Wisconsin / Price County / Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest - Medford-Park Falls District

Smith Rapids Pavilion

Closed — Closed for the winter season. The facility typically operates seasonally, with closures during winter months.

About

Smith Rapids Pavilion is a day-use group picnic facility located within the Smith Rapids Recreation Area in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. At an elevation of approximately 1,500 feet, the accessible pavilion sits on the South Fork of the Flambeau River and accommodates groups of up to 30 people. The pavilion is particularly popular with equestrian visitors, offering direct access to the 18.5-mile Smith River Saddle Equestrian Trail, a rugged trail system that follows old logging roads and railroad grades through tall red pine forests. The pavilion provides a shaded picnic area with views of the Smith Rapids Covered Bridge, constructed in 1991 as Wisconsin's only glue-laminated town lattice covered bridge. The South Fork of the Flambeau River offers excellent fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, musky, northern pike, lake sturgeon, and redhorse sucker, as well as canoeing and kayaking access via a carry-in boat landing. The area is also in close proximity to the 70-mile Flambeau Trail System, which offers hiking, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle opportunities, though motorized vehicles are not permitted within the Smith Rapids Recreation Area itself. The pavilion is located approximately 17 miles from Park Falls, Wisconsin, making it convenient for visitors seeking rustic outdoor recreation with nearby town amenities. Day-use visitors have access to additional equestrian parking across from the picnic area.

Directions

From the intersection of Highways 13 and 70 in Fifield, drive about 12 miles east on Highway 70 to Forest Service Road 148. Turn left (north) and continue just over 1 mile on Forest Service Road 148 to the Smith Rapids Recreation Area entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds