Day hikers will find plenty to like in ‘Trail Town USA’

Birkie Ridge Trail, south of Cable, Wis.

There’s good reason that the American Hiking Society named the Cable, Wis., area a charter “Trail Town USA.” Several excellent trials can be found in the region:
g Birkebeiner Trail – Known primarily for the annual ski race held on the trail, the Birkie also makes a great hiking route in summer and can be accessed at either the Telemark Resort or the North End Cabin. A pass is needed to use the trail.
g Forest Lodge Nature Trail – The trail established by the Cable Natural History Museum runs 1.5 miles but can be extended to 2 miles. Pick up the excellent interpretive booklet to learn about the forest and its past.
g Namekagon Trail East Loop – Located northeast of town in the Chequamegon National Forest, the 1-mile East Loop of this three-loop trail can be hiked in summer. You’re very likely to hear and possibly even spot Northwoods wildlife along the walk.
g North End Trail – South of town, this ski trail in winter is often day hiked the other seasons. Consisting of several crisscrossing routes, combine the Ridge and Bear Paw loops for a 1.6-mile walk.
g Rock Lake Trail – Narrow loops of varying lengths run through the Chequamegon around Rock, Frels and Hildebrand lakes. Hiking is best on the segments running from Forest Road 207 to any of these waterbodies.

Read more about day hiking Bayfield County, Wisconsin, in my Day Hiking Trails of Bayfield County guidebook.