Anvil Lake Trail

Eagle River, WI Trail System
Anvil Lake Trail

12 Miles of Trail

$5/Day or $30/Year

Pets Allowed on a Leash

Mountain Biking

Hiking

Cross Country Skiing

Snowshoeing

Trail Map

The Anvil Lake trail system is one of the most popular trails in the Northwoods and offers an abundance of hiking, mountain biking and cross country skiing opportunities. There is also a snowshoe trail available from the second access point off Military Road. The primary trailhead is located about 10 miles east of Eagle River on Highway 70. The trails also connect with the Nicolet North Trails if you want to extend your trip.

The trail system is comprised of seven different trails with beginner to expert difficulties. The complete system is about 12 miles in length. You can break up your visit by stopping in at the warming cabin that is centrally located in the trail network. The cabin is always stocked with firewood and you will many times find a good fire roaring inside from the previous group that was there.

This spot also has the unique experience of being able to feed the local chickadees and nuthatches right from your hand (or head). Outside the cabin there are two stands of trees where the birds like to hang out and wait for visitors to offer them birdseed. All you need to do is take some black sunflower seeds (their favorite) and hold them in your flat hand. Keep your hand stretched out from your body and stay very still. Soon you will have a hungry visitor. There is often birdseed inside the cabin but it is recommended that you pack your own just to be certain you have some. Winter is the best time for feeding as the snow covers up a lot of the birds' normal food sources.

The Anvil Lake trail system is well know for its excellent skiing in the winter. Most of the trails are are in the beginner and intermediate categories and can be tackled by most visitors. However the single expert trail called Devil's Run is not for the faint of heart. There are numerous steep inclines and declines that provide a challenge for even the most experience skier. Use this trail at your own risk!

There are toilets provided at the main trailhead on Highway 70 and pets are allowed to accompany you as long as they are kept on a leash. There is a $5 day use fee or you can purchase the $30 annual fee for access to National Forests. This money is used to maintain and groom the trail system.

Please use the following resources to enjoy your visit at the Anvil Lake Trail System.

Upper Michigan Resources

Extend Your Visit Into the UP
Ironwood
Watersmeet
Lake Gogebic
All of Upper Michigan

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