Discover the Magic of Langlade County

While many know the plethora of silent sports areas surrounding much of the north woods in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, there are still some hidden gems that most tourists don’t frequent. Getting off the beaten path can offer many surprises, like having trails and waterways mostly to yourself, enjoying a restaurant or bar with locals, or finding an open campsite with little advance planning.

For the past several years, Langlade County has been my “go to” when I want a break from crowds and am seeking a multitude of outdoor options year-round. Antigo, located in the southwest portion of the county, is the largest town and a great place to find supplies you may need. Outside of it, you’ll come across small general stores, but this is where locals usually do big runs. The other “larger” communities are White Lake to the East, Pickeral to the NE, and Elcho to the North. What lies between are endless miles of woods, rivers, lakes, and logging roads.

As you move through this area, you may notice a lot of swaths with missing trees or new growth trees. Sections of the county have been hit multiple times in recent years by tornadoes and derechos that go down in history books, the worst being in 2007, which destroyed Bear Paw Outfitters. And although logging is common practice here, many of the areas that appear to be clear-cut were caused by these devastating storms.

Paddling/Fishing

This area is well known to paddlers seeking whitewater, quiet lakes, and fly fishing. The Wolf River pulls whitewater enthusiasts from around the Midwest since it often has enough volume throughout the summer. Be aware that you should feel comfortable in class 2 rapids before attempting most sections and know where safe pullouts are for portaging faster rapids.

If running rapids isn’t your thing, lakes like Pickeral, Bass, Jack, Rose, Sawyer, Summit, White, and Enterprise can offer areas to play in by canoe or kayak—many also offering excellent fishing opportunities.

If you want a great event that includes paddling, the annual Wolfman triathlon, being held since 1994, might be right up your alley. This year, it will be held on September 12th.

Exploring by foot or snowshoe

I was surprised to find so many beautiful hiking trails throughout the entire county. In fact, it features over 120 miles for those on foot! The most well-known probably the Ice Age Trail, where the county contains 66 miles of the long-distance trail. Other great options are Jack Lake Recreation Area/Veterans’s Memorial Park (although some of the Ice Age Trail goes through here, there are many more options outside of the IAT to explore), Moccasin Lake Recreation Area by Elcho offers almost nine miles of trail, Peter’s Marsh Wildlife area boasting ten miles of grassy trails perfect for birders, the Wolf River Trail which is closed to ATV/UTV traffic from Langlade to Lily, the Wolf River Highlands trails in Elcho which offer over four miles of trails that include river bottoms, bogs and woods, Hunter Walking Trails in Pearson which offer 24 miles of maintained forest roads through forest and finally the trails lovingly referred to as the M trails which follow the Wolf River where Co Rd M hits HWY 55 south of Langlade. All of these trails can also be used for snowshoeing, and some are accessible for backcountry skiing.

The Twister is 5K Trail Run/Walk on the Nicolet Roche Trail and Forest Roads in the national forest. Event starts at the Boulder Lake Campground Boat Landing parking lot. www.lambatrails.com

Mountain Biking/Fat Biking

For those wanting to explore the woods by two wheels, you’ll find many types of trails ranging from flow to hand-cut and challenging. I always bring my mountain bike because it works well on forest service roads and two-track trails as well.

The two areas that are a must visit if mountain biking in the area are: the Nicolet Roche Trails in White Lake which offer everything from flow to technical rock gardens over twenty maintained miles, and Jack Lake at Veteran’s Memorial Park which give you 12 miles of fast single and double track with punchy climbs and views of the lake as well as an opportunity to take a swim post ride (these trails are also groomed in the winter for fat biking). Those in search of group rides, there is a regular group that meets at Jack Lake every Monday evening! There is also the Gartzke Flowage Recreation Area in Bryant that is maintained by the Antigo Bike and Ski Club and offers six miles of variable trails, and finally, the Antigo Single Track Mountain Bike Trail that’s located in the city and has 3.5 miles of trails used year-round (the trails are rider-packed and not groomed in the winter).

For more information on trails, trail conditions, and events for mountain biking in the area, LAMBA (Langlade Area Mountain Bike Association) is a wonderful resource run by volunteers all over the county.

A few great mountain bike events every year include the Wolfman triathlon (which also includes paddling and trail running), and WEMS races, which are either held on the Jack Lake Trails or Nicolet Roche trails.

Gravel Road Riding

There’s a reason why the Midwest Bikepacking Summit is held at Jack Lake! This area offers endless opportunities for day rides and is a great jumping-off point for multi-day bikepacking routes. Several are nationally recognized, and the most frequented route is the Tour de Nicolet or the Southern Nicolet Condensed Version, designed by Shane Hitz. Both can be found at www.thenxrth.com or Shane’s website www.shanehitzadventures.wordpress.com

For those looking for a great family route or a shorter out-and-back ride that offers one of the most scenic overlooks of the Wolf River, I suggest the Wolf River Trail from Highway 64 in Langlade to Lily. This is the only section that doesn’t allow ATV/UTV traffic, so it’s safe and is in very good shape. If you visit it in the spring, you’ll be treated to thousands of trillium as well as other spring ephemerals. Another option is the Crocker Hills Recreation Area, which is full of roads used almost solely by horseback riders, ATV/UTV traffic, and sled dog teams in the winter. It is remote and can be confusing, so I suggest bringing a recreation or forest service map while exploring.

Want to take part in a multi-level group event? Look no further than the Oxbow Odyssey put on by LAMBA www.lambatrails.com. Or look at the Humble 44. Not everyone can make it to the top. Race starts and ends at Grudgeville Pub.

For those exploring forest and logging roads, be mindful that road closures during logging operations are common, and to abide by “road closed” signs—this is, after all, a big part of the economy here. Also, be mindful of private property signs, especially on two-track trails or ATV trails, since many are maintained by private groups.

Skiing

Kettlebowl offers both affordable downhill and groomed cross-country ski options. Gartzke Flowage Recreation Area offers 6.5 miles of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing. Jack Lake has 12 miles of piston-bully groomed classic and skate trails, and Mocassin Lake has 5.5 miles of groomed trails.

Things to be mindful of in the area

First, this is bear country. I have come across black bears many times on two-track roads, gravel roads, and mountain bike trails. I’d suggest riding with another person or making sure someone knows where you are, having a bell on your bike, and knowing the basics of moving through bear country. I have not had any issues, but I also know it’s a possibility, especially during cub season.

Second, it’s imperative to honor all “no trespassing” signs. While moving through vast areas of wilderness/forest, it can be difficult to tell what private property is. Looking for signs that you aren’t sure can help prevent this issue.

Cell service can be very limited in much of the county. Carry a map and know how to read it if exploring an unknown area. Most of the Crocker Hills, Nicolet Roche Trails, and M Trails are completely offline. Maps can be easily found online or at Forest Service centers.

Finally, ticks are plentiful (as are mosquitoes and black flies in summer). Having protection will make your time much more pleasant!

Places to stay

First and foremost, this is camping country. You can find everything from highly maintained campsites at Veterans Memorial Park near the Jack Lake trails. and Boulder Lake Campground (near the Nicolet Roche trails) to private campsites at Bear Paw, 9 Mile Resort, and Great Northern Campground. Or, if you prefer roughing it, the National Forest has a multitude of dispersed campsites. If four walls is more your style, there are small inns and motels dotted throughout the county. By visiting www.langladecounty.org, you can also find cabins for rent.

There is nothing wrong with sticking to more well-traveled recreation areas, but if you want to get off the beaten path, I can’t speak more highly of Langlade County. This area is known to many who snowmobile or use ATV/UTVs. I’d love to see the silent sports community who volunteer there, or call it home, get more use and support!