Overview
The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest for over 60 miles, and this 10-mile section near Cable, Wisconsin captures the character of the forest at its best. The trail moves through rolling northwoods terrain mixed stands of sugar maple, yellow birch, and balsam fir punctuated by glacial kettles and small lakes with enough seclusion to feel genuinely removed from the surrounding communities even though the trailhead is within 15 miles of several small towns.
This section is part of a 4,800-mile trail that eventually connects to Vermont in the east and North Dakota in the west. In the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the trail runs through terrain shaped by the last glaciation, which retreated roughly 10,000 years ago and left behind the pitted, lake-dotted landscape that defines northern Wisconsin. The grades here are gentle by any standard this is not mountain country but the density of the forest and the quiet of the interior lakes give the experience real substance.
The trail is maintained by volunteers from the North Country Trail Association and is generally in good condition through the hiking season. Expect occasional blowdowns after storms and some muddy sections in early summer.
The Route
Miles 0 to 3: From the Forest Road 173 trailhead, the trail heads east through open mixed forest. The canopy is primarily hardwood sugar maple, basswood, yellow birch with patches of white pine where the soil drains well. The terrain rolls gently with nothing more than 50-foot climbs at a time. A small unnamed lake is visible through the trees around mile 2, and a short social trail leads to the shoreline.
Miles 3 to 6: The trail enters a section with more boreal character: balsam fir increases in the understory, and you may catch the scent of the forest before you see it change. A boggy area around mile 4.5 is crossed on a short boardwalk maintained by trail volunteers. This section is excellent for bird-watching in early morning look for warblers in migration (May and August) and year-round residents like black-capped chickadees, red-breasted nuthatches, and pileated woodpeckers.
Miles 6 to 10 (return): The trail continues east before the out-and-back route turns back. The return trip covers the same ground but often feels different in different light, particularly in late afternoon when the low sun angles through the hardwood canopy. The eastern endpoint connects to additional North Country Trail mileage for those wanting to extend the trip.
When to Visit
Late June through September is the main hiking season. The trails are accessible, temperatures comfortable (typically 65-80°F during the day), and daylight generous. July and early August can bring biting flies and mosquitoes near water, so insect repellent is worth packing. Late September and early October offer exceptional fall color with dramatically reduced insect pressure.
Spring (May and early June) is possible but wet: snowmelt and rain leave sections muddy, and blackflies can be intense. Winter brings snowpack that typically makes the trail passable on snowshoes from December through March.
Before any visit, check current conditions with the Chequamegon-Nicolet ranger district, particularly in shoulder seasons when some forest roads may be gated or flooded.
What to Bring
- Many hikers carry 1.5-2 liters of water for a day hike on this trail, though water is available from lakes and streams (treat before drinking). Individual needs vary.
- Insect repellent is strongly recommended from late May through early August
- Waterproof boots or trail shoes given the potential for muddy sections
- A map or downloaded offline GPS track cell service is unreliable throughout the forest interior
- Blaze orange if visiting during hunting season (mid-September through November)
- Bear spray is an option, though bear encounters on day hikes are uncommon
Practical Details
The trail is marked with the North Country Trail's distinctive blue diamond blazes. Intersections with forest roads are usually signed. The trail surface ranges from packed dirt to rooty natural surface; trekking poles help on wet sections.
Dispersed camping is permitted along the trail corridor. Camp at least 200 feet from water and follow Leave No Trace principles. No permit is required for dispersed camping. For multi-day trips, consult the national forest camping permit guide for general rules that apply to this forest.
Bears are present in this section of the forest. Follow proper food storage practices hang food at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from the trunk when camping, or use a bear canister.
Getting There
From Cable, Wisconsin, take County Road M south to Forest Road 173. The trailhead parking area is on the right (west) side of the road. GPS coordinates for the trailhead are approximately 45.80°N, 90.70°W. The lot has room for 8-10 vehicles. No fee is charged for parking (as of 2026).
From Rhinelander (approximately 45 miles east), take US-8 west to Cable and then follow the directions above. Cell service is limited once you leave the highway corridor.