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Bayfield Trails & Activity Guide

Where To Cross Country Ski Around Bayfield

Our own Howl trails are open all the time and dogs are welcome under control or on a leash.  We have 2km trails, demo skis and snowshoes available, 1/2 price onsite rentals for a longer ski or snowshoe on the property.  There are skate and classic trails through the woods.

Where To Hike In Bayfield

Mt. Ashwabay

You can walk to the top of the ski hill or on the XC or bike trail network.  Home of Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua venue.

Staff Favorite

Climb 520 vertical feet up Manypenny Ave through the Golf Course down to J and back to Bayfield (staff favorite) This 3.5 mile loop starts and ends at Howl. Come see us at either location for route details.

What’s Your Bayfield Adventure?

Do you have a favorite adventure in Bayfield that you're not seeing on this page? Let us know!

Where To Bike In Bayfield

Stay On Track With Avenza

Before you set out on your adventure, grab your phone and download the Avenza mapping app. Once downloaded, Avenza maps are usable without cell service, which is pretty much most of the cool outdoor places here.  It records tracks and distances and puts you on the map. Remember to download the maps to use when you still have cell service or at Howl where there is free wifi.

We recommend these free maps from the Avenza Map store.  Once you install the Avenza ap, they should load onto your phone with a click.

Bayfield County Silent Sports Trails (has public land, roads and trails)
Bayfield County Forestry Access Map 1 (forest roads, 2-tracks, old trails)

Bayfield County Road Map (good background map)

Bayfield County Plat Book (for staying on public land)

Chequamegon National Forest Roads (legal for driving)

Morning Dew Bike Route Chequamegon National Forest (there are other Grateful Dead named gravel routes, too)

Bayfield County has a link page to more pdf maps, some Geo, some not and to their Avenza maps on the Avenza Map Store.

Where To Camp In Bayfield

Bayfield County Forest and Chequamegon National Forest is open to free "dispersed" camping. We recommend that you use the Avenza Plat Book link on phones or Bayfield County Land Records link on a laptop to make sure you keep your adventure on County or Federal land. You can find the rules for free camping are outlined on page 48 of this document for Bayfield County or here for National Forest. There are plenty of great spots you can drive up to or nearby, but make sure you check the Avenza Bayfield County forestry map to see which roads are open to vehicles. Be careful not to block any roads or drive on closed roads. We will lose this privilege to have vehicles if these things happen. Once in the Bayfield County Forest or adjoining Chequamagon National Forest you will find endless bikepacking roads, trails and free campsites. Stop by and visit us at Howl before you set out, we can outfit you with everything you need for your adventure.

Backpacking on one of the Apostle Islands is a premiere wilderness experience. We also highly recommend backpacking on Stockton Island and Oak Island, both locations are fantastic. The best way to get dropped off on an island is through Apostle Islands Cruise Service (Stockton) or PMG Charters. 

If you are sticking to the Mainland, the Sea Caves trail at Meyers Beach has multiple NPS campsites available. NPS Remote campsites can be reserved from Apostle Islands National Lakeshore National Park Service.

You can also backpack anywhere in Bayfield County Forest or Chequamegon National Forest.  See Boondocking above. 

Lost Creek Adventures and Trek & Trail offer great overnight kayaking wilderness trips as well.

We are ready to outfit you for your adventure. Outfitting at Howl includes backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, cook kits, stoves, and hammocks.

Howl Staff Picks: Top 10 To-Dos In Bayfield

Pick up a growler or crowler of fresh local beer from Adventure Club Brewing and some smoked fish from any of Bayfield’s fisheries. Make yourself a simple, delicious picnic to enjoy at any of our area beaches (Reiten Beach, Bayview, Meyers, or Corni Beach in nearby Cornucopia)

Walk the Brownstone Trail or Houghton Falls Trail for stunning views of Lake Superior

Rent a bike from us, take the ferry over to Madeline Island, ride to Big Bay Town Park for a day spent paddling the lagoon there or playing on the beach.

Hike up Mt Ashwabay before taking in a show at Lake Superior Big Top Chatauqaua  Food and beverage available with proceeds going to Mt Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area

Rent an e-bike from us and ride around the “Fruit Loop”, stopping in to see what each orchard has to offer - fresh berries or apples, hard cider at Hausers, cider donuts at Erickson’s Orchard, gifts, jams & jellies

Pick your own at any of Bayfield’s fruit farms - our favorite is sweet cherry season at Apple Hill Orchard!

Ride the single track trails at Mt. Ashwabay (or xc ski, snowshoe or fat bike in winter) and stay at one of the yurts: https://www.bayfieldcounty.org/908/Yurts

Watch the sunrise or sunset at any of the area beaches, and start or end your day with a refreshing jump in the world’s largest body of freshwater!

Hike Lost Creek Falls near Cornucopia, then stop for a drink at the Coffee and Sweet Shop, and something deliciously homemade at Ehler’s Store deli, fill up your water bottle at the artesian well, and enjoy your picnic on Corni Beach.

Grab an ice cream cone and stroll the Bayfield City Dock.

Other Bayfield Adventures


We Have An Adventure For Everyone

Howl Adventure Center, Howl Downtown and Dreamcatcher Sailing are all one business. Pop in and visit or give us a call at any of our locations with your questions. Advice is always free.