Hayward – River, Forest, and Trails

In Hayward, recreational activities range from enjoying the river and forest trails to winter sports, cycling, golf, and tennis. When planning a hotel stay, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: Would you like to hike, explore trails in winter, spend time by the water, or combine different sports? The following places show the range of options offered by the Town of Hayward.

Forest Trails and Winter Activities

The Town of Hayward Recreational Forest includes a network of trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The forest also has a sledding hill; check its current condition before your visit. Trail conditions and seasonal grooming may change. A public parking lot on County Hill Road provides access. Check current access conditions before your visit.

Fish Hatchery Park and Ski Trail offers 11.4 kilometers of lighted cross-country ski trails and a 4-kilometer snowshoe trail network. The two lengths refer to different networks and can help you distinguish between your planned winter activities. The park also has picnic facilities and restrooms.

Hiking, Cycling, and Other Activities

The Birkebeiner Trail runs through the north-central part of the Town of Hayward. In the warmer months, it is used for mountain biking, running, and hiking. Within the Town, it can be accessed from Fish Hatchery Park. This identifies both its seasonal uses and an access point around which you can plan.

The Sawyer County Forest covers more than 6,000 acres within the Town of Hayward and is open for hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, ATV riding, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing. Activities range from wildlife viewing and hiking to motorized recreation. The Town of Hayward School Bike Trail is about 1,500 feet long and connects nearby to the City of Hayward’s Pedestrian/Bike Trail.

Golf and tennis are also among the sports on offer. Hayward Golf and Tennis Club is on Wittwer Street in the Town of Hayward and the City of Hayward. It has an 18-hole championship golf course and two tennis courts.

The River and Round Lake

The Namekagon River flows through the west-central part of the Town of Hayward and is part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Within the Town of Hayward, the Riverway offers residents and visitors opportunities for canoeing, camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, tubing, and boating. These water-based activities complement the area’s other recreational opportunities.

Round Lake Peninsula Beach is a public beach on Round Lake, owned and maintained by the Town of Hayward. It has picnic facilities and restrooms; confirm locally which facilities are currently available before your visit. The Town of Hayward also owns and maintains three boat landings on Round Lake. Check current conditions before using them.

Consider which of these activities matter to your stay, and tailor your search accordingly.

For a broader travel overview: Sawyer County.