Brule River State Forest

Highlights

Brule feels wilder and longer-lined than southern park riding—a Northwoods ride with space, silence, and true forest atmosphere.

Riding

Once you are mounted and moving, the ride settles into its own personality. About 26 miles of horse-friendly routes, including the Brule-St. Croix corridor, select forest roads, and other open riding connections. The footing, scenery, and overall cadence differ by property, of course, but this one consistently rewards riders who want a day that feels immersive, scenic, and worth the drive.

Rideable terrain

26 miles

Trailer parking

Riders generally stage from forest access points near the ranger station and horse-friendly trailheads, where broad gravel pull-offs suit trailer parking better than small roadside stops.

Horse regulations

Horse use is allowed only on routes open to equestrian travel; riders should not use closed trails such as the North Country Trail where horses are prohibited. Riders 16 and older need a state trail pass on applicable horse trails.

Getting here

Arrival is refreshingly straightforward here. Riders generally stage from forest access points near the ranger station and horse-friendly trailheads, where broad gravel pull-offs suit trailer parking better than small roadside stops. It is the sort of setup that helps both seasoned haulers and less frequent trailer travelers start the day in a calm, organized frame of mind.

Planning your visit

Think of Brule as a forest network, not a compact single-park loop. Distances feel bigger here, weather shifts matter more, and mosquitoes, mud, or hunting-season logistics can all shape the ride more than first-time visitors expect.

Where to stay

When it is time to think beyond the ride itself, this destination is flexible. Amenities are more practical than plush, but that is consistent with the destination’s Northwoods appeal. Brule, Superior, and nearby cabins or campgrounds work well if you want to build a rugged, outdoors-led weekend around the ride.