• Florence County ATV Trails

Nestled in the far northeastern corner of the state, Florence County is about as close to wilderness as you’ll find in Wisconsin. A quarter of the county’s 312,000 acres is held as part of the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest that rambles over 1.5 million acres of northern Wisconsin. Florence County forests total another 36,500 acres. In all, more than 140,000 acres of the county are public lands.

Like most of the Great Lakes Basin, the county’s virgin pine forests were clearcut in the 1800s. In the 1930s, federal, state and county governments took over large tracts of abandoned land that were then replanted by the CCC. That reforestation effort is one of the greatest conservation stories in the history of the nation.

As a result, timber and forest products are today the linchpin of the Florence County economy. More than eighty percent of the county is forested offering recreational opportunities for outdoor lovers of all kinds: hikers, whitewater kayakers and canoeists, campers, hunters, birders, snowmobilers and ATVers. The county is home to two of three state-designed wild rivers – the Pine and the Popple. There are 265 lakes and 165 miles of rivers and streams to enjoy.

For the ATVer, Florence County offers plenty of fun on more than 150 miles of trail. For starters, there’s a 17- acre ATV park on the south side of Fisher Lake, just outside of Florence. Riders of all abilities will find plenty of challenge on the park’s hills, sand flats and mud pits. Best of all – it’s all free.

Florence is the best place to start your ATV adventure. A visit to the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center (888/889-0049, www.florencewisconsin.com) is a great way to learn about the county, its accommodations, lodges and restaurants. The Center also displays wonderful dioramas of woodland animals as well as exhibits of county history. If you’re looking for overnight parking for your vehicles and trailers, you’re welcome to park in the Center’s lower lot.

From here you can hit the trails in virtually any direction. If you’re looking for a shorter loop (about 25 miles) with some terrific scenery, consider heading east from Florence on Montgomery Lake Road. About four miles out, the road turns south to weave along the west shore of the Spread Eagle Chain of Lakes. At the intersection with Old 69 Road, turn west. In a mile, you’ll hit Anna Lake Road. Turn south for about a mile to the LePages Creek
Overlook. Located in the Spread Eagle Barrens SNA, it offers a spectacular view of this State Natural Area.

Return to Old 69, then turn south for three miles on Sand Lake Road. At the intersection with Johnson Creek Road you’ll get a terrific view of the Pine River as it roars through one lobe of the Pine- Popple State Wild Rivers Area. Heading west, you’ll cross Cty. N, then turn north past Lake Emily to the east shore of Keyes Lake. The high ground to the east is Keyes Peak, a county recreation area with a 250- foot ski hill and a pretty impressive  panorama. Follow Blome-Helgren Road back to Florence.

If you’re looking for a longer ride, ATV trails literally circumnavigate the county. Take the long ride for access to LaSalle Falls, Washburn Falls and Chipmunk Rapids. There’s another picturesque loop on the west side of the county that ties Tipler and Long Lake.

Enjoy it all in this unspoiled land of endless forest.



DISTANCE: 150 miles.
DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate
TRAILHEAD LOCATION: At the Wild Rivers Interpretive Center in Florence; and in Tipler near the intersection of the Nicolet State Trail and Hwy 70.
SEASON: Open year-round, except for the spring dry-out.
OTHER TRAILS IN THIS REGION: The Florence County trail system connects to systems in Marinette and Forest Counties, and to trails in Iron County, Michigan.
CAUTION: Carry extra fuel and watch the fuel gauge; gas stations are few and far between in Florence County.
FEES: None.
AREA ATTRACTIONS: The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center and the historic courthouse and jail, both in Florence, an ATV park just south of Florence, LaSalle Falls and Washburn Falls, and scenic overlooks at Keyes Peak, LePages Creek and Pine River.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Wild Rivers Interpretive Center
888/889-0049
www.florencewisconsin.com

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