Took it easy, break in period. Beautiful day and the color was great.
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