Photo: Wisconsin DNR
The Cattail State Trail travels for 18 miles on a former rail corridor between the communities of Amery and Almena in northwestern Wisconsin. Forests, farmlands, prairies, hills and various wildlife habitats surround the trail, which also passes through the Village of Turtle Lake. The trail is maintained and managed by Polk and Barron counties.
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Cattail State Trail?
It depends on what you came for. Fall color is best in October; biking in May–June and September–October; mountain & fat biking in June and September–October; and ATV / UTV / off-road in June–October.
What can you do at Cattail State Trail in each season?
Winter (December–February): hiking, mountain & fat biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Spring (March–May): hiking, biking, mountain & fat biking and ATV / UTV / off-road. Summer (June–August): hiking, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and horseback riding. Fall (September–November): hiking, fall color, biking, mountain & fat biking, ATV / UTV / off-road and horseback riding.
Do you need a state park sticker at Cattail State Trail?
No. Cattail State Trail doesn't require a vehicle sticker or a state trail pass.
What state parks and trails are near Cattail State Trail?
The closest state properties, as the crow flies: Stower Seven Lakes State Trail (15 mi), Straight Lake State Park (19 mi) and Interstate State Park (21 mi).
Good for
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Mountain & fat biking
- ATV / UTV / off-road
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Cross-country skiing
Best months
January · February · May · June · July · August · September · October
Visiting
- Admission: A state trail pass is not required on the trail.
- Hours: The trail is open year-round.
- Phone: 715-485-9272
Nearby
- Stower Seven Lakes State Trail (15 mi)
- Straight Lake State Park (19 mi)
- Interstate State Park (21 mi)
- Gandy Dancer State Trail (Southern) (25 mi)
- Willow River State Park (34 mi)
Closures and alerts for Cattail State Trail: updates · RSS · JSON Feed
Text and park details on this page come from the property's DNR pages, checked every Monday; last change October 24, 2026. Closures and notices load live. Check current conditions before you go.