Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest - Park Fall, Wisconsin

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Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest - Park Fall, Wisconsin

Are you into solitude or mountain biking, hiking or camping in some of the most beautiful land in Wisconsin?  Then you really need to come and visit Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

There are nearly 850,000 acres just waiting for you to explore.  It is open year around so you can either enjoy it during the summer with mountain biking, hiking and camping or you can come and visit in the winter with your cross-county skis and see it in a totally different way.

It has gently rolling terrain, is sparsely populated and offers you a chance to truly “get away from it all.”  The Chequamegon leaves an impression of tranquility and inner peace.

There are lakes, rivers and streams along with the forests of northern hardwoods, pines and meadowlands.  You will have a chance to see a wide array of wildlife who make their home in this special part of the world.  There are several highlands overlooking surrounding landscapes accented with rock outcroppings and scenic views.  There is visible evidence of earth-forming volcanoes, earthquakes and glaciers from long ago.

Summer is the time that the area has the most activity with camping, hiking, picnicking, boating, fishing and biking.  In the fall you will enjoy watching the changes of the colors in the forest while you either drive through the forest or hike the trails.  Winter wonderland is truly what you will experience when you get your cross-county skis out and see the forest in this extremely quiet manner.  Of course, there are snowmobile trails and snowshoeing which are also popular.

The history of the area is available for you to experience as you study the signs of the colorful history of the Indians, voyageurs, missionaries, and loggers that once traveled these lands.

There are nearly 200 miles of trails developed for non-motorized use within the Forest.  Two of these trails have national significance.  The North Country National Scenic Trail reaches from eastern New York to Central North Dakota.  A 50 mile section crosses through the Forest.  The eastern portion of this trail is highlighted by the scenic beauty of the Penokee Mt. Range and on the western segment you will experience the peaceful solitude of the Porcupine Lake and Rainbow Lake Wilderness.  The Ice Age National Scenic Trail stretches across Wisconsin with a 40 mile section passing through Chequamegon.

If you want the wilderness to yourself (or nearly to yourself) you can find nearby 11,000 acres of wilderness in the Porcupine Lake and Rainbow Lake Wilderness areas.  These quiet places are reserved for foot travel alone, you won’t be bothered by motorized noises, just the sounds of nature welcoming you.

Hunting and Fishing: some of the best hunting opportunities for black bear, ruffed grouse, and white-tailed deer are in the Forest.  There are usually more bears harvested in and near the Chequamegon than any other part of Wisconsin.  Park Falls has also been proclaimed the “Grouse Capital of the World”.  If you are a deer hunter you will probably have to work harder here than in the southern part of the state but if you do get one it will probably be trophy sized.

Hundreds of Forest area lakes and streams provide quality fishing for such things as Muskellunge, Northern Pike, Large and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, panfish and trout.  It is ideally suited and best known for its “Musky” fishing.

Information: Forest Supervisor Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, 1170 4^th Ave. South, Park Fall, Wisconsin 54552

Phone: 715-762-2461

Email: camba@cheqnet.net (this is the mountain bike group email address.)