Wisconsin AdventuresSnowshoeing in Ashland County
Snowshoe Trails
Copper Falls State Park: Trails come complete with spectacular river
scenery including copper-colored water and numerous frozen rapids and waterfalls. The park has two loops designated as snowshoe/walking trails totaling 5.5 km. All of the park’s trails are generally well-groomed and maintained.
Directions: From Ashland, drive south on Hwy. 13 to Mellen. Turn left on Hwy 169. Follow the signs to the park, approximately 2.5 miles.
Conditions: The trails are currently OPEN to snowshoeing. Please call 715/274-5123 for the most up-to-date conditions.
NOTE: Hikers and snowshoers are not allowed on designated cross-country ski trails when the trails are snow-covered.
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center allows guest to check out snowshoes and snowshoe on the trails behind the center. Both adult and youth sizes are available.
OPEN
St. Peter’s Dome – St. Peter’s Dome is another great place to snowshoe!
The hike to St. Peter’s Dome is 3.6 miles round trip. The trail has moderately steep climbs. It is a good idea to take water along on this hike.
To reach St. Peter’s Dome, cross the log bridge over Morgan Creek where the trail forks and hike up the gradually climbing trail. Soon you will come upon an old campground that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The old brick fireplaces, an artesian well, and a round cistern are all that remain of the campground.
The trail becomes narrow as you walk across much steeper slopes. There is a lake-sized beaver pond to your left. As you continue east, the trail drops in elevation and crosses a rocky streambed.
Beyond the stream the trail becomes steeper and the tread is rocky. In a bit, the grade becomes more gentle and you cross a snowmobile trail. At the base of the granite outcrop that is the dome, you will find a jumble of large broken rock from the quarry.
The trail follows the old road for a hundred feet and then turns left off the road and begins to climb in earnest. After two switchbacks, the trail reaches a grassy opening.
Continue along the trail and climb to the overlook and sheer drop on the north face of St. Peter’s Dome. On a clear day, you can see the Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.
Directions: From Ashland, drive south on State Hwy. 13 about 13 miles to County Highway C (about 1 mile south of Marengo). Turn right on Hwy. C and follow it 4.8 miles to Midway Road. Continue straight on Midway Road 1.2 miles to County Line Road (FR 199). Turn left (south) on County Line Road and drive 3.9 miles to the parking lot, which is on the left (east) side of the road.
Conditions: OPEN to snowshoeing as conditions allow.
The Capser Trail on Madeline Island: The main trail runs from Big Bay Road to Middle Road – and the Nucy Meech Trail runs off the main trail. With towering snow-covered pines around, it’s a perfect spot for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at an easy pace. Directions: The Casper Trail is located about 1/2 mile from the ice road approach – across from the La Pointe Fire Hall on Big Bay Road.
Conditions: OPEN to snowshoeing as conditions allow.
Big Bay State Park: State Park vehicle stickers or a daily fee is required.
Directions: To get to Big Bay State Park from the Ice Road approach in La Pointe: Once off the ice road, take a right on Sunny Slope Road and travel approximately .5 miles to Big Bay Road. Take a right on Big Bay Road and travel approximately 4 blocks to Middle Road. Take a left on Middle Road (will eventually turn into Hagen Road) and follow the State Park signs for approximately 7 miles to the entrance of Big Bay State Park.
Conditions: OPEN to snowshoeing as conditions allow. The trails at Big Bay are all-use and will be packed during the winter but not groomed.
Houghton Falls: To get to Houghton Falls, take U.S. Hwy. 2 to State Hwy. 13 north of Ashland and travel 3.5 miles north of Washburn on Hwy. 13. Turn right on Houghton Falls Road and go 1/2 mile to Houghton Falls Nature Preserve parking lot on your right. There is currently no fee for hiking or parking and pets are allowed if leashed and cleaned up after!
Mt Ashwabay: website www.mtashwabay.org
Mt. Ashwabay offers both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in a magnificent setting featuring stunning views of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and the Chequamegon National Forest. The XC trails are open for snowshoeing, and the same trail fee is good for either XC or snowshoes.
Directions: From Ashland, take U.S. Hwy. 2 west to State Hwy. 13 north. Drive through Washburn and continue on 10 miles toward Bayfield. Turn left on Ski Hill Road.
Click here for a PDF version of Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoe trails.