Named after a unique natural feature, Nine-Mile Swamp, the forest has 4,897 acres of mixed uplands, marshes, and water impoundments available to the public for a variety of activities. This is the crown jewel of our county forest system. Nine Mile is intensively managed for multiple uses including sustainable timber harvests, mountain biking, winter fat tire biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, hiking, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.

This unit is located just southwest of Wausau with access off of Co. Hwy. KK, Springbrook Road, Hollywood Road and Red Bud Road, which transects the forest unit.  There is a large formal parking area and Chalet building at the north portion of this unit, at 221700 Red Bud Road.  The main trailhead starts here for a variety of uses.  

• An outdoor vault restroom located in the chalet parking lot on the west side is available when the chalet is not open.
• An outdoor drinking fountain with bottle filler is available on the front of the chalet.
• The Chalet is reservable for special events from April 1 through November 15th to public or private groups.  Reservations can be made up to one year in advance.  The chalet is available daily from 8:00 am to 11:00pm and has a capacity of 175 people.  This cement block building has high, wood beamed ceilings, cement floor, seating for 95-100, wood burner with firewood, ceiling fans, crank out windows with screens, indoor restrooms, 4 basin sink with hot & cold water, refrigerator, and a large counter area.
• Skijoring (pulled on skis by dogs) is prohibited on ski trails.
• Hunting and trapping are permitted and all state hunting regulations apply.
• Permanent tree stands are not permitted in any county forest units.  See county ordinances for rules regarding legal portable tree stand and ground blinds usage.
• Target shooting is prohibited at Nine Mile County Forest Unit. (and parking lots).  The Department maintains the Duane L. Corbin Shooting Range Park adjacent to Nine Mile Forest Unit. This is an exceptional shooting range with target and trap shooting, and an archery range with elevated shooting stations.
• Camping is allowed with a permit issued in advance by the Forest Administrator.
• Dogs are allowed, except on designated groomed cross county ski trails.

 
Please respect the land and privileges of other users at all times while visiting the forest.  Help clean up litter and be especially careful with fire!

Biking

This developed county forest recreational area offers miles of off-road mountain biking opportunities through out year. There are 13.45 miles of single-track trails and 20 miles of 12' wide trails (the cross-country ski trails) ranging from beginner to expert level available for summer use.  Winter see 7.6 miles of groomed trails maintained for Fat Tire Biking. This area hosts several major mountain bike races each year including Wausau 24.  Fees do apply to all riders 12 years and older who ride this trail system and several options currently exist for purchase. Please view our Things to Do Biking section for current prices and even more details surrounding biking in this space.

Cross County Skiing and Snowshoe

The 18.3 mile (29.6km) trail system is double tracked with an 8' wide skating lane; Trail difficulty ranges from beginner to difficult making this trail system attractive to all skiing abilities. Trails are generally one-way.  There are 3.9 miles (6.3km) of ski trails lighted and programmed to go on at dusk until 9 pm daily during the ski season.  There is also an established Cookie Trail Loop for youth skiers.  Throughout this 2.7km loop are 6 mailboxes with cookies in them as an incentive for their skiing success.  

6.7 mile (10.75km) of groomed snowshoe trail is available to the public with the purchase of a daily or annual snowshoe trail pass, or annual cross country ski pass if you are also a skier. The 6.7 mile trail consists of 4k, 6k, 8k, and 10k loops for users enjoyment. Snowshoeing is also allowed at no charge throughout the woods, off the marked snowshoe route in all county forests and parks.

Please view our Things to Do Skiing and Snowshoeing for current prices and even more details surrounding those activities in this space.

Horseback Riding

Nine Mile Forest Unit has 10 miles of signed horseback riding trails.  Trails open between May 1 and May 15 depending on trail conditions.  If open during the spring turkey season (nearly the whole month of May) the trails open after 12:00 pm/noon each day. The trails remain open through October 15 each year.

Maps

Nine Mile Forest Unit Map
Nine Mile Core Trails Map
Nine Mile Snowshoe Trails with Loops Map
Nine Mile Snow Biking and Showshoe Trail Map
Nine Mile Cross Country 6k, 10k, 20k Loops Map
Nine Mile Cross Country Trails Map
Nine Mile Lighted Ski Trails Map
Nine Mile Summer Bike System-CWOCC Brochure
Nine Mile Horse Trail Map