Cross-Country Skiing in Chippewa County, WI
Chippewa cross-country skiing is an activity that MUST be on your winter bucket list this season! Glide through the rolling terrain of the county’s forest as you soak in the peaceful wintery beauty. This is the ultimate escape from the hectic world. Here’s a few spots to hit this winter:
Hickory Ridge Trails
Discover the perfect Northwoods winter adventure with cross-country skiing at Hickory Ridge Trails in Chippewa County, Wisconsin. This scenic trail system near Bloomer features miles of groomed routes for both classic and skate skiing, winding through peaceful forests, gentle hills, and quiet snow-covered landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or just starting out, Hickory Ridge offers a serene and refreshing outdoor experience. Looking to extend your stay? Paraiso Acres’s cozy Airbnb rental nearby makes for the perfect getaway, combining rustic charm, modern comfort, and easy access to the trails.
Beaver Creek Reserve
Located just south of Chippewa County, Beaver Creek Reserve offers a variety of cross-country ski trails. From difficult loops to beginner loops, these trails wind through the beautiful North woods forestry. If you get chilly, no worries, you can warm up at the Wise Nature Center before heading back to the trails.
Cross-Country ski rentals are available at Beaver Creek Reserve. In the rental, boots, skis, and poles are included in the rental! Members: $3 and Non-Members $10. Stay up to date on the trail conditions by visiting their Facebook page.
Learn More about Beaver Creek Reserve
Photo Credit: @bcreserve
River Road Trail
The River Road Trail runs along the Chippewa River about 2.5 miles north of the City of Cornell. Two paths challenge intermediate and advanced skiers through the rolling terrain to the more gentle grade of the River Road. This is a breathtaking trail that brings skiers through the county’s North woods. The trail’s total length is 5.6 km with different trail segments. Check out trail map here.
Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area
The three most popular trails at the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area include three separate loops:
The cross-country trails are open, but they are not groomed. This makes so an exciting adventure through the unspoiled beauty of this area. Visit the David R. Obey Ice Age Interpretive Center before hitting the trails!
Check out the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area
Places to Stay
Take in all the beauty that Chippewa County has to offer and make an overnight trip out of it! There are plenty of places to stay, a lot of them are very close to the beautiful trails that Chippewa County has to offer.
- Inn on Lake Wissota is the perfect cozy getaway. Experience life on the shores of Lake Wissota, just 2.8 miles away from Lake Wissota State Park and 21 miles from the Hickory Ridge Recreation Area it is the perfect destination for convenient access to beautiful trails
- Cobblestone Hotel & Suites located in the heart of downtown Chippewa Falls. Take a stroll through the streets of Chippewa Falls, visiting a number of cute shops and tasty restaurants, and be sure to grab a bite at the built-in Wissota Chophouse.
- Situated off Highway 124, the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Chippewa Falls, WI offers a family-friendly stay near the area’s most exciting attractions. Explore downtown just five minutes to the north, or just 3.2 miles to the trails of Irvine Park.
- Experience historic Chippewa Falls at the McLaren House Bed and Breakfast. Located just 1.2 miles from Irvine Park, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the hometown charm that defines Chippewa County.
- Riverstone Suites is newly opened and ready to serve you with a gorgeous venue. Located just 2.2 miles from downtown Chippewa Falls it is the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the trails.
