Explore the Forest!

In 2009, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest completed a 22,000 acre management plan for the Moquah Barrens (Northwest Sands Restoration Project) outlining objectives for restoring the forest structure, plant and animal species composition, and fire regime to the landscape in support of the unique and globally imperiled pine barrens ecosystem. The restoration activities to accomplish these objectives include the use of prescribed burns, timber harvests, invasive species removal, native seed planting and ongoing monitoring.

The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower was built in 1935 by the U.S. Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was once a part of an extensive lookout tower network in the former Nicolet National Forest. The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower was the first tower in Wisconsin to be placed on the National Historic Lookout Register and the National Register of Historic Places.

Cathedral Pines is a 40-acre grove of white pine, hemlock and red pine that escaped cutting by lumberjacks in the 1900s. Located in the Chequamegon–Nicolet National Forest’s Lakewood-Laona Ranger District, this dynamic and exceptionally scenic old-growth forest is one of the few remaining stands of towering pine and hemlock in Wisconsin.

There are 5 Wilderness Areas on the Forest totaling over 44,000 acres. Sizes range from the 4,292-acre Porcupine Lake Wilderness to the 18,188-acre Headwaters Wilderness. They are located in northern Wisconsin. If you're looking for rustic, quiet place in the forest, whether for a one-day hike or a camping trip, make plans to visit one of our Wilderness Areas!