Snowmobile Hayward Lakes: 2-Day Itinerary

A Winter Adventure Through Wisconsin’s Northwoods

The Hayward Lakes Area in northwest Wisconsin is famous for its phenomenal snowmobile trails, with over 600 miles of well-groomed, well-marked routes winding through pristine forests, glacial lakes, and rivers. Sawyer County’s trail system is a dream for riders seeking space, scenery, and small-town charm. Even better, the region offers plenty of gas stops, restaurants, and cozy lodges ready to welcome snowmobilers all winter long.

This impressive network exists thanks to the dedication of hundreds of volunteers from local snowmobile clubs. Each year, these members clear, renovate, and maintain the trails, ensuring smooth, safe riding conditions throughout the season.

Where to Start

Start at the Hayward Lakes Visitors and Convention Bureau online or in person at 15805 US HWY 63 Hayward, WI 54843.

The website makes it easy to find winter-friendly, trailside lodging across Sawyer County. You can search by type of accommodation, check who’s open in winter, and even order a current Sawyer County snowmobile trail map to plan your routes.

Where to Stay

Lodging options are plentiful, from full-service resorts to rustic cabins, many with direct trail access. Imagine staying somewhere along the Chippewa Flowage, one of the area’s most scenic and centrally located spots.

You could easily spend a day just exploring the frozen flowage, hopping between classic Northwoods stops:

• Pat’s Landing
• Deerfoot Lodge
• Treeland Resort
• Musky Tale
• Sisko’s
• Deer Run
• Johnson’s
• The Landing
• Shady Nook
• Chippewa Pines.

Many of these establishments host T-shirt or hat runs throughout the season, friendly contests where riders collect stamps or tokens for prizes while enjoying great food and camaraderie.

But the Hayward Lakes trails stretch far beyond the Flowage. Check out our two-day itinerary below highlighting some of Sawyer County’s most beautiful terrain and best snowmobile stops.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

• Start your morning on Trail 3, crossing the Chippewa Flowage
• Take route that meets Highway K near Grindstone Lake
• Stop at LCO Quick Stop to refuel
• Continue on the Grindstone Lake Trail, hugging the east shoreline and crossing back over Highway K toward the north end of Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO)
  
  
• Trail 3 runs the full length of LCO, a stretch perfect for riders who love a bit of straightaway speed
• Connect with Corridor Trail 31 at the southern end
• Merge with the Tuscobia Trail (Corridor 10)
• Head east on the Tuscobia to pass through the charming villages of Couderay, Radisson, Ojibwa, and Winter
• You’ll find fuel stops in Radisson and Winter, plus local taverns and cafés for a warm-up break
  
  
• Just east of Winter, turn north onto Trail 5, one of the most picturesque sections in the county. The route crosses the East Fork of the Chippewa River, skirts Fishtrap Lake, and winds deep into the Chequamegon National Forest.
• Near Moose Lake, detour onto Trail 21 for a must-stop at Louie’s Landing, for a burger and beverage
• Rejoin Trail 5 and loop west to reconnect with Trail 3, heading south back toward the Flowage
• If time allows, spend the evening exploring more of the Chippewa Flowage or simply relax at your trailside lodging with the day’s adventures replaying in your mind.

Day 2:

• From the Flowage, ride Trail 3 north to Forest Roads 319 and 320
• Then continue toward Lost Land Lake
• Take a quick side trip on Trail 25 to Reel Livin’ Resort for a snack before continuing north
• Trail 3 leads into Bayfield County, where you’ll connect with Corridor Trail 8 and head northwest to Lake Namakagon.
• Stop at the iconic Lakewoods Resort
• Then zip across the frozen lake to Staudemeyer’s 4-Season Resort
• After a break, cross back over the lake, past Lakewoods, and follow Corridor 8 southwest to return into Sawyer County
• Turn south on Trail 4 for a tour around Nelson Lake, where Park Island Resort and Revelle’s Resort both offer warm hospitality and good company
• Continue along Trail 4 until it reconnects with Corridor 8/31
• Then head east toward Trail 77.
• Ride south to Trail 15, jog east to Trail 9, and make a pit stop at Hayward Power Sports
• Trail 9 loops back to Trail 3, bringing you full circle to the Chippewa Flowage

With its exceptional trails, friendly communities, and welcoming lodges, the Hayward Lakes Area is a true snowmobiler’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first-timer looking for a winter escape, you’ll find adventure around every curve, and plenty of reasons to return year after year.