Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Lauterman National Recreation Area
If you are looking for a recreation area to explore trails or camp, try the Lauterman National Recreation Area off Highway 70 west of Florence.
The Lauterman National Recreation Area on the Eagle-River Florence Ranger District consists of a small campground with five walk-in/canoe-in campsites complete with tables, tent pads, fire rings and wilderness-style toilets along Lauterman Lake.
Day use facilities include a lake great for canoeing, kayaking and year round fishing. Access to the Lauterman National Recreation Trail, one of the most popular trail systems in the area that offers good hiking and mountain biking opportunities, as well as being groomed for cross-country skiing (traditional). It includes three loops with one loop for beginning skiers. An added feature is an Adirondack-style shelter that provides a rest or picnic stop for hikers and skiers alike. This trail connects with Perch Lake to the north and the Pine River and Chipmunk Rapids Campground to the south. A trail map is available at the trailhead.
So, if you like to canoe, fish, hike, or mountain bike then the Lauterman National Recreation Area is the place for you. The Lauterman National Recreation Area is pet friendly; See restrictions below for more information.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | There are no reservable sites at the Lauterman National Recreation Area. All sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. |
|---|---|
| Fees: | There is a $5 day use fee. The Forest also has an annual pass available for $30. To learn more visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/cnnf/passes-permits/recreation. Individual campsite fee is $5, or $2.50, per night with the use of an Interagency pass (access or senior). The interagency pass applies only to the fee for the campsite physically occupied by the pass holder, not to any additional fees or campsite(s) occupied by members of the pass holder's party. |
| Open Season: | January 1 - December 31 |
| Usage: | Heavy |
| Busiest Season: | Memorial Day - Labor Day |
| Restrictions: | Restrictions for all National Forest System lands can be found by visiting Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 261 by clicking here. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest specific restrictions can be found in the Occupancy and Use Restrictions for the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. |
| Closest Towns: | Florence, WI. |
| Information Center: | Eagle River - Florence Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:Access to this trail is from two locations. From Florence, take State Highway 70 west 12 miles to FR 2154. Turn left and go south 1/4 mile to the trailhead on the right. Parking for 12 vehicles is on the left. Or from Florence, take State Highway 70 west 15-1/2 miles to FR 2450 turn left and go south 1 mile to FR 2156. Go southeast 2 miles to trailhead. Parking for 4 vehicles is on left (east).
General Notes:
Activities
Mountain Biking
Enjoy mountain biking on the hilly high terrain on The Lauterman National Recreation Trail.
The trail connects to the Perch Lake and Ridge Trail through short connectors.
The Perch Lake Trail is located just west of Whisker Lake Wilderness, this trail circles picturesque Perch Lake. If you're interested in a secluded camping experience, this trail also passes five walk-in campsites with tent pads, tables, fire rings and wilderness-style toilets. Or if you'd like to try fishing, the lake has bluegills and bass. Click here for more information.
The Ridge Trail is part of a network of trails that includes the Assessor's Trail and the Lauterman Trail. The Ridge Trail winds along the top of an aspen-birch ridge and along the scenic Pine River. Other portions of the trail pass through aspen, spruce-fir, northern hardwood and hemlock forest. Click here for more information!
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Campground Camping
| No. of Sites | 5 |
| Reservation Info | There are no reservable sites at the Lauterman Recreation area. All sites are available on a first-come basis. |
| Fire Information | Campsites are complete with tables, tent pads, fire rings |
Lake and Pond Fishing
For the adventurous - you can hike in to Lauterman Lake and try your luck to catch a northern pike, bass, perch, bluegill and panfish.
Day Hiking
The Lauterman National Trail traverses some hilly terrain and offers good hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The trail connects with Perch Lake Trail to the north and the Assessor's and Ridge trails as well as the Chipmunk Rapids Campground to the south.
The Perch Lake Trail is Located just west of Whisker Lake Wilderness, this trail circles picturesque Perch Lake. If you're interested in a secluded camping experience, this trail also passes five walk-in campsites with tent pads, tables, fire rings, and wilderness-style toilets. Or if you'd like to try fishing, the lake is stocked with bluegills and bass. Click here for more information.
The Assessor’s Interpretive Trail is on the east end of Lost Lake adjacent to the Lost Lake Campground. It winds through majestic hemlocks and hardwoods for a deep-woods experience. Interpretive signing along the trail explains the natural and cultural history of this area. This trail also connects to Ridge Trail. For more information click here.
The Ridge Trail is part of a network of trails that includes the Assessor's Trail and the Lauterman Trail. The Ridge Trail winds along the top of an aspen-birch ridge and along the scenic Pine River. Other portions of the trail pass through young aspen, spruce-fir, northern hardwood, and hemlock forest. Click here for more information!
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Viewing Scenery
The Lauterman National Recreation Areas rich loamy soil supports a wonderful canopy of majestic old hardwood trees. The richest stands are on the south end of Porcupine Lake and in the flatter areas along its shores. Yellow birch, sugar maple, basswood, and hemlock are found throughout the esker area as well as rock elm, and hop hornbeam, both somewhat uncommon in this part of the National Forest.
Picnicking
An added feature is an Adirondack-style shelter that provides a rest or picnic stop for hikers and skiers alike.
Boating - Non-Motorized
You can carry-in your canoe or kayak and paddle the quiet waters of Lauterman Lake.
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
The Lauterman National Recreation Trail traverses some hilly terrain and is groomed for cross-country skiing (traditional) during the winter. It includes three loops with one loop for beginning skiers. A trail map is available at the trailhead.
Alerts & Warnings
- Closure on FR 238/Cherryville RD in Barksdale beginning on 9/30/2024
- Water levels reduced on the Mondeaux Flowage starting on 9/30
- Sections of Forest Road 2133 will be closed from approximately 8/7 to 8/16
- Recreation areas, trails, and roads open after recovery from 2019 windstorm
- Delayed- Moose River bridge closed to vehicular traffic 4/29 to 5/3
- Prescribed Burning Planned for FY2024
- Closure on Forest Road 1666 (Black Lake Road) for motorized vehicles
- Safety reminders for hunting season
- Aquatic Invasive Species decontamination required at Lake Owen and Two Lakes