DNR Parks And Recreation News
What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas
 Ride the trails this winter on an ATV. Thank you to the Team Winnebagoland of the Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association for sharing information and photos. / Photo credit: Adam Harden, Team Winnebagoland
Riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) during the winter season in Wisconsin can be a fantastic and rewarding experience. However, the dynamics of the winter climate in Wisconsin means that the riding opportunities are not uniform.
During spring, summer and fall, Wisconsin's ATV/UTV trails are either open or closed. However, in winter conditions, additional circumstances will dictate if a trail is open for ATV/UTV use.
When getting ready to ride your ATV or UTV in the snow, here are a few things to keep in mind about where you can adventure:
- Snowmobile trails are not automatically open to ATV/UTV use. In many cases it is illegal to operate on a snowmobile trail. Violating this law threatens current and future opportunities to have joint use trails. Check locally for special ATV/UTV allowances on county snowmobile trails.
- Each trail system has its own requirements for being open in the winter. Trail usage changes from county to county. Be sure to check local ordinances before heading out to ride.
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Likewise with riding on ice-covered waterbodies, contact the local fishing clubs, bait shops or outfitters for ice conditions. The DNR does not monitor ice conditions. These places routinely check ice conditions and are able to give you the best and current conditions. You can ride on frozen surfaces so long as there is public access to the waterway. Check with municipalities to ensure motorized ice travel is allowed.
Preparedness is key in cold conditions. Here are a few regulations to remember and a few safety tips:
- Like with all vehicles, never consume alcohol or drugs before or during your ride.
- Each year the majority of all ATV/UTV deaths in Wisconsin involve operators that were not wearing a helmet. Many of these victims may have survived their injuries had they only been wearing a helmet. Our best advice is to always wear a helmet and seatbelt if provided, whether you’re legally required to or not. All ATV/UTV operators and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a minimum DOT standard ATV or motorcycle helmet with the chin strap properly fastened.
- ATVs/UTVs work great on packed snow, however, can struggle in fresh snow. If you're traveling on an unpacked surface, the snow can accumulate and pack under the frame of the vehicle, eventually lifting it off the ground.
- Properly maintained and treaded tires will greatly help with traction on snow. Make sure you have the proper tires before heading out on a ride.
- A winch can be a valuable asset to have on your machine during winter riding. Make sure the winch is in proper working order and that the cable is functional.
- You must slow to 10 MPH or less when within 100 feet of an ice fishing shanty or person not on a snowmobile, ATV/UTV or other motorized vehicle.
- ATVs/UTVs modified with after-market tracks and/or skis are not considered snowmobiles and cannot be registered or used as such. They may be operated on frozen waterways and private property with permission.
If you're looking for more information about ATV and UTV riding in Wisconsin, check out these resources:
Thank you to the Wisconsin ATV / UTV Association (WATVA) for information about winter ATV riding in Wisconsin. WATVA is a member-based organization whose members support its statewide efforts to improve ATVing by supporting and working in collaboration with local, county, state and federal partners. WATVA helps local clubs around Wisconsin with issues such as land access, ordinances, organization and conflict resolution. Local chapter clubs work with land managers and law enforcement agencies to help maintain trail systems throughout the state. From grooming to building trails, the efforts put forth by the members directly impact the overall statewide program.
Work For Wisconsin State Parks
You can join the team working at Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas this summer. Positions are now open across the state. Interviews for some positions are starting soon - apply today!
We are now hiring for:
Park Rangers: primarily responsible for providing recreation management, assisting with resource protection, managing public safety through maintenance, facility management, and administrative activities within the assigned area; maintaining internal and external partnerships to include local government, local interests, and other key stakeholders to establish and promote management, public safety and contribute to protection goals; assisting with outreach, promotion, and public relations for the property.
Visitor Services Associates: responsible for greeting park visitors, selling vehicle admission stickers, registering campers, fielding questions about the park or property and recreation opportunities, along with a variety of other administrative and financial duties.
Parks and Recreation Specialists: responsible for a combination of outdoor maintenance and/or groundskeeping work in addition to providing customer service for property visitors and/or campers; may operate machinery such as UTV's, ATV's, chainsaws, snowmobiles, hand tools, power tools, mowers, tractors and other motorized vehicles.
Pay, hours and more information is available online. Applications are only accepted online at wisc.jobs. Search by entering the keyword "parks" or by agency, Dept. of Natural Resources.
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 Photo credits: Wisconsin DNR
Winter Hiking Footwear Primer
This time of the year, conditions on the ground can be variable. While parts of the state are still snow covered, some parts are seeing melting or freezing - or both, resulting in muddy conditions or a mix of ice and slush. Warmer conditions can leave the snow slick and icy. There are different types of footwear and foot accessories that can help your hiking journey. As you're out adventuring, be sure to dress accordingly, stay hydrated and be safe and smart.
Snowshoes: Wide, light foot frame attached to the foot. For walking on deep snow in a variety of conditions and elevations.
Crampons: A footframe with large spikes. Best for ice climbing, mountaineering and steep snow or ice conditions.
Microspikes: Durable chains with small spikes that go over your boot. Best for shallow ice or snow, flatter but icier conditions.
Yaktracks: Rubber frame with lightweight steel chain that fits over a boot. Best for flatter terrain, thinner packed snow, slush or icy pavement. (Typically, these will be your most affordable option but may not be suitable in all conditions.)
Hiking boots: An essential type of footwear for all conditions. You'll want a pair with a rubber sole and good traction to hold up in a variety of conditions.
Other accessories are on the market that can make your trip a little easier but aren't required. Hiking poles can help steady you or help you check snow depths or iciness. Gaiters that go around your ankles can keep the snow out. There's no one right or wrong way to get outside!
 Ancient lava flows, deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls make Copper Falls State Park one of Wisconsin's most scenic parks. Log buildings built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s add to the park's charm.
With annual snowfall totals averaging near 100 inches, Copper Falls State Park is a winter sports destination. The park offers groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, winter camping and ice fishing on Loon Lake. Over 15 miles of trails are open to winter enthusiasts. The Doughboys Trail is not maintained during winter and is closed for safety.
Copper Falls features 13.7 miles (22 km) of classic ski trails and 6.5 miles (10.5 km) of skate ski trails. The park has trails to suit all skill levels from beginner to experienced skiers. Trails are groomed on a regular basis as the Lake Superior Snow Belt is known for constant snowfall. Hikers, snowshoers and pets are not allowed on the groomed ski trails. Be sure to check cross-country ski trail conditions before heading out.
There are two multi-use trails at Copper Falls State Park, the Winter Waterfalls Trail (Purple Loop) at the north end of the park and the Red Granite Falls Trail (Red Loop) near Loon Lake. Snowshoeing and winter hiking are also allowed off-trail in the park, except on the groomed ski trails.
Geology, weather, glaciation and time led to varying rock types with varying hardness and coloration. This makes the gorges and falls here one of the most beautiful of Wisconsin's state parks. At Brownstone Falls, the Bad River flows in a deep gorge it cut into red lava, then cuts through the conglomerate rocks at Devil's Gate and then through a narrow band of black shale. The river then meets deep layers of sandstone and shale, makes a 180-degree arc in thick red clays and cuts back into the sandstone and shale layers.
Come back in summer to experience the beauty of Copper Falls and the Doughboys Trail, one of Wisconsin's most spectacular and favorite hikes.
Copper Falls State Park is located in Mellen. Learn more about it here.
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
Hartman Creek Snowshoe & Hike Event
Hartman Creek State Park
Saturday, Feb. 25
5 - 8 p.m.
Join us for an evening of candlelit adventure during our annual Snowshoe & Hike Event, co-sponsored by the Friends of Hartman Creek State Park. The park will have two trails lit by more than 500 candle luminaries which wrap along both Grebe and Hartman Lake. Once finished, stop by the warming fires for hot chocolate, smores and a game of Hammerschlagen. Trailhead starts at the Hartman Lake Shelter. A vehicle admission pass is required. Pets are welcome, but must remain leashed at all times.
Candlelight Hike
Hank Aaron State Trail
Saturday, Feb. 25
5:30 - 8 p.m.
Join us for a candlelight hike at Three Bridges Park in the Menomonee Valley! (610 S. 35th St, Milwaukee, WI 53215) The candlelight hike is free and open to the public. Hikers will have the option to purchase a Fun Pass for extras including:
- Hot chocolate and pastries at the Urban Ecology Center (while supplies last). Bring your thermos to save on waste and take your cocoa on your hike.
- Marshmallow roasting and s’mores at the Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail Fireside Plaza
Check the official event website for more details at www.UrbanCandleLightHike.com
Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR
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