Head to Tomahawk in northern Wisconsin this fall, and you’ll find great fall color, fun events, and an abundance of options for outdoor recreation. Here’s a closer look at what to see and do on your fall getaway.
Where to see fall color
There’s no shortage of beautiful spots to find fall color in and around Tomahawk. Depending on the temperature and other weather conditions, peak color in Tomahawk usually arrives in late September and early October.
Here are a few spots to check out during the fall color season:
- Take State Highway 107 out of Tomahawk and follow this scenic route south to Merrill. You’ll follow the Wisconsin River most of the way, so keep your eyes peeled for eagles and other animals as you take in the fall color.
- The scenic Harrison Hills sit just east of Tomahawk and are home to a roughly 15-mile stretch of Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail. The trail segment features rolling hills and offers beautiful views of the surrounding woods and countryside at Lookout Mountain.
- South of Tomahawk, Rustic Road 78 travels though hardwood trees along the Wisconsin River, offering scenic views of the Bill Cross Wildlife Area on the northern end of the four-mile route.
- At 1,951 feet above sea level, Timm’s Hill is the highest point in Wisconsin. At this scenic park you can climb the observation tower for a 30-mile view of the vast Northwoods. Timm’s Hill is just a short drive west of Tomahawk on State Highway 86.
Fun fall events
Tomahawk’s event calendar is filled with exciting things to do all year long, but one event stands out when it comes to fall fun: the Northwoods Fall Ride. At this annual event, tens of thousands of motorcyclists converge on Tomahawk for a week of charity rides, live music, vendors, a bike show, Harley-Davidson manufacturing plant tours and demonstrations, and much more. This year’s Fall Ride takes place September 14-17; find more information here.
Outdoor recreation
Visitors who travel to Tomahawk in the fall will discover great trails, vast expanses of wilderness, and outstanding lakes for boating and fishing. Hikers and bikers can take in the fall colors along the Bearskin State Trail and the Hiawatha Trail, as well as on two different segments of the state’s Ice Age Trail.
ATVers and UTVers can explore trails throughout Lincoln County, including on-road routes, the Harrison Hills ATV Trails, and the Little Rice Trail System. Learn more about ATVing and UTVing in Wisconsin’s Northwoods here.
Boaters, canoers, and kayakers can get out on local lakes and rivers (including the Somo, Spirit, Tomahawk, and Wisconsin). Tomahawk also boasts more than a dozen lakes and flowages where fall anglers can track down walleye, musky, pike, bass, and panfish.