The name of the National Forest is pronounced SHO-WAH-MA-GON, which in the Ojibwa Indian language means "place of shallow water". This refers to Chequamegon Bay which extends north from Ashland, Wisconsin into Lake Superior. The Chequamegon National Forest is a very scenic and unspoiled wilderness to explore on your ATV.
Totaling nearly 850,000 acres, the Chequamegon National Forest was formed by ice age glaciers that sculpted the land surface, lopping off hilltops and leaving small lakes in their wake. There is wildlife watching in abundance in this area as well as hunting. During the season, there are opportunities to bag black bear, ruffed grouse, and white-tailed deer.
If you came to ride your ATV, you won't be disappointed. Chequamengon has over 200-miles of ATV trails on three separate trail systems. Your ATV ride will take you through rolling forests, meadowlands and wetlands.
The Flambeau Trail can be found in the Park Falls District. This trail has five access points where vehicles and trailers can be safely parked. The trail has two interconnecting loops for a total distance of 55-miles. This trail is rated as one of the top 20 Trails in America to ride an ATV upon.
The Washburn Ranger District has 53 miles of interconnecting loops, taking ATV riders to such places as the Sunbowl, Moquah Pine Barrens, and vistas that overlook the north shore of Lake Superior and the famous Apostle Islands. For more of a challenge, there is the Dead Horse Run Trail in the Glidden District, this particular trail is rated Intermediate to Hard. This trail is 78 miles long, with several loops to choose from. One wet and wild ride is found on the Medford Ranger District you can find the Pekinstown Motorized Trail. This trail embraces the Chequamegon Waters Flowage and is 20.2 miles in length.
There is some great ATV riding available in the Chequamengon National Forest, next time you're in Wisconsin, make it a destination for your next ride!
