Dead Horse Run Motorized Trail

Dead Horse Run is a 63-mile ATV and UTV trail system threading through Sawyer and Ashland counties in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, running between the communities of Loretta and Clam Lake in the heart of Wisconsin's Northwoods, approximately 30 miles east of Hayward and 40 miles south of Ashland. The trail earns its name from the rugged logging-era history of this country, and the route's character reflects the original terrain: most of the system follows corridors about 14 feet wide with hard-packed, moderately rolling surfaces through a classic northern hardwood and mixed-conifer canopy of maple, oak, aspen, and birch. The cross-county routing connects two distinct communities and riding cultures, passing through habitat that supports whitetail deer, black bear, grouse, and eagles. Camp Loretta at the northern terminus serves as the primary staging area for trailered rigs, with parking large enough to accommodate multi-rig groups. The system connects to the Tuscobia State Trail to the south and the Flambeau River State Forest trail to the west, extending the rideable network beyond the 63-mile core. ATVs and UTVs up to 50 inches wide are the primary permitted class; check current width restrictions before visiting as they are periodically updated. A Wisconsin non-resident ATV/UTV trail pass is required; annual and short-term passes are available online. Primitive camping is available on national forest lands adjacent to the trail.