Public Forests

Public forests provide limitless outdoor recreation experience. Enjoy miles of beautiful general use and specialized trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, and ATV/off-road vehicles. Plus, the more adventurous can also find more remote options of outdoor recreation in these locations.

Taylor County Forest has 17,583 acres

Hunting, Hiking, Camping, ATV & Much More!

County forests are managed to maximize your public recreational opportunities. Taylor county has 17,583 acres of public land. The county forests alone offer amazing public land to explore within minutes from Rib Lake.

Here is a glimpse of the recreational opportunities available: campsites, beaches, boat landings, canoe portage routes, snowmobile trails, ATV trails, bike trails, horse trails, hiking trails, dogsled and snowshoe trails, cross-country ski trails, and hunting access. We hope to see you recreating, but please remember to help protect our resources and keep our forests clean. Detailed information such as maps, trail locations, hunting areas, fishing areas, camping sites, and even trail conditions are also available.

Parking and Access: Please visit our websites for current information: Taylor County

Looking for a perfect day trip from Rib Lake? Discover Price County with 92,268 acres of public land for recreation and hunting.

Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

Hunting, Hiking, Camping, ATV & Much More!

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest covers more than 1.5 million acres of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. The Chequamegon side of the forest covers about 858,400 acres in Ashland, Bayfield, Sawyer, Price, Taylor and Vilas counties while the Nicolet side covers nearly 661,400 acres in Florence, Forest, Langlade, Oconto, Oneida and Vilas counties. You can gain access to Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest within miles of Rib Lake.

Hunting opportunities for big game, upland game birds, waterfowl and small game exist across the entire Forest. Fishing for trout or other game fish is available in any of our 600 fishable lakes or 1200 miles of fishable stream. Opportunities to encounter many rare species of fish, wildlife or plants abound. Bird watching, viewing fantastic fall colors and nature study experiences await those seeking to experience nature.

For those who enjoy camping and hiking experiences, visit one of our 51 campground or 800 miles of trail to hike and experience the north woods. For those that enjoy quiet places, the Forest contains five (5) designated wilderness areas and several semi-primitive non-motorized areas. Motorized recreation is also available to the public with approximately 300 miles of designated trail winding through the diverse landscape. All activities support local tourism to the communities of the North Woods.

Parking and Access: More Info

Day Trip to Surrounding Outdoor Recreation Areas