North Country Trail - Chequamegon and Brule Forests

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Chequamegon section of North Country National Scenic Trail is often credited with giving the trail its name. Within the Chequamegon Forest, pass through the federally designated Porcupine Lake Wilderness and Rainbow Lake Wilderness. Throughout the rest of the forest, observe the park-like open understory. Watch and listen carefully for a big bull elk strutting or bugling in the fall, as this part of Wisconsin was chosen to reintroduce a herd of elk.

Leave the Chequamegon just east of Bayfield County Highway A and enter the Bayfield County Forestthe home of huge red and white pine and several small, pristine lakes. Two nice campsites occur on these small lakes. At South Shore Grade Road, enter Brule River State Forest. Soon youll be following the high bluffs overlooking the famous Bois Brule River. Further west, follow the Historic Portage, which is marked by eight stones commemorating explorers, fur traders, and settlers and pass through the Brule Bogs unique, cedar bog environment on more than 3,900 feet of boardwalk.

Upon reaching Crowshaw Road, begin the last of the temporary road walks within the long trail segment and in 1.8 miles, enter Solon Springs, one of two "trail towns" in Wisconsin. Solon Springs offers a full range of services for hikers.