Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sociation (CAMBA) trail system, most of which is not in the forest proper. More than 100
miles of trail “clusters” are maintained inside the forest, and there are hundreds of miles of
service roads and logging roads that I've never been kicked off of.
WATER SPORTS
The forest has 800-plus lakes, 411 larger than 10 acres. Lakes under 10 acres all go without
names because there are so many. Officially, there are 632 miles of navigable river and
stream inside the forest, including the best options—the Flambeau (particularly the South
Fork), Chippewa, and Namekagon Rivers. The latter is a federally recognized National
WildandScenicRiverwithClassIIandIIIrapids.Theformertwoarebeingconsideredfor
National Scenic Riverway status for their splendid wildlife habitats.
It'snowonderthatlandingalunkeristhenumberonerecreationalactivityintheseparts.
It's beyond the scope—or ability—of this guide to suss out the whys and wherefores of
fishing in the forest. According to statistics, the Clam Lake area offers the forest's highest
concentration of lakes, containing the most consistent fish populations.
CAMPING
The Chequamegon side of the forest supports nearly 30 campgrounds of varying size and
seclusion; all but two are on lakes, and those two are on fishing rivers. Rates range from
free to $20 (averaging $12), and reservations can be made at some campgrounds by calling
(877/444-6777) or online ( www.recreation.gov ). It'll cost you a $9 reservation fee and $10
to change or cancel. Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends book up
early. On summer weekends, reservations are a good idea. Other than that, sites are usually
available.
Backcountry camping is free and permitted anywhere within the forest, as long as the
siteisatleast50feetfromanytrailorwatersource. Note that 14 percent of the lands within
the forest boundaries are privately owned. Campgrounds are maintained May-mid-Octo-
ber, but you have every right to camp there at other times, though you'll need to lug your
stuff in and get your own water.
Leave No Trace principles are emphasized here.
Scenic Drives
WIS 77 spans the 29 miles between Glidden and Lost Lake. Recognized federally as
the Great Divide Scenic Byway, its stretches reveal systematic reforestation and an enga-
ging mixture of natural history and immigrant settlement. Along the corridor, the highway
crossestheGreatDivide,creatingdrainagebasinstothenorthandsouth.StopinClamLake
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