Hiking
The Chequamegon Bay region is a great place for hiking.
Some great hiking trails are at Copper Falls – located in Mellen. To get to Copper Falls State Park: Drive just 25 miles south of Ashland on State Hwy. 13 and hike and enjoy the beautiful waterfalls at Copper Falls.
Morgan Falls: Great Divide: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
This area represents a large block of unfragmented forest, which includes exposed cliffs, streams, a 70 foot waterfall and a breathtaking overlook at the top of St. Peter’s Dome (known locally as Old Baldy) which has an excellent view of Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands.
Viewing Information: The trail to Morgan Falls (1.2 miles round trip) was reconstructed in 2019 to make it accessible for people with disabilities. The trail is graveled and the slopes are fairly flat. Morgan Falls is a serene oasis, an almost mystical place. The vegetation is very fragile, some plants rare. Care should be taken to stay on the trail and off the cliffs, rocks, and vegetation in and on the way to the falls.
The trail to St. Peter’s Dome (3.6 miles round trip) is fairly rugged with quite a bit of exposed rocks in the trail and steep climb. Signs of past human enterprises can be seen along the way: the old CCC Camp at the trail’s onset and remnants of an old stone quarry further up the trail. The trek to the dome’s crest is well worth the effort. The panoramic view of the Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior, and the Apostle Islands, is an unforgettable experience.
Safety First: Appropriate footwear for rough terrain is a must. Clothing appropriate for weather conditions is recommended and a compass/topographic map is a necessity for off trail explorations. Directions: The site is located approximately 15 miles south of Ashland, Wisconsin. Follow County Line Rd. (FR 199) from Cty. Hwy. E to the parking area (fee required). The site is bordered by FR 199 to the west and south and FR 187 to the east. Contact the Great Divide Ranger District at (715) 264-2511 for maps and travel conditions.
The Heritage Chapter of the North Country Trail Association invites you to enjoy the forests, lakes, and rivers of our trail country in Iron and Ashland Counties. Click here for North Country Trail Maps and Brochures for the Heritage Chapter’s Region.
Looking for a light walk – The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center has a trail right out their back door. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Northwoods wetlands on our 0.75-mile interpretive boardwalk trail. It winds along a black ash swamp, sedge meadow, mature cedar, and tamarack swamp.
Walking & Biking
The Ashland Rails to Trails System (ARTS) and Waterfront trail is a “Must See” in Ashland. At 11.5 miles, this asphalted pedestrian trail (open to bikers, walkers, runners) takes you along Lake Superior’s shoreline past historic structures, public art displays, fishing piers, public beaches, playgrounds, and other recreation amenities. This walking/biking trail connects with the Tri-County Recreational Corridor. If you were really ambitious, you could make your way all the way to Superior!
Click here for a map of the City of Ashland Rail Trail System
Check out the Cable, Wi., website for a list and a map of trails Cable Hiking Trails