Wild Rivers State Forest Yellow Birch Trail

The Yellow Birch Trail traces the abandoned grade of the Tote Road Railway, where steam locomotives once hauled massive white pines to Wisconsin River sawmills. Today this gentle forest road winds through cathedral groves of paper birch and towering yellow birch, their golden leaves creating a canopy so thick that rain never reaches the forest floor. The route passes abandoned logging camps, rusted railroad spikes still visible in the hardpack, and crosses dozens of beaver dams where industrious rodents have reclaimed their ancient territory.

Easy difficulty makes this accessible to high-clearance vehicles, though spring thaw can leave soft spots that’ll swallow a tire. Stock SUVs handle it fine during dry conditions from June through October. No permits required for day use, but overnight camping needs advance registration with the forest office. Bring mosquito netting and patience — this is slow travel through country that rewards contemplation over speed. Perfect introduction to Wisconsin’s northern forests.