A very long time ago, there were mountains that towered above Wisconsin. Today the Blue Hills is one of Wisconsin’s best kept secrets; the weathered remains of these old mountains still offer plenty of wild and rugged beauty. It’s a perfect destination for a Wisconsin adventure and there are miles of trails just waiting to be explored. Here’s what you need to know about Wisconsin’s Blue Hills.
The Blue Hills can be found in an area of northwestern Wisconsin that includes portions of Rusk, Sawyer, and Barron Counties. When you approach the hills from the distance, you’ll understand the name.
Long ago, the Woodland Sioux called this place "Paja Toyela," which means the "Blue Hills." As you drive toward the hills early in the morning, you’ll still see that they take on a bluish cast.
While the Blue Hills are the remains of an ancient mountain range, you won’t mistake this area for the Rockies. It is rugged country though, and steep wooded hills rise up from the surrounding countryside and forestland.
While the Blue Hills are well worn by erosion, they still are about 600 feet above the surrounding elevation.
The Blue Hills are a popular place for outdoor recreation, and it’s home to natural areas, lakes, campgrounds, and many miles of trails, and scenic forest roads.
The hills are laced with trails and there are trails for just about every type user. There’s an extensive ATV/UTV trail system, miles of snowmobile trails, and trails for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking.
Learn more about the Blue Hills and the trail options in the forest on the Rusk County website. There are a lot of wonderful hiking spots in Northern Wisconsin. This place will reminfd you of the Boundary Waters.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
