Black River State Forest | Madison WI

Black River State Forest is a sprawling public forest covering about 68,000 acres in Jackson County, Wisconsin, near the city of Black River Falls. Established in 1957, this vast woodland offers visitors a rich blend of natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and plentiful recreational opportunities across its pine and oak forests, sandstone formations, rivers, and wetlands.

Landscape and Natural Features

The forest’s terrain is shaped by unique geological formations, primarily Cambrian sandstone outcrops that have weathered into buttes, hills, ridges, knolls, and cliffs. These features create a varied topography uncommon in the region, with prominent landmarks such as Castle Mound and Wildcat Mound standing as rugged reminders of the area's ancient geological history.

Ecologically, Black River State Forest supports a mosaic of habitats. The dominant vegetation includes extensive stands of jack pine, oak, and aspen, alongside rare communities like white pine-red maple swamps, pine and oak barrens, and moist cliffs. These diverse habitats foster a variety of wildlife, making the forest an important refuge for many species.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The forest offers over 22 miles of multi-use trails designed for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Popular hiking routes include:

Castle Mound Nature Trail: A roughly 2-mile loop with educational signs guiding visitors through the forest to an observation deck atop Castle Mound, which offers sweeping views over the Driftless Area landscape.

Wildcat and Smrekar Trails: These connect to the broader trail system, accommodating both hikers and bikers. During winter, some trails are groomed for skiing, while summer usage includes hiking.

Beyond hiking, the trail system supports diverse users including mountain bikers and winter sports enthusiasts, with well-maintained paths catering to different skill levels.

Water Recreation

The Black River and its East Fork wind through the forest, providing scenic waterways ideal for paddling. Canoeing and kayaking are popular, especially in late spring through fall when water levels are favorable. The East Fork section features gentle rapids and moderately rocky stretches, offering a scenic and enjoyable experience for paddlers.

Motorized boat access is available at Perry Creek and Teal Flowage, where an ADA-accessible fishing pier and boat launch accommodate anglers of all abilities. Fishing opportunities abound with species such as bass, panfish, northern pike, and walleye inhabiting the waters.

Camping Facilities

Black River State Forest offers several camping options:

Castle Mound Campground: Featuring 35 campsites, including 14 with electrical hookups, this campground sits near the Castle Mound Nature Trail, providing easy access to hiking and forest exploration.

East Fork Campground: Located on the forest’s northern edge, this site offers a more rustic camping experience with close proximity to waterways and trails.

Pigeon Creek Campground: Known for its sandy beach area suitable for swimming, along with picnic facilities, it’s ideal for families and day visitors seeking water-based recreation.

For those interested in backpacking, designated trails such as Wildcat, Red Oak, and Ridge Trails support backcountry camping, offering a more immersive wilderness experience.

Motorized and Equestrian Trails

The forest maintains 34 miles of ATV trails, which connect with neighboring county trail systems in Jackson and Clark Counties. These trails require riders to adhere to state registration and trail pass regulations.

Equestrian enthusiasts can enjoy 35 miles of horseback riding trails that meander through scenic pine and oak forests. The trailhead is conveniently located near East Fork Campground, which also features a 12-site campground specifically designed to accommodate horse riders.

Winter Recreation

During winter, Black River State Forest transforms into a hub for snow sports, offering 20 miles of cross-country ski trails and 48 miles of snowmobile trails. The snowmobile routes connect seamlessly with Jackson County’s extensive trail network, providing ample opportunities for snowmobiling enthusiasts.

Wildlife and Conservation

The forest supports diverse wildlife populations, including a notable reintroduction of elk in 2015 after an absence of over 125 years. The Dike 17 Wildlife Area within the forest, spanning roughly 3,100 acres, serves as a protected habitat for a variety of bird species, wolves, and endangered species such as the Karner blue butterfly and bald eagles. The mixture of forest, wetlands, and open areas creates an ideal environment for wildlife observation and photography.

Location and Access

Black River State Forest is easily accessible near the city of Black River Falls, Wisconsin. It lies about two hours southeast of Minneapolis and two hours northwest of Madison, close to Interstate 94. The forest is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., welcoming visitors throughout all seasons.

Black River State Forest combines geological uniqueness, diverse ecosystems, and well-developed recreational infrastructure to offer a comprehensive outdoor experience. From hiking and biking to paddling, camping, wildlife viewing, and winter sports, the forest serves as a versatile destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.