Porcupine Lake Wilderness is a 4,446-acre federally designated wilderness area located within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin. This area features a landscape shaped by glacial activity, characterized by rolling hills in the west and flatter, sometimes swampy, areas to the east. Dense forests of sugar maples, red maples, yellow birches, white and red pine, and hemlock cover much of the terrain, alongside numerous lakes and streams, including Porcupine Lake itself. The diverse natural features of Porcupine Lake Wilderness provide…
6
Routes
5
(8)
Average rating
5
People visited

15.2km
04:02
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

18.7km
05:00
220m
220m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

31.4km
08:30
440m
430m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

22.2km
05:47
160m
160m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Porcupine Lake Wilderness is a 4,446-acre federally designated wilderness area located within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin. It features a landscape shaped by glacial activity, dense forests, and numerous lakes and streams, offering a primitive recreational experience.
The primary outdoor activity in Porcupine Lake Wilderness is hiking. The area also offers opportunities for fishing in its lakes and streams, and cross-country skiing during winter months. Motorized or mechanized equipment is prohibited, ensuring a primitive experience.
Yes, Porcupine Lake Wilderness features hiking trails, including a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail. This trail traverses the wilderness for approximately 8 miles (12.9 km). Two shorter trails also connect to the North Country Trail from the northern boundary.
A significant hiking route is the section of the North Country National Scenic Trail that runs through the wilderness. Another option is a 4.1-mile (6.6 km) loop from Adeline Lake. For more details, consult the Hiking in Porcupine Lake Wilderness guide.
Trails in Porcupine Lake Wilderness offer varied terrain. Sections range from moderately rolling hills to more challenging, decidedly hilly areas. Hikers can find routes suitable for different experience levels.
Information regarding specific dog policies for Porcupine Lake Wilderness is not explicitly provided. Visitors should check with the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest for current regulations on pets within the wilderness area.
Information on specific permits or fees for accessing Porcupine Lake Wilderness is not detailed. Visitors should contact the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest directly to inquire about any required permits or parking fees.
Porcupine Lake Wilderness is home to various wildlife, including deer, bear, fox, and coyote. Birdwatchers may spot loons and various species of songbirds. The area is also known to host a wolf pack.
The official website for Porcupine Lake Wilderness, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is fs.usda.gov/recarea/cnnf/recarea/?recid=74960. The phone number for inquiries is +1-715-634-4821.
Porcupine Lake Wilderness has 2 routes available on komoot, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars. Approximately 5 visitors have shared their experiences in the area, contributing to 8 ratings.
Yes, komoot offers a guide titled Hiking in Porcupine Lake Wilderness. This guide provides detailed information for exploring the hiking opportunities within the wilderness area.
The wilderness features rolling hills in the west and flatter, sometimes swampy, areas to the east, shaped by glacial activity. Dense forests of sugar maples, red maples, yellow birches, white and red pine, and hemlock cover the terrain. Numerous lakes and streams, including Porcupine Lake, are also present.

