Governor Knowles State Forest Gandy Dancer Trail Extension
Old railroad grade through river valley wilderness
This converted railway corridor cuts through 55 miles of mixed hardwood forest and wetlands between Danbury and St. Croix Falls, following the old Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railroad bed. The trail surface alternates between packed gravel and loose ballast rock, with several wooden trestle crossings over creeks and the occasional soft spot where beaver activity has backed up water. Key waypoints include the restored depot at Grantsburg and the high wooden bridge over Wood River near Webster.
Easy to moderate depending on recent weather—spring thaw and heavy rains turn some sections into muddy quagmires that’ll test your patience more than your drivetrain. Any stock SUV or pickup handles the dry conditions fine, but 4WD helps during wet spells. Best tackled May through October when the forest roads connecting to dispersed camping spots are passable. Primitive camping is allowed throughout the state forest, and you’ll find decent fishing access to the St. Croix River system. No permits needed, but bring bug spray—the mosquitoes are legendary.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 55 mi / 88.5 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock SUV |
| Nearest town | Danbury, Wisconsin |
| Land manager | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can my Honda Pilot handle the Gandy Dancer Trail?
Yes, any stock SUV can easily handle this trail. It's a smooth gravel railroad grade with minimal elevation changes and no technical obstacles.
Is the trail accessible in early spring or late fall?
Best to stick to May through October when conditions are most predictable. Spring can bring muddy sections from snowmelt, and fall weather makes water crossings more challenging.
Do I need permits or pay fees to camp along the trail?
No permits required for the trail or dispersed camping. It's managed by Wisconsin DNR as part of the state forest system with free public access.
How difficult are the water crossings on this trail?
The crossings are shallow creek fords that any vehicle can handle in normal conditions. They're the most challenging part of an otherwise easy trail.
Should I count on having cell service for navigation?
Cell service is spotty to nonexistent along most of the route. Download offline maps and bring a GPS unit or paper maps as backup.