Ed's Lake National Recreation Trail

Brown and yellow Forest Service portal sign in the snow along the side of the road near the trees

A favorite trail for cross-country skiers, this trail also provides excellent opportunities for hikers and mountain bike enthusiasts. The trail follows several early 1900's railroad grades through a variety of forest types. Tracked and groomed for traditional skiing, the three loops provide excellent skiing for beginner and intermediate skiers. An Adirondack-style shelter overlooking Ed's Lake is located along the Birch loop. A map and brochure are available at the trailhead.

Maps and Brochures

Click here for a georeferenced PDF maps version of the map.

At a Glance

Fees: Day Use
  • Day: $5
  • Annual: $30
Pass information can be found on the Passes and Permits page of the website.
Restrictions: Restrictions for all National Forest System lands can be found by visiting Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261 by clicking here. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest specific restrictions can be found in the Occupancy and Use Restrictions for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
Closest Towns: Crandon
Information Center: Lakewood-Laona Ranger District
Email | Phone and Address

General Information

Directions:

The trailhead is located on County Highway W midway between Crandon and Wabeno. Look for a large sign along the northeast side of the highway. Parking is available for 12 or more vehicles.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

There are 6 miles of trails of hilly terrain with scenic vistas in this northern hardwood canopy. A great place to view the fall colors.

Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult

Day Hiking

There are 6 miles of trails of hilly terrain with scenic vistas in this northern hardwood canopy. This is a great place to view the fall colors. The trail is a multi-use trail please be aware of others uses in the area. 

Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult

XC Skiing/Snowshoeing

There are 6 miles of trails of hilly terrain with scenic vistas in this northern hardwood canopy. There are several loops offering a variety of distances for your ski adventure. The trail is groomed in the winter for classic skiing with weekly conditions reported in the cross-country ski trail report. 

Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult