NORTHEASTERN WISCONSIN - Wisconsin - page 409

most of its length and has the most dependable water levels of any in the forest, but never
take a canoe past the Brule River Dam.
ThePineandPoppleRiversrunthroughthedistrict,andsectionsofbotharepartofWis-
consin's own Wild River System. They also traverse what might be the state's most prim-
itive wilderness. If you can swing some sightseeing in addition to the frenetic rapids, the
residuals of old logging dams are found en route.
Neither river should be explored without first checking with Florence's Wild Rivers
Center or the Florence Ranger Station regarding water conditions and possible regulatory
changes.
EAGLE RIVER AREA
Seven miles northeast of Eagle River is the 5,800-acre Blackjack Springs Wilderness
Area. Highlights include four large clear springs forming the headwaters of Blackjack
Creek, along with a lake and assorted streams, some of which produce Brobdingnagian
trout.
Thewonderful20,000-acre Headwaters Wilderness, 16miles southeast ofEagle River
(producing the wild Pine River), holds some of the largest and oldest trees in the national
forest and Wisconsin. The area is characterized by muskegs, bogs and forested swamps.
The most popular trails are undoubtedly those of the Anvil Lake National Recreation
Trail, east of Eagle River via WIS 70, 12 excellent miles of Civilian Conservation Corps,
or CCC, trails for hikers, skiers, and mountain bikers. Dramatic plunges and tons of rutted
tree roots will dismount you or snag your ski tip. Watch for the woodland warbler.
Connected to the Anvil system is the easier Nicolet North Trail System, 15 miles of
trails which in turn connect to the Hidden Lakes Trail. Hard-core hikers can forge on all
the way to the Anvil Trail, though the North Branch of the Pine River must be forded, as
there is no bridge.
The Franklin Nature Trail isonlyonemilelong,butit'simpressive—someofthehard-
wood and hemlock spinneys are more than 400 years old.
The Sam Campbell Memorial Trail (interpretive), off Forest Road 2178 north of WIS
32, is named for a local naturalist and writer who used nearby Vanishing Lake for inspira-
tion and contemplation.
The half-mile Scott Lake Trail winds through 300-year-old stands of white pine and
then via a short trail to Shelp Lake and outstanding bog environments. You'll be alone, ex-
cept perhaps for an ornithologist or two.