Wilderness Areas on the Cheqamegon-Nicolet

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. See the Locator Map below for the location of the Chequamegon-Nicolet:

Blackjack Springs Wilderness MAP

Officially designated as a Wilderness in 1978, this 5,800 acre area is located 7 miles northeast of Eagle River, Wis. in Vilas County.
Blackjack Springs main feature is a series of four large, crystal clear springs that form the headwaters of Blackjack Creek, in the midst of dense forest cover. This Wilderness contains diverse vegetation typical of the Lake Superior Highlands of northern Wisconsin. The terrain is somewhat rolling and uneven.
Wildlife such as deer, bear, fisher, ruffed grouse, and various species of songbirds are common. One lake, three streams with associated spring ponds and wetlands are also found here. Fishing, hunting, hiking, canoeing and nature study are popular recreational uses.

For additional information, contact the Eagle River-Florence District.

Headwaters Wilderness MAP

Officially designated as a wilderness in 1984, this 18,000 plus acre wilderness is located 16 miles southeast of Eagle River, Wis. in Forest County.
Portions of this area contain some of the largest and oldest trees in the forest. Kimball Creek, Shelp Lake and the Headwaters of the Pine River are major features within this Wilderness. The terrain is generally flat.
Popular recreation uses in this Wilderness are hiking, bird-watching, hunting, fishing and studying nature.

For additional information, contact the Eagle River-Florence District.

Porcupine Lake Wilderness MAP

Officially designated as a wilderness in 1984, this 4,446 acre wilderness is located 4 miles southeast of Drummond, Wis. in Bayfield County.
Some of the wilderness contains rolling hills covered with oak, maple, hemlock and white pine. The remainder of the area is fairly flat. Many streams contain trout. Porcupine Lake and Eighteen Mile Spring Pond have good fishing for trout, bass, panfish, and northern pike. Watchable wildlife include deer, bear, fox, coyote, loons and many species of songbirds.
The North Country National Scenic Trail runs the length of the area. Branded posts mark the trail location at some intersections.

For additional information, contact the Great Divide District

Rainbow Lake Wilderness

Rainbow Lake was one of the first wildernesses designated in 1975. The total area encompasses 6,583 acres, located 4 miles north of Drummond, Wis. in Bayfield County.
Among the unique features of this wilderness are the numerous narrow gauge railroad grades that were used for log hauling in the early 1900's. The North Country National Scenic Trail, which runs the length of the wilderness, follows parts of these old grades. The trail is marked at difficult intersections.
The terrain in the area is flat to gentle rolling, and steep hills can be found north, east and northwest corner of the wilderness. Fishing opportunities can be found at Wishbone, Clay, Reynard and Beaver Lakes. Wildlife is abundant, so bring your binoculars and cameras!

For additional information, contact the Washburn District.

Whisker Lake Wilderness MAP

Whisker Lake was designated as a wilderness on October 2, 1978. This 7,500 acre tract is located 11 miles west of Florence, Wis., on the Michigan-Wisconsin border in Florence County.
The area got its name from the large pines near the shoreline of Whisker Lake. Old timers called these pines "chin whiskers". These "chin whiskers" somehow escaped being burned by wildfires that ravaged the area after it was railroad-logged in the early 1900's.
The terrain within the Whisker Lake area ranges from rolling upland to beaver flooded wetlands. Trout fishing is available at Riley Lake, Edith Lake, Wakefield Creek and the Brule River. Berry picking, hunting, cross-country skiing and wildlife viewing are just some of the activities you can enjoy during your visit.

For additional information, contact the Eagle River-Florence District.

The information used on HFCW is used with permission of the US Dept. of Agriculture/Forest Service according to their policy