Trails

Please Visit! - Brochure
The Polk County Department of Parks & Trails would like to invite you to visit any of the beautiful county parks, dams, forests, lakes, and trails located in Polk County, Wisconsin.

Polk County offers 400 plus miles of snowmobile trails, 31 miles of ATV/UTV trails, 40 miles of bicycling trails, 25 miles of cross country skiing trails, and a 2 mile snowshoe trail.

Stop by and visit our many other recreation amenities in Polk County. 

Polk County Trails
Please visit the links below to find out information about designated recreational trails throughout Polk County.
 IconATV ATV/UTV Trails
 IconBike Bicycle Trails
 IconXSki Cross Country Skiing Trails
 IconSnowmobile Snowmobile Trails
 IconSnowshoe Snowshoe Trails 
 IconHorse Equestrian

Countywide Comprehensive Trail Network Plan
For more information, please click HERE

Stower Seven Lakes State Trail
Master Plan information

Horses
Starting 10/1/2022 through 11/18/22 horses are allowed on the Stower Trail.  Equestrian users of the trail are responsible for cleanup of the horse droppings in the parking lot areas. County staff inspect the trail at a minimum of twice weekly to remove any horse droppings from the trail.

Etiquette for Equestrians

All users yield to horseback riders. When encountering a horse, speak in a calm, pleasant tone so the horse hears a human voice. Do not hide. Expect the rider to advise you, not as lack of courtesy, but rather with knowledge of the horse's temperament. Do not approach, scare, harass, or feed wildlife or livestock. Dogs are a potential fright for both people and horses. Pets must be kept on leashes (less than 8' length) and under control. Make sure your horse has the temperaments and training for riding on congested trails. Advise other trail users of your horse's temperament. A horse with a tendency to kick should always wear a red ribbon on the trail and be prepared to explain what the ribbon is for. Obey posted speed/gait limits. Avoid cantering or galloping on busy trails. Know your horse's limitations. Let other trail users know when it is safe to pass your horse. Announce your intention to pass others. Come to a walk and pass on the left. Always pick up after your horse. Keep the trailhead clear of manure and trash. Try to keep the trail clean of manure. Individual trails may require/post that you pick up manure.

National Trails Day Observed
Polk County observes National Trails Day by offering free use of bike trails the first full weekend in June. State trail passes will not be required these two days on neither the Gandy Dancer State Trail nor the Stower Seven Lakes State Trail.

Trail Regulations
Polk County Code of Ordinances
  • It is unlawful to use trails at any time or for any purpose other than those posted.
  • No person shall ride snowmobiles on designated trails except between December 1 and March 31 when there is six inches of snow.
  • No person shall drive any motorized vehicles such as cars, trucks, or go-carts, on any trail at any time or operate off-road motorcycles on a designated trail.