Whether it’s an action-packed ATV or UTV ride or a day of quiet hiking, beautiful Langlade County is a hidden gem destination with some of the best outdoor recreational opportunities in Wisconsin. This northcentral county is full of luring terrain that draws all levels of adventure enthusiasts to the region. With 130,000 of county-owned land and 50 miles of the National Scenic Ice Age Trail, this area makes for the perfect, family-friendly weekend getaway! Read on to learn why:
Mountain Biking Trails
Langlade County, also known as the “County of Trails,” offers mountain biking enthusiasts a vast array of different riding options: winding forest trails, hilly fast action trails, or undeveloped glacier lakes, wetlands, and bogs. Here are a few of our tested and recommended trails:
Jack Lake Trail – Located in Langlade County’s Veteran’s Memorial Park, this 12-mile trail is filled with fast and flowing single and double track mountain biking trails. The trail weaves through changing scenery of northern hardwood, aspen and conifer forest types. The trail is recommended to all levels of riders. Although the trail is welcoming to novice riders, new riders should not expect to ride the whole trail easily as it is a highly aerobic trail and users may need to walk up some hills when learning new techniques.
The City Dump Trail – This short and scenic trail is perfect trail to perfect your ridding techniques. In some sections, this trail is more technical than Jack Lake Trail.
Nicolet Roche Trail – This 20-mile trail is located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and is great for advanced riders looking for a more challenging riding experience. This older trail has a tight and technical single-track trail that incorporates natural features like rocks, punchy climbs and more.
For trail maps, visit langladecounty.org/play.
ATV & UTV Trails
Augustyn Springs Trail – A 21-mile trail located in the northeastern part of Langlade County, this scenic route meanders throughout a large block of the northern hardwoods. The terrain varies from rolling to very hilly, with some rockiness and water holes after rainfall.
Parrish Highland Trail – Making our way to northwestern Langlade County, the Parish Highland Trail is a scenic 50-mile trail that traverses glacial moraines, cedar swamps and small rivers and lakes. And if you still have room for even more adventure, the trail links up with the Lincoln and Oneida County ATV trail system.
For additional trail to explore, maps and more, visit langladecounty.org/play.
Road-Trip Stops
After a long day full of adventure, what better way to end a perfect weekend than with a little something sweet? Here are some of our favorite places to stop before heading home.
Elcho Ice Cream Shoppe (Summer months) – From blueberry cheesecake to raspberry truffle, Elcho Ice Cream Shoppe offers an incredible selection of ice cream flavors. Your only challenge will be landing on just one flavor. Oh and pro tip: Order your ice-cream in the waffle cone – they’re homemade!
Grandview Apple Orchard (Fall months) – Q: What’s better than some fresh apples? A: Organic fresh apples! Grandview Apple Orchard opened on September 5 and visitors can browse the store, pick their own apples on Saturdays and Sundays, stroll through the orchard and even visit the friendly orchard pigs.
Sweet Thyme Coffee & Espresso Bar and Restaurant (Winter/Spring months) – Sweet Thyme is a coffee and espresso bar with a focus on organic, local, Wisconsin ingredients. This Antigo-based spot offers fresh organic baked goods, a variety of sandwiches and soups, along with ready-to-go deli salads. (Our gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, paleo and keto friends will find plenty to love here, too!) Don’t leave without picking up a bottle of Tapped Maple Syrup, which Sweet Thyme famously uses in some of their specialty drinks and pancakes.
What do you love about Langlade County? Let us know in the comments below!