Gravel Biking
We have two state rail-to-trail gravel trails in Polk County, WI. Stower Seven Lakes State Trail runs east to west from Dresser to Amery for 14 miles, and the Gandy Dancer State Trail runs north to south from St. Croix Falls to Frederic.
STOWER SEVEN LAKES STATE TRAIL
See the beautiful countryside of rural Polk County on this spectacular gravel trail that stretches 14 miles and passes through several of our little towns: Dresser, Nye, Wanderoos, Deronda, and Amery. You’ll find seven lakes along the way. You can even take a dip on a hot day at Dwight Beach, located just off the trail.
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: BIKING, HIKING.
WINTER: FAT BIKING, HIKING, SNOWSHOEING, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Built on a former railroad corridor, this 14-mile trail starts about one mile from Dresser, WI and travels through the communities of Nye, Wanderoos, and Deronda, and Amery. The trail passes through maple and oak forests, wetlands, prairies and farmlands and past many picturesque lakes. The seven lakes from west to east are: Lotus, Horse, Dwight, Kinney, Bear Trap Lake, North Twin Lake and South Twin Lake.
The Stower Seven Lakes trail connects to the Cattail trail in Amery that continues to Turtle Lake and beyond. The Cattail Trail uses include hiking, biking, ATV/UTV and snowmobiling.
A State Trail pass is required for bicycling and cross-country skiing for users over the age of 16. Trail passes can be purchased at the Polk County Information Center, DNR stations, various local businesses and certain gas stations. Pass purchases are also available at self-pay stations along the trail, or by calling the DNR at 888-936-7463 between the hours of 7 am – 10 am. Pass fees are $25 annually/$5 daily.
TRAIL TYPE: RAIL TO TRAIL
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: FLAT, CRUSHED LIMESTONE
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 14 MILES
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: EASY
Visit the WI-DNR website or the FRIENDS OF THE STOWER SEVEN LAKES TRAIL website for more information.
Trailhead Addresses:
Lotus Lake County Park in Dresser, WI (Note that the trail begins a quarter mile southwest from the Lotus Lake County Park and can be accessed off 90th Avenue)
GANDY DANCER STATE TRAIL
The Gandy Dancer State Trail (southern segment) is located 60 miles NE of the Twin Cities in northwestern Wisconsin. The Gandy Dancer connects the communities of St. Croix Falls, Centuria, Milltown, Luck, Frederic, Lewis, Siren, Webster and Danbury. Constructed on a former railroad corridor, the trail is generally level and wheelchair accessible.
The Gandy’s southern segment is 47 miles and open to people powered activities Spring thru late Fall. The level grade and hard packed limestone surface is safe and accessible for people of all abilities. People love to hike, run, geocache, set personal goals and train for events on the Gandy. Many use it for daily bike rides, work commutes and walking.
TRAIL USES:
SUMMER: BIKING, HIKING.
WINTER: FAT BIKING, HIKING, SNOWSHOEING, SNOWMOBILE AND FROZEN GROUND ATV/UTV USE.
Trailhead Address:
Polk County Information Center – 710 Highway 35 S, Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin 54024
MAP IT
The 98-mile recreation trail follows the railroad grade from St. Croix Falls north to Superior. Recreational use on the Trail is divided by geographic location: south half and north half. Enjoy a short stroll or a longer bike ride.
The south trail segment extends 47 miles from St. Croix Falls to Danbury, paralleling Hwy. 35 most of the distance. This segment was surfaced with crushed limestone in 1995 and offers a smooth, hard surfaced trail with use limited to biking and hiking from April through November. Spice up your adventure by stopping at the many small towns for a coffee or bite to eat along the way!
A State Trail pass is required of all bicyclists 16 years of age or older riding the Gandy Dancer Trail between St. Croix Falls and Danbury. Trail passes can be purchased at the Polk County Information Center, DNR stations, various local businesses and certain gas stations. Pass purchases are also available at self-pay stations along the trail, or by calling the DNR at 888-936-7463 between the hours of 7 am – 10 am. Pass fees are $25 annually/$5 daily. A Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Conservation Patron license will be honored as a bike pass.
Distances
Mileage between southern towns along the Gandy Dancer Trail are as follows.
| St. Croix Falls to Centuria | 4.5 Miles |
| Centuria to Milltown | 6.2 Miles |
| Milltown to Luck | 3.7 Miles |
| Luck to Frederic | 6.1 Miles |
| Frederic to Lewis | 5.4 Miles |
| Lewis to Siren | 5.7 Miles |
| Siren to Webster | 6.6 Miles |
| Webster to Danbury | 8.9 Miles |
TRAIL TYPE: RAIL TO TRAIL
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: FLAT, CRUSHED LIMESTONE
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 98 MILES
Visit the WI-DNR website or the Friends of Gandy Dancer State Trail for more trail information.
