One of the most exciting ways to experience the fall season is on four wheels, and St. Germain is the gateway to some incredible ATV/UTV trails. Located in the heart of the Northwoods, St. Germain is the perfect place to launch an autumn adventure on the trails, whether your destination is a waterfall, a fish fry, or perhaps both! Ready for a fall ride? Here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect St. Germain fall ATV getaway.
When to Hit the Trails
St. Germain’s seasonal trails typically open in early May and close at the end of October, although some road routes and county highways are open year-round. Fall is an awesome time to explore the forest. The insects that appear early in the season are a memory, and days on the trail are simply spectacular!
In September, as leaves begin to turn, you can still find warm, beautiful days to enjoy gorgeous afternoon rides. Peak colors arrive in early October, and when they do, you’ll know you’re riding in someplace special. Every curve of the trail brings vibrant scenes of orange, yellow, and red, and the trail becomes a carpet of fallen leaves. The final weeks of the trail season can bring new rewards — there are last bits of color adding punch to forest scenes, and as the leaves fall to the ground, fresh new forest and lake vistas appear. Plan your ride with the St. Germain ATV Map. It can be purchased in local businesses and here’s an online map.
Trailside Lodging
In St. Germain, you’re never far from an ATV/UTV trail, and you can enjoy a stay right in the heart of our trail system. Our lodging properties have plenty of room for your trailer — some are located right on trails or ATV routes, so you can spend all of your time here riding. Some visitors even use their UTVs as their sole transportation while they are here. You can find the perfect-sized base camp for your trip in St. Germain, whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with a larger group of friends or family. At the end of the day, you can warm up, relax, and recount the day’s adventures — many properties have an indoor fireplace or a gathering space outside to build a bonfire. All you need is a beverage!
Fuel Up!
You’ve got miles to cover and adventures await, so don’t forget to gas up. You’ll have no problem finding a station in St. Germain, including the pumps at Little St. Express Mobile Mart. If you need to bring along some fuel for yourself, stop in at Camp’s Fresh Market on the north side of town. In the morning, you might be tempted by some of the store’s fresh kringle!
Fall Scenes
The fall colors of St. Germain are legendary. The hardwood forests of Vilas and Oneida counties practically explode with color. You can find yourself in a tunnel of color right in town, and longer outings on trails and road routes will take you to gorgeous fall scenes, including trails that pass sparkling blue glacial lakes, across scenic bridges, and through rolling trails that wind through brilliant stands of maple and aspen trees. For even more red color, take a trip to Lake Nokomis Cranberries — the marsh is an incredible spectacle, and tours give you a front-row seat to the cranberry harvest. West of St. Germain, you’ll also find a beautiful new trail connecting to the Lakeland System. Many of our roads allow ATV traffic and are marked with special signs. You can also access many St. Germain businesses by ATV.
Chase Waterfalls
If you’re up for a longer adventure with a big payoff, consider a waterfall ride. Trails from St. Germain connect with trails and routes in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan — there are scores of waterfalls in the U.P., and many are accessible by UTV. The falls take some time to reach but are spectacular. For example, you can visit Agate Falls, a 39-foot waterfall on the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River. A historic railroad bridge now serves as a UTV trail and offers some stunning views.
If you ride into Michigan, you’ll need a Michigan IORV license and permit. It’s possible to obtain this online before your trip. Learn more on the Michigan DNR website.
Trailside Food
It’s easy to work up a hunger when you’re out on the trails, and St. Germain’s restaurants will keep you well fueled. Start the day with a hearty Northwoods breakfast — don’t forget to order bacon! There are plenty of places to tempt you to pull over for lunch, serving classics like homemade pizza, delicious burgers, and hot cheese curds. At the end of the day, tuck into one of our welcoming taverns or supper clubs and enjoy a timeless night out. The food will be great whether you go for a fish fry, a thick-cut steak, or some tender prime rib. Toast the day’s ride with an Old Fashioned, crafted your way!
Join the Club!
St. Germain has an active and passionate ATV/UTV community, and it welcomes new members. The St. Germain ATV Club strives to build and maintain the best trail system in the Northwoods, and it’s a big part of the reason why the riding is so good around St. Germain. The club has special events like a Fall Fest on Sept. 27 that includes a scavenger hunt, skills games, and raffles. The club is also hosting an October Club Fall Ride and Membership Meeting on Oct. 11. To stay up to date with club happenings, follow the club’s Facebook page.
Find a Ride
Need to rent some wheels? St. Germain businesses can get you rolling. Rock’s Rent-All and St. Germain Rentals are a couple of local businesses ready to help:
Ride Safely
Enjoy a safe ride in St. Germain. Be sure to follow safe riding practices and state ATV laws. The state Department of Natural Resources website has a lot of helpful information on ATV regulations, ATV registration, safety classes, and more.
