Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A personal observation is that the Nicolet National Forest is less cluttered than the
Chequamegon. Often the backroads sectors of the forest are absolutely vacant, and even on
weekends, precious few folks are around. Hike into one of the admirable wilderness areas
and you're guaranteed seclusion.
Francophiles and smarty-pants tourists will do the “neek-oh-LAY” take on the name,
though it's mostly “nick-uh-LAY.” Don't be surprised, though, to hear “nickle-ETT” from
more than a few—mostly puzzled—visitors, but I swear I've heard a couple of locals utter
it at gas stations.
Cradle of Rivers
The moniker “Cradle of Rivers” is not a misnomer here, the forest acts as the headwaters
(or at least major conduit) for several of the state's renowned wilder rivers, including the
Pine, Popple, Pike, Wolf, Wisconsin, and Peshtigo. The more sedate Brule is a canoeist's
dream. This forest gave rise to the Wisconsin Wild River System.
Recreation
More than 820 miles of trails wind through the 666,000 acres on 32 trails (for all uses) of
varying length, and there are miles of logging skid roads, old railroad grades, and aban-
doned truck trails to explore on your own.
Fishing?WiththeheadwatersoftheWolfRiver,andtheWisconsin,thelazyBrule,fishy
Popple and Oconto, and wild Peshtigo Rivers running through it, Nicolet is an angler's
paradise.
Cradle of Rivers canoeing is sublime. Most parts of the Pine and Brule Rivers are good
for beginners, as well as part of the Peshtigo segment. More advanced paddlers usually
head for the Wisconsin, Deerskin, Popple, Oconto, and Wolf Rivers. The Wolf is nation-
ally recognized foritsaggressive fast waters (andthusisbetter suited forrafts). Theclosest
rentals are in Lakewood, but
Hawk's Nest Eagle River Canoe Outfitters
(1761 Hwy. C,
St.Germain, 800/688-7471,
www.hawksnestcanoe.com
)alsohasovernighttripsintoNorth
Woods destinations.
Camping
Twenty-four campgrounds are established within the national forest, most in the northern
half, fewer in the south around Lakewood. Reservations (877/444-6777,
www.recreation.gov
)
areavailableatsomeestablishedcampgrounds.Ratesrangefromfree
to $30, averaging $12 per site; a $9 reservation fee is tacked on at most sites, and it'll cost
you$10tochangeorcancel.ShowupontheFourthofJulywithoutareservationandyou'll
