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Wisconsin
The trail enters Wisconsin just south of Minnesota’s Jay Cooke State Park. Upon reaching the Nemadji River, it follows the high rim overlooking the valley. Beyond the Nemadji and Balsam Creek, the trail enters Douglas County Forest lands before reaching Pattison State Park, where it passes Big Manitou Falls, the highest waterfall in the state. Exiting the park, the trail passes again through long expanses of Douglas County Forest before reaching and paralleling the St. Croix River; The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway is one of only three national parks accessed by the trail.
Southwest of Solon Springs, hikers begin a 117-mile stretch of completed trail only interrupted by two short road walks. On this stretch, hikers will take a more than six-mile pass through the Douglas County Wildlife Area — a pine barrens managed for prairie species. Solon Springs, one of only two trail towns in Wisconsin, offers a full range of services for hikers. North of town, enter Brule River State Forest and pass through the Brule Bog’s unique, cedar bog environment on more than 3,900 feet of boardwalk. Follow the Historic Portage, which is marked by eight stones commemorating explorers, fur traders and settlers. Soon you’ll be following the high bluffs overlooking the famous Bois Brule River.
Next enter Bayfield County Forest, the home of huge red and white pine and several small, pristine lakes. Upon reaching Bayfield County Highway A, enter Chequamegon National Forest. This section of trail is often credited with giving the North Country Trail its name. Within the forest, pass through the federally designated Rainbow Lakes and Porcupine Lake wilderness areas. 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.
Just beyond the Chequamegon, enter Mellen, the second Wisconsin trail town. Once again, find most services needed by hikers. North of town, enter Copper Falls State Park, known for its many scenic waterfalls. The last stretch of trail in Wisconsin passes through Iron County Forest, where hikers will see remote Wren Falls and pass through the very old and worn-down Penokee Mountain range. Soon you will enter Michigan near Ironwood-Hurley.
Wisconsin lays claim to the highest percentage of completed trail and the longest continuous stretch of trail constructed to meet all normally accepted trail standards. In addition, Wisconsin offers hikers spectacular waterfalls, varied terrain, long vistas and the ancient Penokee Mountain Range. Weather-wise, expect the first snowfall by mid-November and most snow melting by mid-to-late April. Fall color is best from about the third week of September through the middle of October.
