Don’t miss these fall color hikes in Boulder Junction

September 19, 2024

Stunning vistas await in northern Wisconsin this fall—Boulder Junction is home to some of the Northwoods’ best fall scenery, and one of the greatest ways to take in this amazing color show is with a quiet stroll through forest. Here are some trails you need to try.

Note: All the trails listed below are part of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest (NHAL).

Escanba-Pallette Lake Trails

A short drive from Boulder Junction—the trailhead is about 3.5 miles east of County Highway M on Nebish Lake Road—this trail system offers four loops ranging from a little over 2 miles to nearly 8.5 miles. The views are worth some of that extra length, though, as the trails pass through a mix of red oak, red maple, and aspen, which explode with color during the fall. The trail system is hilly, meaning some spots are rated as moderately difficult, and loops around five lakes. It also connects to the Lumberjack Trail to the north.

Leashed pets are allowed on the trail during spring, summer, and fall.

Lumberjack Trail

This stunning trail follows the Manitowish River and the shores of White Sand Lake just east of downtown Boulder Junction. Trail lengths range from 1.5 miles to nearly 6 miles, and the effort level is easy to moderate. In fall hikers will enjoy walking through old-growth timber, which makes up about half the trail. The southern section of trail connects to the Escanaba-Pallette Lake trail system.

Leashed pets are allowed on the trail year-round.

Nature Trails

The NHAL is also home to some shorter—but no less scenic—routes that are classified as nature trails. The Star Lake Nature Trail is a one-mile loop located on a peninsula that juts out into Star Lake and is the site of some of the first tree plantings in Wisconsin. (There’s another 2.5-mile loop that follows the peninsula and offers great views of the lake.) The Fallison Lake Nature Trail is the longest in the NHAL, with the longest loop at 2.34 miles, and loons, osprey, and eagles are a common sight. Another easy one-mile loop is the North Trout Lake Nature Trail just south of downtown, which winds along the shoreline of North Trout Lake and through a bog of spruce and tamarack. The Tom Roberts Nature Trail is a handicapped-accessible paved trail that offers views of Muskellunge Lake.

Pets and bikes are not allowed on the forest’s designated nature trails year-round.

Learn more about hiking in Boulder Junction here.