Scenic Hiking Trails in Boulder Junction

July 22, 2024

The Northwoods of Wisconsin is vibrant and full of life in the summer making it a perfect time to get out on Boulder Junction’s trails. Here are a few scenic routes that are great for a  quiet stroll.

Escanaba-Pallette Lake Trails

This trail system passes the shores of five lakes—Pallette Lake, Escanaba Lake, Little Escanaba Lake, Mystery Lake, and Spruce Lake—and offers rolling hills and beautiful scenery for hikers to explore. Trail segments vary in length from 2.6 miles to nearly 8.5 miles, and the northern segment of the trail connects to the Lumberjack Trail. Leashed pets are allowed on the trail.

Getting there: The trailhead is located at a parking area on Nebish Lake Road about 3.5 miles east of County Highway M.

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Fallison Lake Trail

Located in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, this trail system offers a series of loops to explore (the longest is a little over 2 miles) around 53-acre Fallison Lake. The trail passes through scenic woodlands of red and white pine, sugar maple, white birch, and aspen and crosses bogs and a hemlock glade. Hikers should keep their eyes peeled for Loons, Osprey, and Bald Eagles. A picnic area is located on the southwestern corner of Fallison Lake. Pets are not allowed on the trail.

Getting there: From downtown Boulder Junction, take Highway M south for 7.5 miles, then head east on County Highway N for 2.5 miles until you reach the trailhead.

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Lumberjack Trail

This scenic trail follows the Manitowish River, the Fishtrap Flowage and White Sand Lake just east of downtown Boulder Junction. Hikers will find easy to moderate trails that pass through old-growth forests and some areas that have been recently logged. The longest trail segment stretches for approximately 6 miles from the Manitowish River to just east of White Sand Lake. The southern end of the trail system connects to the Escanaba Trail. Leashed pets are allowed on this trail.

Getting there: There are two trailheads—one is located on Concora Road (follow Old Highway K east from downtown Boulder Junction) and one is located on County Highway K and Nixon Lake Road.

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North Trout Nature Trail

This is a great trail for hikers of all ages, with a one-mile loop that wanders through a bog area populated with Black Spruce and Tamarack trees, along on the shores of Trout Lake. This is an ideal trail to explore in Spring due to the abundance of wildflowers. Frequent wildlife sightings include White-tailed Deer, Foxes, Northern Flying Squirrels, and Loons. Since this is a designated nature trail, pets are not allowed.

Getting there: From downtown Boulder Junction, head about 3 miles south on Highway M to reach a parking area and trailhead on the west side of the highway.

Looking for more trails in Boulder Junction? Check out the free Map It Vilas County trails app, which will help you find trails by length, location, activities offered, and more.