Hiking

Step into a vast wilderness

At some point on the trails here, you might wonder how many miles you can travel before you run into another soul. But tread on the soft forest trails around Land O’ Lakes and it won’t be long before you have some company. Whitetail deer use these trails too; say hello as you see them bounding off into the wilds.

The hiking in Land O’ Lakes is vast and beautiful. National forests and wilderness area surround the community, providing 2.5 million unspoiled acres and hundreds of miles of trails. The hiking possibilities are endless.

Discover miles of additional hiking in the Vilas County Forest. Gated snowmobile trails on county land are open for hiking during the spring, summer and fall.

The 1.5 million acre Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has more than 800 miles of trails that traverse wild forests, skirt sparkling lakes and travel through tranquil wetlands. You’ll encounter rare and beautiful plants and abundant wildlife, including deer, eagles, loons and herons. The Chequamegon portion of the forest is located west of Land O’ Lakes; the Nicolet portion is located just east of town.

Just across the border from Land O’ Lakes in Michigan is the Ottawa National Forest. This million-acre forest stretches all the way to Lake Superior. The Ottawa offers some magical hiking; it’s a land of backcountry waterfalls, untamed rivers and beautiful areas of old-growth forest. It’s also the gateway to hikes that can help you explore new limits. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through the Ottawa National Forest. The trail covers some 4,600 miles – it runs all the way from North Dakota to New York.

The Northern Highland American Legion State Forest spans Northern Wisconsin in the counties of Iron, Oneida and Vilas. Explore prominent rivers in the area including the Wisconsin, Flambeau and Manitowish, or hike some of the 232,000 acres of expansive forest. The recreational opportunities are endless.

Whether you plan a hike that lasts an hour or a week, be sure to prepare for your hike; a sturdy pair of boots or shoes are a good idea; a map, compass or GPS will help you stay on course. Numerous hiking maps are available at the Land O’ Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Some basic first aid supplies and clothes for changing weather are also good items to pack. Also consider bringing a camera; those deer you encounter on the trail might just become good photo subjects.