Manitowish River Paddle Trail
Vilas County, Wisconsin
The Manitowish River flows 44 miles through the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, connecting multiple lakes in the heart of Vilas County. The last 24 miles before joining the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage are a DNR-recommended paddle route — calm water with only occasional riffles, largely through state-owned land. Perfect for all skill levels with multiple first-come primitive campsites along the route.
Miles
24 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Groomed
No
Fee
Free
Don't Miss
One of the DNR's six recommended paddle routes in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest — 24 miles of calm water connecting lakes through true Northwoods wilderness with free primitive campsites on mostly state-owned land.
Trail Systems
Manitowish River — Lower 24 Miles
Calm flatwater through lowland forest and marshland. Multiple primitive campsites on state-owned land. Excellent wildlife viewing. Put-in near Boulder Junction, take-out near the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage.
Trailheads
- 📍County H in Mercer area
- 📍Boulder Junction — northeast Vilas County access
📞 Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest — 715-385-2727
Rules & Regulations
- No fee for river access
- Primitive campsites — first-come, first-served
- Wisconsin fishing license required
- Stay on river corridor — surrounding land is state forest
Trailer Parking
| Location | Address | Trail Access |
|---|---|---|
| County H Landing, Mercer area | County Hwy H, Mercer WI | Manitowish River access |
ATV / UTV Clubs
- 🏍️Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
Official Resources
Location
Quick Facts
- County
- Vilas County
- Trail Types
- kayak-canoe
- Total Miles
- 24 miles
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Season
- spring, summer, fall
- Groomed
- No
- Fee
- No