Black River State Forest

Established in 1957, the Black River State Forest encompasses approximately 68,000 acres of public land. This is an extensive undeveloped state forest easily accessible from the Interstate.  Once into the forest landscape, a visitor immediately experiences the rich diversity of its many ecosystems and a quiet wild hush, as the forest is not heavily visited.  This state forest affords  the observant visitor the best chance to see a wolf in Central Wisconsin.  Wildlife abounds in this publicly-owned forest; for example, the ponded wetlands provide unlimited bird watching opportunities.

The Forest also contains approximately 12 miles of the large and fast-moving Black River as well as three miles of the Black River’s East Fork. The area is also known for its unique geological formations.

The Black River State Forest landscape lies within an area that was strongly influenced by glaciation,   responsible for creating many of the surface formations found in the vicinity of the forest. Protruding above the sand plain are remnants of eroded Cambrian sandstone, forming buttes, hills, knolls, ridges and pediments. Castle Mound and Wildcat Mound are examples of landscape features formed by Upper Cambrian sandstone.

The original area within the Black River State Forest, which consisted primarily of white and red pine, was heavily logged between 1880 and 1895 and was later settled by homesteaders seeking farmland. Today the forest consists of a mix of jack pine, oak, and aspen as well as several rare and unique forest communities including white pine-red maple swamps, pine and oak barrens, and moist cliff.

There are also several rare and endangered plant and animal species including gray or timber wolf, Kirtland’s warbler, Karner blue butterfly, beak grass, and sand violet. Dike 17 Wildlife Area lies within the Black River State Forest.

The Black River State Forest offers many recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, skiing, wildlife watching and hunting. But the Department of Natural Resources also manages this property to meet a host of other objectives, including maintenance of wildlife habitat, native biological diversity, soil and water quality, aesthetics and timber production.  The state forest contains many unique and rare landscapes designated as state natural areas.  You are allowed to visit these undeveloped sites, but please be aware that the natural areas are established with the primary intention of protecting rare biological diversity and uncommon plant communities.  Tread lightly!

The Black River State Forest offers 24 miles of excellent three-season hiking trails over large hills that serve as ski trails for the winter outdoor enthusiast.  The classic- and skate-groomed trail system traverses undulating terrain through spectacular mixed forest of oak and pine.  This remote but accessible winter landscape offers a unique wilderness experience.  The parking lot is located just a few miles off I-94.  A daily ($4) or annual ($20) trail pass is required.

Source: WDNR