AREA TRAILS

​

• Little Turtle Trails: 

  • ​Little Turtle Trail offers 5.2 miles of mowed trails through the Little Turtle Waterfowl Management Area. It’s used for hiking, biking, and hunting. This is one of the best bird-watching spots in Iron County thanks to its rare open prairie landscape and expansive wetland views, which attract grassland and waterfowl species not commonly seen elsewhere in the region. (pictured above)

    • Note: From December 15 to April 15, this trail becomes part of the MECCA Cross Country Ski Trail system. Walking or hiking on the groomed sections is not permitted when snow-covered during these dates.

    • Getting There: From County Highway FF, take Popko Circle East south for approximately 1.1 miles to Joe’s Shack Road. At the end of the road, turn right to reach the trailhead parking area along the north edge of the Little Turtle Flowage. Findable on Google Maps | PDF Map

​

• MECCA Trails: 

  • MECCA Trails offer 21 kilometers (13 miles) of routinely groomed cross-country ski trails and three miles of snowshoe trails. During spring, summer, and fall, the area is popular for hiking, running, and wildlife watching. The trails are moderately challenging, traversing scenic glacial features such as eskers, drumlins, and kettles.

    • Getting there: Located off of Fierick Road. Findable on Google Maps.​​​​

​

• The Mercer Bike and Hike Trail:

  • The Mercer Bike and Hike Trail is the northernmost section of the 52-mile Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail system. This scenic 7.8-mile route travels through lakes, rivers, and forests, connecting Mercer to Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, Sayner, and St. Germain. The trail includes a mix of paved paths and rustic roads, with picturesque bridges crossing rivers and wetlands along the way. PDF Map.​​