Cross Country Skiing
 Please Visit! |
| Email polk.recreation@polkcountywi.gov Call 715-485-9294 |
| Balsam Branch Trail - Ski & Snowshoe Recreation Area - Brochure - Map | ||
| 1392 120th Ave, Amery | ||
 |
The Balsam Branch Trail - Ski & Snowshore Recreation Area is provided as the result of a cooperative effort between the Polk County Department of Parks & Trails, Lake Wapogasset Lutheran Bible Camp, Town of Garfield, and the Nordic Ski Club of Amery. Trails are open December 1st following the Wisconsin deer rifle season. Trails are groomed for classical and skate skiing. Trail grooming updates can be found on skinnyski.com. | |
|
All trails may be traveled in either direction.
4+K of the trails are lighted from dusk to 11:00 p.m.
Location Located on 120th Ave before D.D. Kennedy Park. The trail is between Amery & Balsam Lake. 18 minutes from Amery by traveling north on State Hwy 46, left on County Rd H, and left on 120th Ave. Prohibited Trail Uses No dogs are allowed on the trails. Snowshoeing and hiking are not allowed on the groomed portion of the trails. |
||
| Stower Seven Lakes State Trail - Map |
|
This county-operated, 13-mile trail runs from the City of Amery nearly all the way to the Village of Dresser and is used for bicycling, hiking, equestrian use permitted October 1st up to first day of Wisconsin Gun Deere Season, snowmobile, and cross-country skiing. On Saturday, February 4th snowmobiles will be re-routed off the Stower Seven Lakes Trail from Co Rd C to Amery from 2:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. for a Candlelight Walk public event. At this time, the trial will be closed to snowmobiles. Please follow the marked detour signs for snowmobiles during to get in and out of Amery. Starting at 9:30 p.m. the snowmobile trail on the Stower Seven Lakes Trail will re-open.
Built on a former railroad corridor, the trail begins at Harriman Ave in Amery, travels through the unincorporated Villages of Deronda, Wanderoos and Nye, ending about one mile from Dresser on 90th Ave. The trail passes through maple and oak forests, wetlands, prairies and farmlands, and past many picturesque lakes. The trail crosses between the North Twin and South Twin lakes in Amery, skirts the south end of Bear Trap Lake and runs along Round, Horse and Lotus lakes near the western end.
The trail is named to recognize the exceptional natural resources the trail traverses and the longtime public service and leadership demonstrated by Amery’s own Harvey and Marilyn Stower. Harvey Stower served in the Wisconsin Legislature and as Mayor of Amery for many years.
Prohibited Trail Uses ATVs and other motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail, except for snowmobiles. The Cattail State Trail, which begins in Amery just east of State Hwy 46 at Center St, is open to motorized vehicles.
|
|
Parking Locations
Lotus Lake County Park - 2142 90th Ave, Osceola Nye Rest Area - 732 205th St, Osceola Wanderoos Rest Area - 1638 68th Ave, Amery Deronda Rest Area - 1314 65th Ave, Amery Soo Line Park - 107 Center St W, Amery |
| State Trail Pass |
| Each skier age 16 or older needs a State Trail Pass before using the trail. State Trail Pass are available at the following Polk County locations:
|
| Trail Etiquette - Guidelines |
| It is important to use good trail etiquette to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all trail users. |
| Trail Regulations |
|
Polk County Code of Ordinances
|