‘See Your Somewhere’ on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
The fourth annual week-long celebration of National Forest Week started July 11. This year’s theme is “See Your Somewhere” and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has no shortage of places that can inspire.
With more than 1.5 million acres of Wisconsin’s Northwoods and highlighted by its unique forest landscapes and abundant wetlands, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest offers opportunities for everyone to find their somewhere. Choose from over 800 miles of trails, explore water and woodlands offering year-round motorized trail riding, water- and land-based sports, or the solitude of quiet campgrounds.
Check out these places to start experiencing something inspiring: Anvil Lake Recreation Area - facilities include a 377-acre lake with crystal clear water, swimming beach, paved boat launch, year-round fishing, and access to the Anvil National Recreation Trail, one of the most popular trail systems in the area. The campground has 18 sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, easy access to drinking water, wheel-chair accessible, and vault toilets.
Lost Lake Recreation Area – an 86-acre crystal clear non-motorized lake stocked for fishing includes a boat access area, small picnic area, and a swimming beach. A campground with 27 campsites is equipped with picnic tables, fire rings with grills, accessible facilities, and drinking water from a pressurized system or hand pump. A one-mile interpretive trail through a stand of 150-yearold hemlock and pine is adjacent to the campground.
Day Lake Campground - shaded campsites are nestled under towering pines on the east shore of Day Lake. Each campsite has a parking spur, fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad. Drinking water, vault toilets, play area, swim- ming beach and a fishing pier are available. Paved trails connect these sites to the fishing pier. Day Lake is known for wildlife sightings, including elk, eagles, loons, and deer. The Dead Horse ATV trail can be accessed directly from the Day Lake Recreation Area.
Namekagon Lake Recreation Area - surrounded by a hardwood and hemlock forest, this family-friendly camp- ground runs alongside its namesake lake at the head- waters of the Namekagon River. Famous for its great fishery, this 3,227-acre lake offers excellent fishing for musky, pike, walleye, bass, and other fish varieties. It is the perfect spot to kayak, canoe, jet ski, swim or take a boat ride to one of the many restaurants along the shore- line. A number of hiking and biking trails are close by, and wildlife watching opportunities are abundant as elk, eagles, loons, and other wildlife are often spotted in the area.
Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area - facilities include access to the popular 416-acre Mondeaux Flowage, boat landing, swimming area, and picnic area. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is close by. The Aldo Leopold Trail is a 1.2-mile self-guided, non-motorized nature trail, located along an esker near the Mondeaux Dam Lodge and wooden engraved signs help to outline the history of Leopold’s life and quotes for a meal.
The National Forest Foundation is also teaming up with the USDA Forest Service to host a photo contest. Share your somewhere at https://www.nationalforests. org/get-involved/ national-forest-week-photocontest.
