Gilman is located near the Chequamegon Flowage known for its great fishing. Canoeing is a favored activity on the Jump and Yellow rivers and during the winter, the Perkinstown Winter Sports Area is popular for inner tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. The Perkinstown Motorized Trail contains twenty miles of trail developed for ATVs and motorcycles as well as mountain bikes, horseback riding and other non-motorized activities through the scenic Chequamegon National Forest. The trail is highlighted by rolling terrain, wooden bridges, woods and wetlands.
The longest unbroken stretch of the National Scenic Ice Age Trail, is located nearby and offers some of the best hiking and primative camping in the state.
Gilman's 100-year old swinging bridge is located right in Gilman and provides a unique method of crossing of the Yellow River to and from the Gilman Park. It is the only swinging bridge left in the entire state!
Taylor County Wisconsin isn't a highly publicized tourist destination. But it's that anonymity that is part of the appeal to visitors to this part of north-central Wisconsin. There are always plenty of community events and festivals for social entertainment. But for those seeking a vacation that allows them to really "get away" from the tourist crowds of more trendy locations, Taylor county provides a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities and adventures including camping, hiking, bird and wildlife watching, fishing, hunting, canoeing and kayaking (on the Yellow and Jump Rivers) and other many other outdoor sports and activities.
From public campgrounds to a private rental cabins on pristine lakes, there are plenty of visitor accommodations in the area:
The Chequamegon-Nicolet Forest is home to over 44,000 acres of Wilderness Areas offering the quiet and solitude of those who really want to get back to nature...
Looking for that special place to camp? The Chequamegon-Nicolet's offers 47 unique campgrounds, picnic areas, and cabin sites. Although most developed campgrounds have sites available on a first come basis, some campsites can be reserved.
If you like to fish, the Chequamegon-Nicolet can deliver. Contained within the forest boundaries are over 2000 miles of stream (nearly 1400 miles are classified as trout water), 607 lakes greater than ten acres in size, over 400 spring ponds, and 324,000 acres of wetland.
Highlighted by its unique forest landscapes and abundant wetlands, the Chequamegon-Nicolet is a hiker's paradise. The Ice Age Trail passes right through the nearby section of the Chequamegon National forest and provides a look back into geologic time through its glacier caused land features.
Don't like to hike? The same trails may also be used in the winter by cross-country skiers, and shared in the summer with mountain bikers and horseback riders. If you'd rather not venture outside, try a scenic auto tour. The Chequamegon-Nicolet also has 284 miles of developed ATV trails, located on the Chequamegon side of the Forest.
Cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling are popular activities here when the thermometer drops. The Chequamegon-Nicolet provides many miles of groomed & tracked cross-country ski trails.
The 1.5 million acre Chequamegon-Nicolet is a hunter's paradise with abundant wildlife and excellent hunting opportunities.
Learn more about all of the offerings of this gem of Wisconsin at the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest web site.
The 1,000 mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a continuous footpath through diverse landscapes that follows the features that mark the furthest advance of the last glacier in Wisconsin. Because of its tremendous geological significance, the trail is one of the only 8 national scenic trail. This 49 mile non-motorized segment runs diagonally across the forest in Taylor County. Traversing eskers and moraines, around kettle lakes and holes, the trail gives hikers intimate contact with the land forms that were created when the last glacier covered Wisconsin. Cross country skiing, showshoeing, and dog sled use are allowed in winter. Motorized use on the trail is prohibited.
Many species of trees, wild flowers, and wildlife can be observed along the trail. Developed campsites and drinking water near the trail are available around the Mondeaux flowange. Camping is allowed at least 100 feet away from the trail or 50 feet away from any waters edge. There are many access points to the trail for tthose wishing to only hike a portion of the trail. Developed parking areas are available a the Mondeaux Flowage, Jerry Lake and Highway 64 where the trail enters the Forest. When hiking in the spring, it's a good idea to wear rubber boots because much of the trail can be wet.
Learn more about the Ice Age Trail at the Ice Age Trail web site.
Gilman park description and camping information here
The nearby Pershing Wildlife Area is managed for three distinct habitat types: wetlands, brush-prairie and forests. All blend together to provide a rich mixture of plan and animal life, and a variety of outdoor experiences.
Watchable Wildlife: Although the prairie chicken has disappeared you can still see stable populations of sharp-tailed grouse and waterfowl at Pershing. Giant Canada geese thrive and can be seen in the fall and at other times of the year. Bring your binoculars to the Shoulder Creek Flowage and see a rookery where great blue herons, cormorants and osprey nest. If you're lucky keep your eyes and ears open, who knows what you'll see; the loon, bald eagle, otter, beaver and the ancient sandhill crane are all common throughout Pershing. Or, reserve a blind in the spring to view the courting dance of the sharp-tailed grouse. It's best to call the DNR Office at Ladysmith for information on viewing opportunities and other wildlife at Pershig. While most management at Pershing has been paid for with hunter dollars, a variety of outdoor opportunities exist for all wildlife recreationists.
Location: The Pershing Wildlife Area is located west of Hannibal (6 miles north of Gilman). It is comprised of two units. Access to both units is provided by County Highway M which runs westerly from its junction with Highway 73 in the Village of Hannibal. It is near the Chequamegon National Forest and the Chequamegon Waters Flowage which lies to the east of Hannibal.
Call the DNR Ranger Station for more information at 715-532-3911
A very popular outdoor winter getaway spot for everyone offering downhill tubing with a rope tow and stairway and cross-country ski trails. The warming chalet is available for those who want to cozy up to the fireplace or satisfy their hunger with warm food and hot or cold beverages.
Located just 16 miles west of Medford on Highway 64 then right (north) on FR 119 4.4 miles to the chalet.
Click for Map and More Information on the Perkinstown Winter Sports Area.
Twenty miles of trail developed for ATVs and motorcycles as well as mountain bikes, horseback riding and other non-motorized activities through the scenic Chequamegon National Forest. Offers opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and experience. The trail is highlighted by rolling terrain, wooden bridges, woods and wetlands. Click for Trail Map
