Rail trail · Wisconsin
Cattail State Trail
A 20-mile crushed-limestone rail-trail through the lake country and wetlands of Polk and Barron counties in northwestern Wisconsin, linking Amery to Almena on a quiet former-railroad corridor popular for fall color and wildlife.
Length
20 miles
Surface
Crushed stone
Route
Point to point
Endpoints
Amery to Almena
Season
Best May through October; groomed for snowmobiling after snowfall; fall color peaks mid-October
Plan your ride or walk
The Cattail State Trail runs 20 miles through the wetland-rich lake country of northwestern Wisconsin on a former railroad grade, connecting Amery to Almena on crushed limestone. The route lives up to its name, threading marshes, beaver ponds, and open wetlands where great blue herons, sandhill cranes, and white-tailed deer are common sights. Because the terrain is low and flat, the trail makes an easy, family-friendly outing with no significant climbs. Amery is the largest town on the route and has services; smaller communities and road crossings break up the corridor. A Wisconsin State Trail Pass is required for cyclists 16 and older. The trail doubles as a snowmobile corridor once snow arrives, so expect to share in winter months.
Getting there
The southern trailhead in Amery is about 50 miles northeast of the Twin Cities via US 8, or roughly 90 minutes from Minneapolis. Parking is available in Amery and at road crossings throughout the route. The trail connects loosely to other Polk County trails and recreational corridors.
Official trail information
Confirm current conditions, closures, and any required trail pass on the managing agency’s page.
Wisconsin DNR: Cattail State TrailWhat to bring
Gear keyed to a long, flat trail day: footwear, hydration, sun protection, and a pack sized for the distance.
What to pack
Plan with our tools
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Cattail State Trail?
The Cattail State Trail is 20 miles point to point from Amery to Almena in northwestern Wisconsin, on a flat former railroad grade surfaced with crushed limestone.
What wildlife can you see on the Cattail State Trail?
The trail passes through extensive marshes, beaver ponds, and wetlands where sandhill cranes, great blue herons, trumpeter swans, white-tailed deer, and various waterfowl are regularly spotted. The cattail marshes that give the trail its name are most lush in summer.
Do you need a pass for the Cattail State Trail?
Cyclists 16 and older need a Wisconsin State Trail Pass, available as a daily or annual option. Walkers, runners, and hikers use the trail for free. The pass can be purchased online through the Wisconsin DNR or at local vendors.
Is the Cattail State Trail good for families?
Yes. The flat crushed-limestone surface and the gentle rail grade make it an easy outing for families with young riders or walkers. The 20-mile length means you can choose a short out-and-back from Amery or ride the full corridor.
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