Black River State Forest Smrekar Road Loop

The Smrekar Road Loop cuts through some of Black River State Forest’s most challenging terrain, where deep sand pockets hide between rolling hills of native prairie and oak savanna. This 12-mile backcountry circuit starts near the Castle Mound Recreation Area and winds through scattered wetlands and abandoned logging roads, with the notorious Sand Creek crossing testing ground clearance and approach angles during spring runoff.

Moderate difficulty with stock 4WD handling most sections, though aired-down tires help in the deeper sand. Late summer through fall offers the best conditions when water levels drop and sand firms up slightly. No permits required, but dispersed camping is allowed throughout the forest. The payoff is solitude in one of Wisconsin’s largest state forests, with excellent wildlife viewing and access to some of the state’s best prairie restoration areas.