Northern Highland American Legion State Forest Razorback Ridge Trail

The Razorback Ridge Trail follows an ancient glacial esker through the heart of Wisconsin’s largest state forest, where granite boulders the size of pickup trucks still mark where the ice sheets finally surrendered. This abandoned fire road climbs steadily through towering white pines to the old Squirrel Lake Fire Tower, then drops into a chain of hidden kettle lakes where brook trout still rise to dry flies and timber wolves leave tracks in the sand.

Difficult rating comes from loose granite slabs and off-camber rock gardens that’ll test your spotter’s patience and your differential’s strength. Modified 4WD recommended with aggressive tread, skid plates, and lockers helpful on the steeper pitches. June through September offers the best conditions, though fall colors justify the risk of early snow. No permits needed but respect dispersed camping limits — this country remembers when it was truly wild.