Hike
Hike Mercer Area
There are endless possibilities in the Mercer area for hiking. Miles and miles of back roads and trails meander through deep forests. Bring your compass, GPS, and sense of adventure and try out these 5 trails.
MECCA Hiking Trails
ICORE Hiking Trails
More Mercer Trail Maps
Big Island Trail
Trail Uses: hiking, biking, snowshoeing, back-country cross-country skiing (not groomed), hunting
This trail begins at the bridge to Big Island. From County Highway FF go south on Popko Circle West approximately 3.6 miles and turn right on a woods road heading west towards Big Island. There is a grass parking area for 2 - 3 vehicles about 100 yards before the bridge. There are 8.8 miles of trail on the Island. The trail is mowed every 3-5 years.
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Deadhorse Trail
Trail Uses: hiking, biking, snowshoeing, back-country cross-country skiing (not groomed), hunting
This is a 4.6 mile trail. Access is off Popko Circle West, approximately 2.0 miles south of County Highway FF. The Deadhorse Trail is located in a special management unit dedicated to intensive management for ruffed grouse with seven interpretive signs. The signs describe specific management practices and their benefits to grouse. All of the management practices can be applied by private landowners with as little as ten acres. The trail is mowed every 3-5 years.
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Hidden Rivers Nature Trail
Trail Uses: hiking, wheelchair friendly, snowshoeing
This 2 mile trail has a gravel base. The trailhead is located at the upper parking lot for Fisherman’s Landing. From County Highway FF go south on Popkos Circle West approximately 4.5 miles to Fisherman’s Landing Road. There are interpretive signs along the trail explaining the origin of the Flowage and some history as well as some of the management for the property as a whole. Although not groomed, is a great place to enjoy winter scenery and wildlife on skis or snowshoes.
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Little Turtle Trail
Trail Uses: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing (groomed December – April 15 provided there is ample snow cover), hunting
There are 5.2 miles of mowed trail in the Little Turtle Waterfowl Management Area. To access the trail take Popko Circle East south from County Highway FF approximately 1.1 miles to Joe’s Shack Road. At the end of Joe’s Shack Road turn right to the trail head parking area on the north edge of the Little Turtle Flowage. Bird watching is very popular here because it is the only open prairie in Iron County, so many grassland birds can be seen here and not in other parts of the county. Also, the wetlands provide unique bird watching opportunities as the entire area is visible from a ridge that runs along the edge of the wetland. Note: Between the dates of December 15 and April 15 this hunter walking trail is designated part of the MECCA Cross Country Ski Trail. You may not walk or hike on the groomed portion of this trail anytime the ground is snow covered between these dates.
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Wilson Hills Trail
Trail Uses: hiking, biking, snowshoeing, back-country cross-country skiing (not groomed), hunting
There are 5.5 miles of maintained trail in two segments between Wilson Lake and the Bonies Mound area of the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage. To access the trails from County Highway FF go south on Popko Circle East approximately 3.6 miles to Wilson Lake Road East. Take Wilson Lake Road East 1.1 miles to a woods road heading east. There are several access points along this woods road. The trail is mowed every 3-5 years.
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