Florence County is home to over 160 miles of ATV trails and routes with hundreds more connecting neighboring counties and the State of Michigan. The northern part of the Nicolet State Trail runs through the western portion of the county. This particular trail also runs through Forest and Oconto Counties. The Florence County ATV trail system winds through the open Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area and county, industrial and national forests. Riders will encounter trails leading to 3 waterfalls (Breakwater, LaSalle & Washburn), several scenic overlooks, county parks and 3 ATV/UTV friendly campgrounds:  Lake Emily, West Bass Lake and Morgan Lake campgrounds. Florence County also has a 17 acre ATV park which is located on the south side of Fisher Lake in the Town of Florence.

Click here for Blue Ox Trail Map
 

Florence County Forestry and Parks Department:  Go to BlueOxTrail Riders.org for current trail info.  You can ride your ATV/UTV on the trails in the winter if it is below 28 F.  Please make sure that your ATV/UTV is properly registered with up to date registration stickers in a visible location. The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center will have Michigan ORV stickers for sale incase you are wanting to cross over into our neighboring State of Michigan. If you have any questions, please contact us at: 715-528-5377 or 888-889-0049. Happy Trails!

Florence County's map as well as Florence County's ATV/UTV map is available within this website under the Maps and Brochure Tab or you may pick up the maps at the The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center in Florence (corner of US 2 and Hwy 70) or ask for them to be mailed to you on the  "Contact Us" page on this website. Florence County Parks are ATV/UTV friendly.

Florence County offers great camping in Northeast Wisconsin. We have public, private, and National Forest camping. Whether you prefer to pack it in or drive it in. Florence County's 18 public and private camping areas offer settings and amenities to suit every camper's needs, from no amenities at all in the 7,500 acre Whisker Lake Wilderness where you can pitch your tent anywhere, to a private tent, trailer, RV Park Resort with everything from water and electricity to hot showers, swimming pool, and mini golf. Most public campsites listed below are first come first serve and cannot be reserved ahead of time.  The few exceptions list where to go to reserve online.

 

The Florence County Forestry and Parks maintain two Cross Country Ski Trails in the winter months. Those trails being the Lake Emily and Halls Creek ski trails. Where as the US Forest Service maintains the Lauterman Trail when the snow starts to fly in the Northwoods. Information regarding the condition of these trails may be obtained by calling the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center at 888-889-0049 or going on line to skinnyski.com or travelwisconsin.com. Updated information is always available when you need it. Below is a comprehensive list of the three trails that are groomed and tracked in Florence County.

This trail is groomed for both classical and skate skiing every Thursday during the northern Wisconsin snow season. The rolling terrain on the Lake Emily Cross Country Ski Trail is a medium dificulty experience. You can do a 2.5 mile loop or by adding the south loop you can ski 4 miles through county forest land near Lake Emily. Florence County Forestry and Parks maintains this trail throughout the winter season.

Directions: From Florence go south on State Hwy 101 and then travel East on County Hwy D. one half mile. The parking lot is on the South side of the road.

CLICK HERE for map!
 

The gentle rolling slopes traverse to steep terrain, giving this trail system a medium to high difficulty level as you trek 9 miles through the Nicolet National Forest. You will find the Lauterman Cross Country Ski Trail to be an exciting experience which in the summer is used by bicyclist who like the difficulty level with its steep terrains. The US Forest Service maintains this trail throughout the year, which includes grooming and tracking the ski trails.

Directions: From Florence take State Hwy 70 West approximately 8 miles. Turn left into the Lauterman Trail parking area.

CLICK HERE for map:
 

The gentle rolling terrain on the Hall's Creek Trail will allow you to travel 7 miles with a difficulty rating which is low. The Florence County Forestry and Parks keeps maps of the area at the trailhead to ensure that your experience through this forest is a safe one. If you are in need of a map to this area, please stop by The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center or obtain a map through this website by clicking on the Maps and Brochures Tab.

Directions: South on County Hwy N 7.5 mi., west on County Hwy C 2 mi., north on LaSalle Falls Road 2.5 mi. to LaSalle Falls Parking Lot on right. Trail is across the road.

CLICK HERE for map!

This northern Wisconsin disc golf course starts to the northeast of the Keyes Peak Ski Lodge on Hwy 101. There are 18 holes that play up and down Keyes Peak Ski Hill offereing wooded areas and a spectacular view of Keyes Lake from the top of Keyes Peak. Hole #7 may have the largest vertical drop in all of Wisconsin. Holes vary in length grom 137 ft to 420 ft.

Click here for course map

Click here for more course info

• Cosgrove Lake 2019
• Ellwood Lake 2019
• Kingsford Flowage 2019
• Seidel Lake 2019
• Twin Falls Flowage 2019
• Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes 2018
• Twin Falls Flowage 2016
• Brule River Flowage 2016
• Keyes Lake 2016
• Patten Lake 2016
• Cosgrove Lake 2015
• Ellwood Lake 2015
• Seidel Lake 2015
• Kingsford Flowage 2014
• Twin Falls Flowage 2013
• Fay Lake 2013
• Halsey Lake 2013
• Long Lake 2013
• Ellwood Lake 2012
• Emily Lake 2012
• Keyes Lake 2012
• Sea Lion Lake 2012
• Patten Lake 2011
• Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes 2011

Click here for general fishing tips from our DNR Fisheries Biologist, Greg Matzke

Florence County is a fisherman's haven with its 101 named lakes and 988 miles of rivers and streams. Pan fish can be found in almost all lakes within the county. Lakes that contain walleye: Patten Lake, Keyes Lake, and the Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes. Muskies are caught in the Brule and Menominee River Flowages. Brook trout are best in Sand Lake located within the Spread Eagle Barrens.

If river fishing appeals to you, then the Brule, Pine and Popple Rivers and especially their cold water tributaries are great places to catch trout. All three of these rivers have many access points and are bordered by large amounts of public land. These rivers are remote and challenging, but true wilderness experiences. The Menominee River and its flowages (Twin Falls and Kingsford) contains musky, northern pike, walleye and pan fish.

Shore fishing is an option at the Fisher Lake ADA fishing pier at the south end of Chapin Street in Florence. Lake Emily Park has a long boat ramp at the water edge, great for casting a line on a warm summer day, or Keyes Lake Park also offers a pier for shore fishing. The abandoned Twin Falls Bridge at the Vagabond Park is an excellent option as well.

Ice Fishing: With 265 lakes and four major rivers, there are many places to fish. Ice fishing up north is a social activity aimed at curing cabin fever as well as catching some fish to eat. The most social form of this activity happens at ice fishing derbies. For a small entry fee, participants have the chance to win prizes while having fun with family and friends.

The Roadhouse 139 Ice Fishing Derby on Long Lake is in early January. Long Lake is known for nice northern pike and pan fish. Leff’s Sports Bar Ice Fishing Derby is in February. This derby allows fishermen to fish on any lake. The Homestead and Aurora Conservation Club sponsor the Pete “Toad” Church Memorial Ice Fishing Derby generally in January, but later depending on ice conditions.  This derby takes place on the Pine River Flowage, an excellent small mouth bass fishery.

Tip up fishing for northern pike is a relaxing family activity. Northern Pike feed actively throughout the daylight hours, so you don’t have to brave the dark and cold. And once you get your tip-ups set, you can sit back and watch your tip-ups or throw a football or play a game of badminton or snow-golf on the ice. The best lakes in Florence County to catch northern pike through the ice are; Patten Lake, Twin Falls Flowage, Fay Lake, Seidel Lake and Sea Lion Lake.  For trophy pike, give Lake Ellwood or the Brule River Flowage a try. There aren’t as many fish per acre in these two lakes, but the fish are monsters.

If you are looking to jig for pan fish, the better waters are the Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes, Sea Lion Lake, Twin Falls Flowage and Halsey Lake. Or if you prefer walleye, Lake Emily, Patten Lake and the Brule River Flowage are the hot spots through the ice. So call ahead to make sure the ice is thick enough and then pack up your ice fishing gear, shanty or bucket and come join the fun.

Florence County maintains more than 27 miles of hiking trails throughout a variety of habitats, ranging in length and difficulty, including a mile long path through a variety of woodland vegetation and diverse topography to the banks of the Pine River for a view of majestic LaSalle Falls. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest features a number of trails through six distinctly different areas of the forest including the Whisker Lake Trail, a network of old logging roads and railroad beds popular with adventurers who like to explore and use their compasses, and the Lauterman National Recreation Trail, a nine-mile hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing trail with several routes of various levels of difficulty.

Steps at Keyes Peak Ski Hill:
This new exercise amenity: 168 steps on a trail that is ¼ mile long with an elevation change of 200 feet climbs beautiful Keyes Peak Ski Hill.  A concrete path starts at Keyes Peak Lodge that leads to a series of wooden steps.  You can view Keyes Lake, the Keyes Peak Lodge, and surrounding hardwood forest which is especially breathtaking with reds, oranges and yellows in the fall.  Plenty of parking at the Lodge.

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Florence County Courthouse and Jail were constructed in 1889. The picturesque buildings, with red tile roofs, crenelated towers and elongated arched windows, stand as solid reminders of the County's affluent lumbering and mining era. The courthouse was recently renovated while preserving the historical character of the building itself. This beautiful brick showplace and heart of our county is located within the town of Florence, one block south of US Hwy 2 at 501 Lake Street. In close proximity are several historic and restored properties that are currently being used by various small businesses on the main street of Florence. One of these properties is the Florence Museum, which houses pictures and artifacts telling the story of our quaint town we proudly call Florence.

The Northern Saddle Club Inc., along with Florence County Parks and Recreation maintain more than 25 miles of signed equestrian trails with two equestrian friendly camping trailheads.   Bush Lake Flats and Halls Creek are located off of County C in the town of Homestead with a 7 mile trail connecting the two.  Florence County forests are managed for timber and recreation so be aware that logging may be occurring,  use caution when equipment is present as you will see or hear them long before they see you. 

All of our trails will cross roads and atv trails but are not dual use trails.  Our club is comprised of volunteers who rely on your donations to make improvements to the trails and trailheads.  Please come, bring your friends and enjoy our beautiful County Forest. Don’t forget to patronize our local businesses, they are always willing to help and support these facilities.   

Bush Lake Flats offers a big field with easy access to set up even the biggest rigs!  Come for the day or stay for the week.  Approximately 0.25miles off of County C on Fire Tower Road, which is a gravel road.   A potable water source, hitching post, picnic tables and fire rings are available free of charge for your use.  This system contain 8 miles of signed trails, giving you the opportunity to sit back and relax as you travel through some of the best wildlife viewing the county has to offer on trails only allowing walking and horseback riding.  Stunning views, open fields and wooded areas are awaiting your presence, most of this trail is sand and grass roads but also include some narrow winding trails through the woods.  Bring your GPS and make your own adventure as there are many more opportunities to explore in this area!  Berries are abundant on these trails so stop and enjoy!  Please thank Florence County Forestry and Parks and the Northern Saddle Club for creating and maintain this amenity.  Trail maps are available at the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center, or within this website www.northernsaddleclub.org

A 7 mile connector trail joins the two trailheads:  Halls Creek and Bush Lake Flats.  This is not a loop, it’s a long ride over there and a long ride back, leave extra time unless you like to ride in the dark.   This is a beautiful ride as you travel through Pine plantations, properly managed forests, wetlands, and a secluded part of West Bass Lake.  Parts of the trail are sandy roads so you can often spot many animal tracks who have passed.  You never know what wildlife you may encounter so be alert.   Berries are plentiful on this trail and you may come across a car that wandered in to find the elusive patch.  

Halls Creek Trail offers a large field with access for large and small rigs and groups.  Come for the day or stay for the week.  Located approximately 2 miles off of County C on Halls Creek Road, a sand and gravel road.  Go slow and use caution on the road as you may encounter ATV’s, rigs, cars or horses and the road can be narrow at points.    A potable water source is coming soon.  Current amenities are a privy, hitching post, picnic tables and fire rings available free of charge for your use.  There are over 10 miles of signed trails.  Go for a quick loop or go for the entire day!  These trails meander through meadows, creeks, open fields, old growth forests, and wetlands.  There are many trails to explore here and some can be challenging (Yellow) with its steep ascents down to a creek crossing and back up the other side so use caution.  These trails are spectacular and offer something for everyone, don’t forget to ride them the opposite direction as they are unique no matter which way you travel.  
The trailhead is also home to Halls Creek boat landing, giving you access to see a truly spectacular wildlife area by kayak or small boat.  Riders are often spotted cooling off below a small dam in a flooded pool.  Please thank Florence County Forestry and Parks and the Northern Saddle Club for creating and maintain this amenity.  Trail maps are available at the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center, or within this website www.northernsaddleclub.org

Florence County is Northeastern Wisconsin's hunting paradise. With 200,000 acres of public access land available to hunters, you will have no problem finding small or large game to fill a hunting tag. The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center is your one stop location for licenses and maps to all of Florence County's Federal, State and County public hunting lands.

PINE RIVER The upper portion alternates between deep and slow meanders, rapids and falls. Most of the rapids are rated Class I-III. Below the Pine River Dam and the Breakwater Falls, the river offers relaxed paddling with a handful of riffles. A popular trip is the Oxbow, where the Pine River crosses County Hwy. N. When you get off the river, a 1/4 mile walk gets you back to your car, so no shuttle is needed for this 3.5 mile tubing or paddling trip. Another easy paddle is from the Pine River dam to the base of LaSalle Falls rapids gorge and then a short hike to see LaSalle Falls.
For a "Paddling the Pine River" article Click Here

Nature's Water Park offers tubes, kayak and paddleboard rentals, shuttle service and guided waterfall hikes and paddle trips.  Call 941-536-8090 to make reservations.

POPPLE RIVER In the 20 miles of the Popple River located in Florence County, there are 4 waterfalls and 4 rapids. The river between Morgan Lake Road and Hwy 101 is only recommended for experts during the spring of the year.

Click on these links for very detailed paddling descriptions of sections of the Popple River by local paddling expert John Roberts:
A) MacArthur Pine Rd to Newald Tower Rd. (21.2 miles)
B) Newald Tower Rd to Morgan Lake Rd (4.7 miles)
C) Morgan Lake Rd to Hwy 101 (5.4 miles)
D) Hwy 101 to Pine River (6.4 miles)

BRULE RIVER runs for 45 miles creating part of the northern border between Wisconsin and Michigan. This is the best summer river to paddle due to more consistent dam regulated flow than the upper PIne or Popple Rivers. Very few rapids also make this a good river for novice paddlers.

The Keyes Peak Ski Hill provides downhill skiing, snow tubing, snowshoeing and cross country skiing opportunities. However, this recreational area is not only known for winter recreation. The property also features an 18-hole disc golf course up and down the terrain where leagues and tournaments are hosted year round.  THe Keyes Peak steps are great exercise and there is an outdoor archery range.  Keyes Peak also provides panoramic views from the area's highest point in Florence County. It's spectacular in the fall and beautiful any time of the year. Keyes Peak is located on County Hwy 101 approximately 4 miles south of Florence.

In the spring, summer and fall months Keyes Peak Ski Lodge is available for rent to the public. This facility is a wonderful venue for weddings, family reunions and graduation parties. With its kitchen facilities, it has become a popular attraction for large parties, with its Northwoods appeal as a full-log lodge made from trees harvested right on the property. Click here for lodge rental info.

The Keyes Peak Recreation Area is county owned and operated. For more information contact Florence County Forestry and Parks at 715-528-3207. The hill phone number is 715-528-3228.

HOURS:
Friday 3:00-9:00pm
Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm
Sunday 11:00am-7:00pm

TUBE RUN IS OPEN ALL DAYS

KEYES PEAK ONLY ACCEPTS CASH OR CHECKS
Daily Rates:
Adult $15.00
Student $12.00
Child $ 10.00 (12 and under)

Nite Skiing Special:
(5:00pm-9:00pm)
Adult $12.00
Student $ 10.00
Child $ 8.00

Seasonal Passes
Family $175.00
Single $125.00

Daily Rentals (does not include lift ticket)
Boots, Skis and Poles $10.00
Boots or Skis $ 5.00
Poles $ 2.00
Tubes (4 hours) $ 5.00
Snowboard $12.00
Snowboard Boots $ 7.00
*Rental equipment can only be used with the purchase of a lift ticket. 

Hill Rental (HILL PARTY) $ 100.00 per hour
Includes tubes or ski rentals and lift tickets (Maximum 75 people)

Keyes Lake Campground located 3 miles south of Florence has your mini-golf needs covered. Enjoy a well layed out course with lighting for evening golf enthusiasts. This course is open from spring until fall. A great family enjoyment for all.

Located in northern Wisconsin, where towering pine and hardwood forests are interspersed with hundreds of crystal clear lakes and streams, the Nicolet National Forest offers you a wealth of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Within a day's drive of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul, and Minneapolis metropolitan areas, the Nicolet is a place where you can truly "get away from it all" in the scenic beauty of the northwoods. Four seasons of recreation await you... from spring fishing or canoeing to summer camping, hiking, mountain or horse back riding. Come in autumn for hunting or to see our famous fall color. For your driving pleasure there are 3,600 miles of back roads. Please drive slowly. Snow season gears up with cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Or come anytime to get close to nature in a tranquil and secluded spot. Opportunities for exhilarating views, relaxation, and quiet nature study abound. Experience all the beauty and recreational opportunities of Wisconsin's National Forests.

The Nicolet National Forest is divided into four districts: Eagle River, Florence, Laona and Lakewood. Each District offers "developed" campgrounds that provide campsites with a fire ring, picnic table, tent or trailer pad and parking. Drinking water, toilets and trash pickup are alos provided. Electrical hook-up facilities and showers are not provided. All campgrounds have have some sites that can accomodate RV's up to about 30 feet long. The main camping season is Memorial Day through Labor Day. Many activities and special events occur during this season in towns and recreation areas that are located within or near the Nicolet.

CAMPING
Pitch a tent or park a camper for a modest fee in one of the developed campgrounds in the Nicolet or Chequamegon Forests. All of the Nicolet campgrounds are located on lakes or streams and have drinking water, vault toilets, picnic tables and grills or fire rings. The National Forest Service is continually working to improve their campground qualities and services, including providing more barrier-free opportnities for people with disabilities. Please call for current information. Four of the favorite camping sites are Perch Lake, Lost Lake, Morgan Lake and Chipmunk Rapids.

FOREST MAPS
Detailed maps of the Forests(1/2" per mile) and topographic quadrangle maps are available from the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center. Forest Roads are marked with numbers. Look for small brown and white signs identifying these routes throughtout the Forest.

FLORENCE DISTRICT OFFICE
Florence Wild Rivers Interpretive Center
State Hwy 70 and US 2
Florence, WI 54121
VOICE 715-528-4464
TTY 715-528-5289
FAX 715-528-5172

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest covers approximately 83,000 acres in Florence County. This unique National Forest offers many recreational opportunities to the local community as well as visitors alike. Hiking, camping, biking, hunting, ATV/snowmobiling as well as berry picking and bird watching. There are dedicated trails for bird hunting, and horseback riding.

The Whisker Lake Wilderness is located in the northeastern part of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Florence County. The terrain in this wilderness is densely wooded with hiking trails for exploration. Those who visit are seeking solitude and a true communion with nature. For all information including special regulations and restrictions regarding this area, contact the Forest Service at the Florence Natural Resource and Wild Rivers Interpretive Center in Florence.

Lake Emily Park  (ATV/UTV Campground) This facility has 18 sites on a quiet lake. Sites are $25.00 per day. There is a boat launch, pit toilets, water pumps, sandy beach, fishing and bathhouse. Each site has a picnic table, and a fire grate, all sites have electric hook-ups. Sites are available on a first come first serve basis.This park also has a pavillion which can be reserved for $25.00. The Lake Emily Park Campground is located in the Town of Commonwealth. From US 2 in Florence turn South on County Hwy. N, go about three miles to County Hwy D, turn right (West) on County Hwy C, continue two miles to the campground and park.

West Bass Lake Park (ATV/UTV Campground) This facility has 29 sites on a pristine and quiet lake. Sites are $25.00 per day. There is a boat launch, pit toilets, water pumps, sandy beach and bathhouse. Each site has a picnic table and a fire grate and electricity. Sites are available on a first come first serve basis. This park also has a pavillion which can be reserved for $25.00. The West Bass Lake Park Campground is located in the Town of Homestead. From Florence take Highway 101 South to County Hwy. C, watch for signage to the campground, about five miles from Hwy 101 turn left (North) on Fire Lane Road, continue one mile to the campground.

Fisher Lake Park This park is located on a 54 acre lake which is stocked with northern pike, bass, pan fish and trout. Visitors can picnic, play baseball, launch a boat or relax on the sandy beach. Picnic tables, picnic shelter, outhouses, and a baseball diamond occupy this quaint park. From Florence go South on County Hwy. N. This park is located in the Town of Florence.

Kenneth Thompson Memorial Park This park serves as a habitat for loons and osprey. Visitors can launch a boat to fish the 55 acre Siedel Lake for northern pike, bass and pan fish. Take Hwy 101 south from Florence to the lake access road on the north side of the highway, near where the Siedel Creek crosses the road. Picnic tables and a boat landing are available on this very private setting.

Keyes Lake Park Keyes Lake's crystal clear waters make a good swimming and fishing lake. Try your luck at fishing for northern pike, walleye, panfish, white fish, brown trout and bass. The park has picnic facilities, a sandy beach and a boat landing. A water slide and swimmers raft adorn the swimming area. Picnic tables, picnic shelters, outhouses, swimming beach, dressing rooms, volleyball court and boat launch with dock is what you will experience when visiting this spring fed crystal clear lake. This park also has a pavillion which can be reserved for $25.00.

HWY 101 Wayside This park is undeveloped, scenic,designated Wild River, good for canoeing and kayaking. The park offers canoe and kayak access, picnic tables and a spot to fish for brook, brown and rainbow trout. Proceed 12 miles South of Florence on Hwy 101. Picnic tables and canoe access available.

Vagabond Park Located on 928 acre Twin Falls Flowage. Vagabond Park has a sandy beach, picnic area and a boat landing. The flowage is scenic and semi-private with islands and very few dwellings. Anglers will find northern pike, walleye, bass and panfish. Take Hwy. US 2 nine miles east of Florence. Picnic tables are available as well as a beautiful swimming beach.

FLORENCE COUNTY PARKS ARE ATV/UTV FRIENDLY
 

The Pine River Oxbow's circular route brings you less than 1/4 mile away from the put-in so no shuttle is needed. The float is 2-3 hours depending on the water level.  There are no real rapids on this float.  The Brule River float starts below the Brule Dam with take outs at Camel's Clearing Rd, Town Road J or Woods Rd.  This float offers 2 fun rapids with a slower pace in between.

Nature's Water Park offers tube rentals at the Oxbow, shuttle service and guided paddle trips.  Call 941-536-8090 for reservations.

Location: Florence County. Between WIS 139 and WIS 101 in the town of Fence.
Length: 32.5 miles
Surface: Gravel

Located within the scenic Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, R-74. It is a peaceful, scenic route among beautiful hardwood forests. R-74 passes the former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp Newald which operated from 1933–1942. This route crosses the Popple River, a state designated Wisconsin “Wild River” - meaning undeveloped. Several fishing and paddling access points to the Popple River are signed. It is also near Morgan Lake Campground, a National Forest semi-wild campground. Sighting a secretive bear, fisher, eagle or many other wildlife species is very possible. Autumn colors explode with brilliance and are always magnificent. Watch the "Rustic Road" signs for directions. For a map of Rustic Road #74 Click Here.

The BLUE OX Snowmobile and ATV/UTV trails in Florence County are maintained by the Florence County Blue Ox Trail Riders (P.O. Box 414, Florence, WI 54121). A map of these trails is available from the club or from the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center.1-888-889-0049.  Or click here to view Blue Ox Trail Map online.

Travel southeast of Florence and here lies the 8500 acre Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area. Its name comes from an 1896 surveyors plat map showing the nearby largest expanse of lakes shaped like a soaring eagle. The Spread Eagle Barrens is the largest expanse of pine barrens and bracken grasslands that remain in Northeastern Wisconsin. This unique State Natural Area is rich with plant and animal life. The vast mosaic of six natural communities offers visitors a variety of activities including hiking, skiing, hunting, fishing, and berry picking. In the 1990's, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Florence County, Wisconsin Electric, and the Sand County Foundation began working together to secure lands to be included in the Spread Eagle Barrens State Natural Area. With more than 8000 acres managed, it has remained one of the largest State Natural Areas in Wisconsin. Current management and restoration practices include prescribed burning, invasive species control and restoration timber sales.

The most noticeable topographic feature of the Spread Eagle Barrens is the kettles. Ecologists call these depressions "frost pockets." Every night, cool dense air flows down into the frost pockets from the surrounding area. Frost can form in the lower parts of these giant potholes even when it is warm outside the pockets. Sometimes fog forms in their depths and looks like clouds from the rim of the frost pocket. In fact, frost has been recorded in these pockets in all 12 months of the year!

Foot traffic is welcomed throughout the barrens (even beyond gates and rocks), however, there are no official hiking trails. A map is available to show the many logging roads, burn breaks, and town roads that can be explored

Florence County has sandy swiming beaches at Lake Emily Park, West Bass Lake Park, Fisher Lake Park, Keyes Lake Park, Vagabond Park, Morgan Lake and Lost Lake. See the Parks or Camping sections for more information and directions to these beaches. Fisher Lake and Keyes Lake offer swimming rafts and slippery slides as well.

The question is when you get to Florence County, which trail would you like to adventure out on? Our trail systems are for visitors to explore by foot, hoof, ski or bike. Most of the trails within the National Forest connect to provide a full day of exploring. The County Forest trails are mowed in the fall for hunting season, but it is easy to walk through during the spring and summer. Tha Assessor's Trail in the National Forest is a short Interpretive Trail that is nice for families looking for a trail that is short and easy. Maps are available for all trails at the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center or here within this website. Just click on the Maps and Brochures Tab.

This award winning group of performers usually take to their stage on the Menominee River located at the banks of the Vagabond Park located in Spread Eagle. Their performances happen twice weekly, on Wednesday and Sunday evenings starting at 6:00pm. The layout of the park enable all visitors to have the best seat in the house. Concessions are available on site, you only need to bring your own lawnchair. Music fills the air as the Ski-Ters take to the waters, in what is a spectacular showing in an outdoor venue that rivals none. There are special showings throughout the summer months, and these will be posted on the events page.

Deep in the forest, the waters of Florence County's Wild Rivers cascade, tumble and roar down 8 breathtaking waterfalls.  To see pictures of the falls, click on the video gallery.  Nature's Water Park offers guided waterfall tours.  Call 941-536-8090 for reservations.  Trails to the falls range from 1/4 mile to a little more than one mile. Trails are primative in some areas so good footwear is a must. Little Bull Falls can only be reached by water. Canoers and kayakers may put in at the Morgan Lake Rd/Popple River crossing. Little Bull Falls in one half mile downstream from the crossing and should be portaged by all but expert paddlers due to rapids both up and downstream. 

PINE RIVER:
Breakwater Falls: (Latitude 45.829301, Longitude -88.253583)  Three tiers of cascading falls, with rapids, create this spectacular 60-foot waterfall just below the Pine River Dam.  Unique rock formations of 2 billion year old bedrock show the power of the river and beauty of nature.  Breakwater Falls changes drastically with water flow:  thundering at high flow and intricate ledge flows during low flow.  The south side has the best trail, while the north side offers a high bluff view and delicate back channel falls.  To get to the south side, turn west on Power Dam Road off of Hwy N. After 1.25 miles stay right at the 'Y'.  The road dead ends at the Pine River Dam power house.  Park there, walk around the gate and up the gravel road.  At the top of the road follwo the signs down to the top of the first tier.  The trail along the river is primative and requires a climb up hill after the 3rd tier to get back up to the road.  To see the falls from the north, turn south on Pine River Road off of Hwy D.  Follow Pine River Road to the Pine River Flowage We Energies campground.  From the parking lot, walk down to the dam and follow the foot path to the falls.
 
LaSalle Falls: (Latitude 45.831013, Longitude -88.290010)  With a 22-foot plummet,  LaSalle Falls is the most impressive waterfall in the area.  The trail ends at the 35-foot rock outcrop next to the falls, but the best view is to use the trail to the base of the falls.  Downstream of the falls is a gorge, filled with rapids, that runs for 1/2 mile.  The best view of the area is in a canoe or kayak at the end of the gorge.  If you only visit one waterfall, make this the one.  To get to the falls from the south, turn north off of Hwy C on to LaSalle Falls Road. Follow LaSalle Falls Road about 2.5 miles to a parking lot on the north side of the road.  A medium difficulty hike of about 1 mile leads you to the falls.  From the west and Washburn Falls, follow White Ash Road and LaSalle Falls Road about 4 miles from Washburn Falls to the parking lot.
 
Meyers Falls: (Latitude 45.899845, Longitude -88.436188)  The best view of 7-foot cascading Meyers Falls is from the north.  The rocky terrain surrounding the falls is very unique and picturesque.  To get to the north side drive 7.5 miles west of Florence on Hwy 70 turn left onto Goodman Grade Rd at the WI Wild River access signs #13-#15. Follow signs for #13 Meyers Falls on the gravel road to the right for 1.5 miles to a grassy parking area.  The falls is only 25 yards from the lot, so listen for the roar.  To get to south side drive 11.5 miles south of Florence on Hwy 101 turn right onto Patten Lake Rd.  Drive 3.5 miles and turn right onto North Shore Rd.  This road turns into Goodman Grade Rd.  Follow the blue waterfall signs.  Just south of the Pine River, turn left, drive 1/2 mile and park near a fork in the road.  It is a short walk to the falls.

Bull Falls: (Latitude 45.898143, Longitude -88.409908)  Bull Falls is small (5-feet), and some may not consider it a waterfall, but if you enjoy the tranquility of rushing water, this is a great place to visit.  There are interesting yellow birch root formations next to the river.  To get to the falls follow the directions to Meyers Falls then turn left at the #13-#15 intersection about 1 mile off Hwy 70.  Follow this logging road 0.9 mile to a small parking area.  It's is a short walk down to the falls.

POPPLE RIVER:
Washburn Falls: (Latitude 45.811271, Longitude -88.365233) This Falls has the easiest access to enjoy the tranquility of a truly wild river.  This cascading waterfall drops 6-feet over a series of ledges. The best view is from the peninsula that juts out in front of the falls.  Reaching the peninsula involves climbing down a rocky hill and crossing a small stream.  This is a great picnic spot.  From the south, turn left on Sunrise Road, about 5 miles east of Hwy 101 on Hwy C.  Follow this winding dirt road 4 miles to a parking lot on a sharp curve.  An 1/8-mile walk ends at Washburn Falls.  From the east, Washburn Falls is about 4 miles from the LaSalle Falls parking lot on LaSalle Falls Road.

Little Bull Falls: (Latitude 45.766048, Longitude -88.457523)  Little Bull Falls can only be reached by water. Canoers and kayakers may put in at the Morgan Lake Rd/Popple River crossing. Little Bull Falls in one half mile downstream from the crossing and should be portaged by all but expert paddlers due to rapids both up and downstream.

Big Bull Falls: (Latitude 45.797016, Longitude -88.408597)  This falls has an island in the middle.  The north channel, is Big Bull Falls, while the south channel is a cascade of smaller falls. Follow the rustic trail, to the falls.  The top and just downstream offer the best view of the falls. Big Bull Falls is accessed from West River Rd (just north of the  Popple River), off of Hwy 101, about 13 miles south of Florence.  A parking lot is just over ½ mile from Hwy 101.  A rustic trail of less than ¼ mile offers easy walking to the falls.
 
Jennings Falls: (Latitude 45.836911, Longitude -88.363904) Once you reach the river, Jennings Falls doesn’t look like much, but the farther you go downstream, the better it looks.  There can be some physical   exertion to get to the best part of the falls.  Jennings Falls and the ensuing rapids, drops the Popple River about 10-feet .Jennings Falls is accessed from the north via Mulberry Lane.  Park in the turn around area without blocking the candy cane striped gate.  The hike into the falls is about ¾ mile through private land. 
 
There are many named rapids on the Wild Rivers in Florence County.  Chipmunk Rapids on the Pine River is easily access along Chipmunk Rapids Road south of Hwy 70.  The rest require a hike to access. POPPLE RIVER: Big Murphy, Nine Day, McDonalds and Burnt Dam Rapids
PINE RIVER: Chipmunk and Snake Tail Rapids.  Maps and travel information for Florence County Waterfalls are available at the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center or on this website.

In 1978 Congress and President Carter officially declared 7,500 acres of the former Nicolet National Forest a federally designated wilderness. Whisker Lake Wilderness, the second largest national forest wilderness area in the state, is located in northern Florence County. The name is derived from the majestic pines near the shoreline of Whisker Lake. Timber cruisers from days gone by dubbed these pine "chin whiskers". These "chin whiskers" miraculously escaped the wildfires that ravaged the area after logging in the early 1900's.
The terrain is densely wooded with hiking trails for exploration. Those who visit are seeking solitude and a true communion with nature. Numerous activities are available within the wilderness area. Hiking, hunting, fishing, skiing, berry picking, and nature study can be enjoyed. Motorized use, including bicycles, is prohibited. Please be prepared when entering the wilderness by using a map and a compass. Primitive camping reigns here. There are no amenities, however you may pitch a tent wherever you like.
If you would like a vacation from civilization, Whisker Lake Wilderness is located off of STH 70 approximately 11 miles west of Florence. Access to the area is provided by Forest Road 2150, which heads north off of STH 70. The Forest Service asks that you fill out a destination card at the trailhead before embarking on any trip, whether a day hike or a camping adventure. They also request that you utilize "leave no trace" practices.
For additional information including special regulations and restrictions, contact the Forest Service at the Florence Natural Resource and Wild Rivers Interpretive Center in Florence.

Click here to jump to the Wild Rivers FUN! page for more info including water flow and level gauge links.

For a "Paddling the Pine River" article click here.

The Pine and Popple Rivers offer a true wild experience, being among Wisconsin's more remote river systems. The area is rugged and undeveloped. Access is limited and often difficult. The shorelines are very heavily wooded. The entire 89 mile length of the Pine River and 62 miles of it's major tributary, the Popple River, were designated by the Wisconsin legislature as State Wild Rivers in 1965 to be protected from development and kept in natural, free-flowing condition. Canoeing or Kayaking these rivers proves to be a beautiful and quite solitude adventure. The Pine and Popple Rivers offer trips of all lenghts, from a short two hour trip around a loop called the "Oxbow" to a full day adventure. River trips also offer an array of challenges from relaxing quiet water floats on the lower Pine to expert level whitewater runs on the Popple.

PINE RIVER The Pine River has two different personalities. The playful upper river, above LaSalle Falls, alternates between deep, slower meandering sections and rapids or falls. The lower river, the last ten miles downstream of the Pine River Flowage, offers relaxed paddling with a steady current and only a few gentle riffles.

POPPLE RIVER Canoeing on the Popple River is more challenging than on the Pine due to frequent low water conditions and the portages around its four waterfalls. The lower section of the Popple River (downstream of Morgan Lake Road) is the most difficult whitewater on the watershed, and it is recommended only for experts with suitable equipment and skills.