Shell Lake Trail

This mix of paved and dirt trail runs roughly parallel to Gaylord Nelson Hwy (US Hwy 63) for nearly 7 miles from Spooner, Wisconsin to the city of Shell Lake. Following an old rail corridor, the trail passes through primarily wooded areas and fields. At its north end, the trail begins by splitting off of the Wild Rivers Trail and it ends near the local airport after running along the southwest shore of Shell Lake.

When it's not running through forests, most of the trail is sheltered on both sides with a thick line of trees. There is the occasional residence or business near the trail and it crosses several roads, but the short section in the city of Shell Lake is the only residential and commercial area along the route. Going north-south, the paved section of the trail stretches from the intersection of US Hwy 63 & E Washburn County Hwy B to the intersection of US Hwy 63 & Industrial Blvd.

Parking and Trail Access

Access to the trail is available from Wild Rivers Trail, Green Valley Rd, by the intersection of Washburn County Hwy D & Gaylord Nelson Hwy (US Hwy 63), and from the various roads the trail crosses as indicated on the map.

Parking is available in a lot a little over a mile from the trailhead in downtown Spooner (300 N Front St).

In Shell Lake, parking is available at the Shell Lake Municipal Campgrounds (114 W Lake Dr, Shell Lake) and the Shell Lake Community Center (200 W Lake Dr, Shell Lake). Please check the website for the city of Shell Lake as there may be a parking fee.

Shell Lake Trail Reviews

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Not as Expected

July 2022 partim

We were traveling in this area and decided to try this trail. There is only
about 1 mile of paved trail through the town of Shell Lake and the remainder of the trail is all hard packed dirt and gravel up to the town of Spooner. It is mostly used by the ATV crowd. I would not recommend unless
you are prepared for a mostly dirt ride.

Accordion