Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Trails
Bayfield/Ashland/Vilas/Langlade/Oconto/Florence/Forest County, Wisconsin
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest spans nearly 1.5 million acres across northern Wisconsin in two units — the Chequamegon in the northwest and the Nicolet in the northeast. Together they contain hundreds of miles of hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and non-motorized trail opportunities. The forest is also home to the North Country National Scenic Trail, the Ice Age Trail, the CAMBA mountain bike system, the American Birkebeiner Trail, and numerous ATV trails. Two federally designated wilderness areas — Rainbow Lake and Porcupine Lake — offer true backcountry solitude. Over 800 lakes and 1,200 miles of streams provide world-class fishing and paddling.
Miles
800 mi
Difficulty
Varies
Groomed
No
Fee
Free
Don't Miss
Nearly 1.5 million acres spanning northern Wisconsin — the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is the backbone of Wisconsin's outdoor recreation economy. It contains two federal wilderness areas, the North Country Trail, the Ice Age Trail, the Birkie, and CAMBA — all within the same vast forest.
Trail Systems
Rainbow Lake Wilderness
Federally designated wilderness area in Bayfield County. Foot travel only. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through this area offering remote backpacking through old-growth forest.
Trailheads
- 📍Access via County Highway A area, southern Bayfield County
📞 Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Washburn Ranger District — 715-373-2667
Porcupine Lake Wilderness
Federally designated wilderness in Bayfield County. Primitive hiking and backpacking. The North Country Trail passes through here. Known for exceptional solitude and pristine lake scenery.
Trailheads
- 📍Access from FR 390 area, western Bayfield County
📞 Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Washburn Ranger District — 715-373-2667
Nicolet National Forest Trails (Northeast Unit)
The northeastern Nicolet unit covers Vilas, Langlade, Oconto, Florence, and Forest Counties with hundreds of miles of hiking, snowshoe, and non-motorized trails. The forest connects to Oneida County's 1,000-mile snowmobile network and Florence County's Blue Ox ATV trail system.
Trailheads
- 📍Multiple throughout Vilas, Langlade, Oconto, Florence, and Forest Counties
📞 Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Eagle River/Florence Ranger District — 715-479-2827
Rules & Regulations
- No fee for most trail use — some campgrounds and recreation areas charge fees
- Wilderness areas: foot travel only — no bikes, horses, or motorized vehicles
- ATV permit required on designated OHV trails — see separate Chequamegon ATV trail entry
- Stay on designated trails — off-trail travel allowed but Leave No Trace principles apply
- Camping: dispersed camping allowed on National Forest land, designated campgrounds available
- Dogs welcome on leash
- Spring trail closures may apply — check fs.usda.gov before visiting
Trailer Parking
| Location | Address | Trail Access |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple developed trailheads throughout both forest units | See fs.usda.gov/r09/chequamegon-nicolet for maps and access | Various |
ATV / UTV Clubs
- 🏍️US Forest Service — Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest — fs.usda
- 🏍️North Country Trail Association — northcountrytrail.org (maintains NCT through forest) — northcountrytrail.org
- 🏍️CAMBA — cambatrails.org (mountain bike trails in northwest Chequamegon unit) — cambatrails.org
- 🏍️American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation — birkie.com (Birkie trail in Chequamegon unit) — birkie.com
Official Resources
Location
Quick Facts
- County
- Bayfield/Ashland/Vilas/Langlade/Oconto/Florence/Forest County
- Trail Types
- Hiking, XC Ski, Snowshoeing, Fat Biking
- Total Miles
- 800 miles
- Difficulty
- Varies
- Season
- spring, summer, fall, winter
- Groomed
- No
- Fee
- No