Skiing

Hickory Ridge Trail
The trail begins at the parking lot off 225th Avenue in Chippewa Falls.
This trail winds through quiet and scenic oak and aspen forests. The trail length is 14.2 km. It consists of 3 loops. All loops are signed with either a snowflake blazer or a blazer depicting a skier, complete with kilometer markings. Rest shelters are located at the north and south loops. No dogs permitted.
South Loop: The trail begins at the parking lot off 225th Avenue. The first kilometer is two ways. Use caution and watch for other skiers. A
one mile snowshoe trail loop is associated with Hickory Ridge XC trail.
North Loop: The terrain becomes more challenging with longer downhill and uphill grades.
Tram Lake Loop: This trail exits the North Loop just beyond Kilometer 3 and is the most challenging section of the entire system. The Tram Lake Loop is 3.5 kilometers.

New trails were added in 2009 to the north, and a warming cabin is in use at Dog Island Lake north of Plummer Lake Road.

Map of Hickory Ridge Ski Trail

River Road Ski Trail
Located several miles north of the city of Cornell off CTH CC, the River Road Ski Trail consists of beginner and advanced loops. It winds through a scenic northern hardwood forest bordering the Chippewa River. The beginner loop is approximately 1.5 miles long and features rolling hills and gentle slopes. The advanced loop travels through more challenging terrain for 2.5 miles.

Irvine Park
The trail in Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls is approximately 2 miles of gently rolling terrain through a mature mixed hardwood forest. The trail is routinely groomed for skiing during the winter months. Parallel to the trail is a snowshoe trail. When the trail is not covered with snow, it can be used as one of many hiking trails throughout the park. This particular trail base is wood chips. The paved roads through Irvine Park are also used for hiking through all seasons.

Lake Wissota State Park
For winter enthusiasts, there are plenty of trails to enjoy in the park. The park offers 7.5 miles of groomed and tracked cross-country ski trails. Snowshoeing is permitted in all areas of the park except on groomed trails. In addition, nearly 4.75 miles of snowmobile trails connect with the county's trail system of more that 150 mile. Single day passes may be purchased as well as annual stickers which are honored in all Wisconsin State Parks and Forests for the calendar year.

Ice Fishing
Chippewa County has 449 lakes ranging in size from 1-6,300 acres. 38 lakes have developed public access and provide excellent ice fishing opportunities with species including: walleye, large mouth bass, panfish, and others.

Snowmobiling
300 miles of groomed county trails provide exciting riding in Chippewa County. The trail system travels through most of our friendly communities and connects with thousands of miles of other Wisconsin trails. Ride through farm wood lots, across fields, and in sections of the County Forest providing a panoramic view of the county. Some of the more scenic sections of trail include the segments from Jim Falls north through the County Forest, from Holcombe to Stanley, and from STH 40 west and north.
Trail Conditions
Check out Chippewa County snowmobile trail conditions at Travel Wisconsin's Snow Report or call Chippewa County Forest and Parks Department at (715) 726-7880.
Snowmobile Regulations
Check out this website from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for answers about registrations, age requirements and safety tips.
Non-Wisconsin Residents
Wisconsin law requires non-residents who use Wisconsin snowmobile trails to display either Wisconsin registration or a non-resident snowmobile trail use sticker. It's easy to apply for this online at Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
If you own and ride a snowmobile you should belong to a Snowmobile Club. The trails are here because of a lot of hard work by club volunteers from 605 clubs statewide. Join one of your local clubs and help. We need you. Remember, riding on snowmobile trails is a privilege, not a right.

Snowshoeing

Irvine Park
The trail in Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls is approximately 2 miles of gently rolling terrain through a mature mixed hardwood forest. The trail is routinely groomed for skiing during the winter months. Parallel to the trail is a snowshoe trail. When the trail is not covered with snow, it can be used as one of many hiking trails throughout the park. This particular trail base is wood chips. The paved roads through Irvine Park are also used for hiking through all seasons.

Brunet Island State Park
715-239-6888
Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere at Brunet Island State Park except on the groomed ski trail.

Hickory Ridge Ski Trail
A 5km groomed snowshoe trail starts and returns to the parking area on 225th Ave (Bob Lake Rd).

Chippewa Moraine Ice Age Reserve
13394 Co Highway M,
New Auburn, WI
(715) 967-2800
There's even more to explore on snowshoes at the Chippewa Moraine as winter trails connect glacial lakes one to another. The Visitor Center provides information and a place to warm up, and you may borrow a pair of snowshoes for the day. Two full-moon snowshoe hikes are extremely popular each year, check the calendar for details.
Ice Age trailhead parking can also be found in several other spots in Chippewa County; on County Hwy CC about 2 miles north of Cornell, on Cty. E about 2 miles south of Cty. M, and on Cty. M about 1 mile east of State Hwy.40

Lake Wissota State Park
18127 County Hwy O
Chippewa Falls WI
(715) 382-4574
There are over 11 miles of scenic trails that pass along Lake Wissota's north shores and wind through woodland, prairie, lowland forest and marsh. For winter enthusiasts, there are plenty of trails. The park offers 7.5 miles of groomed and tracked cross-country ski trails. Snowshoeing is permitted in all areas of the park except on groomed trails.