ATVing in the Blue Hills

Rusk County is home to hundreds of miles of ATV trails and routes. Riders are treated to routes on beautiful country roads that cross scenic bridges and logging roads that wind through dense forests. But some of the best riding can be found in the iconic Blue Hills. Here's a quick guide to discovering the Blue Hills by ATV.

About the Blue Hills

The Blue Hills are one of Wisconsin's best-kept secrets. Rising from the surrounding landscape, the Blue Hills are the remains of an ancient mountain range older than the Rockies. The Blue Hills are worn by years of erosion but still rise about 600 feet above the surrounding forest. The Woodland Sioux called this place "Paja Toyela"--the Blue Hills. The reason for the name is apparent to anyone who experiences this place in the early morning mist. When you stand on a ridge you can see the hills receding into the distance in various shades of blue. The rolling terrain and dense forests of the Blue Hills make for an unforgettable ride.

About the Blue Hills Area ATV Trail

This 24-mile developed trail in western Rusk County runs roughly north-south through the Blue Hills. There are parking areas at both ends of the trail with plenty of room to park and unload trailers. The northern trailhead is located 12 miles north of Weyerhaeuser off County Highway F on North Bucks Lake Road. The trail is easy to follow and has plenty of room for passing. This is remote country, so be sure to make sure your ATV is running well and has a full tank when you head down the trail. Cell service is limited, but if you have any issues, you'll find that riders on the trail are friendly and eager to help.

The trail is open from the Friday before Memorial Day through December 1. See a trail map here.

How to support your ride

The Blue Hills Trail is close to Weyerhaeuser and Bruce, so lodging, bars and restaurants and fuel are easy to find. You'll find even more options down the road in Ladysmith. Haul your ATV by trailer to the Blue Hills Area ATV Trail or use your ATV to ride in via our network of road routes--you can travel just about anywhere in Rusk County by ATV! See an ATV map here.