Chequamegon National Forest Pine Line Trail
Old railroad bed through Wisconsin's wetlands
Following the abandoned Soo Line Railroad bed, this 24-mile trail stretches from Medford to the Mondeaux Flowage through terrain that changes every few miles. The old railroad bridges are gone, replaced by muddy creek crossings that’ll cake your rig in Wisconsin clay. Around mile 16, you’ll hit the infamous Bog Hollow section where the trail disappears into knee-deep muck during wet seasons — locals call it the ‘truck eater.’ The payoff comes at Mondeaux Dam, where bass fishing and swimming holes await.
Easy to moderate depending on conditions, but that bog section will humble a stock truck fast. High clearance essential, 4WD recommended for wet conditions. Avoid April through June unless you enjoy winching. Best from July through October when the trail firms up. No permits, but check the flowage water levels before heading out. Plenty of dispersed camping along the old rail right-of-way, and the fishing at Mondeaux makes the muddy approach worthwhile. Bring recovery gear and expect to use it.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1520 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Medford, Wisconsin |
| Land manager | USDA Forest Service - Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can my stock Tacoma handle the Pine Line Trail?
Yes, high-clearance 2WD is sufficient for most of the trail. The old railroad grade keeps grades manageable, but expect some muddy sections and water crossings that benefit from 4WD.
Is the Pine Line Trail passable in spring?
Avoid spring runs - the peat bogs turn into muddy swamps and water crossings can be impassable. July through October offers the most reliable conditions.
Do I need permits to run the Pine Line Trail?
No permits required for driving the trail. It's National Forest land with open access, though standard forest regulations apply for camping and fires.
What's the toughest section of the Pine Line Trail?
The water crossings through wetland areas can be tricky, especially after rain. Some sections may require picking your line carefully through boggy terrain.
Are there established campsites along the Pine Line Trail?
Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the National Forest with lake access points offering scenic spots. No developed campgrounds directly on the trail, so bring everything you need.