Nicolet National Forest

Enjoying a lakeside view in the national forest.

Swimmers at Spectacle Lake.

Winter recreationists build a snowman on the trail.

Located in northeastern Wisconsin, the 662,000-acre Nicolet National Forest is named after Jean Nicolet, the French explorer who came to Wisconsin in 1634.

Many of Wisconsin's major wild rivers begin their majestic journey here, including the Pine, Popple and Wolf, which are ideal for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. The Brule, Wisconsin, Peshtigo and Oconto also run through or near the forest.

In addition to 26 developed campgrounds, backpackers can camp anywhere on forest lands if they practice no trace camping.

Fish are abundant in the 1,200 lakes and the trout fishing is outstanding.

The Nicolet features more than 800 miles of trails, including three national recreation trails and self-guided nature trails with interpretive signposts.

Birds are the focus of Nicolet's wildlife trails. The one-mile Halley Creek Bird Trail passes through four distinct habitats.

The Nicolet is administered jointly with the Chequamegon National Forest, located northwest of the Nicolet.