If you’re a nature enthusiast looking to explore the untouched beauty of Wisconsin, the Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area in Vilas County is a must-visit destination. This serene preserve offers a unique opportunity to hike through a portion of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, immersing yourself in the natural wonders of a place that’s untouched by development. Here’s why Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area is a Wisconsin hidden gem.

You’ll find this wild area in far northern Wisconsin near the border with Michigan. There’s a small parking area, and there are signs, but there’s otherwise little development.
Alltrails / William Scheckel
The protected land at the preserve spans over 2,000 acres. It’s part of the Border Lakes area, a vital travel corridor for far-ranging mammals like timber wolves, moose, and Canada lynx.
Alltrails / Liz McGlennan
The preserve boasts an impressive collection of 15 wild lakes and ponds, including Upper and Lower Aimer, Knife, Battine, Bug, and Canteen. These pristine bodies of water hold a rich diversity of fish and other aquatic species, as well as vibrant plant life.
Alltrails / Wayne Hune

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There’s a lot of wilderness to explore here. The Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area plays a crucial role in connecting two significant wilderness expanses. To the north lies the vast one-million-acre Ottawa National Forest in Michigan, while to the south you’ll find the expansive 220,000-acre Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest.
Alltrails / Grant Anderson
The trail system contains numerous loops, so it’s easy to plan a hike of just about any length. You can see quite a bit of the preserve with about an hour of hiking.
Alltrails / Karen Park
The late summer or early fall is a great time to hike the preserve, although you can hit the trails in any month. Bring shoes appropriate for muddy trails and insect repellent, especially in the early summer or after it rains.
Alltrails / Grant Anderson

I’ve enjoyed this wilderness area in the summer and the winter – it’s really incredible. Learn more about the Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area on the Nature Conservancy website. Get your backcountry hiking supplies at REI. If this sounds interesting to you, Wisconsin has tons more amazing wild places to explore.

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Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area, 7971 E Bay Rd, Presque Isle, WI 54557, USA