Skip to main content

Hiking

Highlighted by its unique forest landscapes and abundant wetlands, the Chequamegon-Nicolet is a hiker's paradise. Don't like to hike? The same trails may also be used in the winter by cross-country skiers and shared in the summer with mountain bikers and horseback riders. If you'd rather not venture outside, try a scenic auto tour. 

Backpacking

Backpacking on the Chequamegon-Nicolet is wonderful from late spring through the first snowfall. You can enjoy single- or multi-day adventures in the forest's five wilderness areas or more than 800 miles of trails.

Explore sites below or check out Maps and Guides for maps of trails available for hunting, hiking, and walking.

Day Hikes

Choose from over 800 miles of trails and enjoy the outdoors for a day.

Explore sites below or check out Maps and Guides for maps of trails available for hunting, hiking, and walking.

Search for Hiking Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 44 results

Anvil Lake Recreation Area

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking Water Activities Outdoor Science and Learning Biking Winter Sports
If you are looking for a base camp to explore area trails or a destination rustic campground with a family atmosphere, try the Anvil Lake Recreation Area off Highway 70 east of Eagle River.The Anvil…

Bagley Rapids Recreation Area

Site Open
Biking Outdoor Science and Learning Scenic Drives Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities
If you enjoy listening to the soothing sound of flowing water, you will appreciate this campground. About one-third of the 36 campsites are located adjacent to the Oconto River. Trout fishing, berry…

Beaver Lake Recreation Area

Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Biking
If you are looking for a campground to explore the North Country National Scenic Trail or a rustic fishing-getaway with a family atmosphere, try the Beaver Lake Recreation Area 15 miles west of…

Black Lake Recreation Area

Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning
Black Lake Recreation Area is a family-favorite on the Great Divide Ranger District. It is spread along the eastern shores of its namesake, Black Lake. The calm waters beckon to adventurers, offering…

Blackjack Springs Wilderness

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Water Activities Outdoor Science and Learning
Officially designated as a Wilderness in 1978, this 5,800 acre area is located 7 miles northeast of Eagle River, Wis. in Vilas County. At Blackjack Springs, a series of four large, crystal clear…

Boot Lake Recreation Area

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Hiking Picnicking Winter Sports
This campground overlooks a scenic 263-acre lake. Bask in the sun on the beautiful beach and then take a relaxing dip in the lake, or enjoy the fishing. Boot Lake contains walleye, northern pike,…

Boulder Lake Recreation Area

Site Open
Water Activities Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Biking Winter Sports
If you enjoy rustic camping, but aren’t quite ready to give up all the comforts of home, then the Boulder Lake Recreation Area is just for you. This campground features electricity at some sites,…

Cathedral Pines

Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
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…

Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Biking Winter Sports
If you are looking for a base camp to explore area trails or if you want solitude but also want to be able to drive up to your campsite, try the Chipmunk Rapids Recreation Area off Highway 70 west of…

David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
Experience the David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center for an hour or an afternoon! Our one-of-a-kind four-season facility welcomes explorers of all ages. See us on your next family…

Last updated March 21st, 2025