There’s a gorgeous and remote natural area in northern Wisconsin that’s been compared to Minnesota’s famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage is much smaller than the Boundary Waters, but it gives you a little taste of the natural beauty that draws so many people north. Like the boundary waters, it’s a great place for paddling, but it’s also a Wisconsin hiking spot worth seeking out. Here’s why.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a vast natural treasure, covering more than a million acres along the United States/Canada border. It’s filled with wild forests, tranquil streams, and glacial lakes, and it’s well worth the journey – if you have time to make the trip to far northern Minnesota.
Alltrails / Robin Cooper
For residents of Wisconsin, the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage is much closer. It’s located in Iron County, in northern Wisconsin.
Alltrails / Nicole Mellen
The flowage covers nearly 13,000 acres. It was formed about a century ago, when a dam was constructed on the Flambeau River.
Alltrails / Nicole Mellen

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Like the Boundary Waters, the flowage is popular with paddlers – some enjoy a short nature paddle while others take multi-day trips.
Alltrails / Robin Cooper
But you don’t need to put on a life preserver to explore a bit of this beautiful place - just head to the Hidden Rivers Trail in the Flowage. It’s a quiet trail, and there’s a good chance you’ll have it to yourself.
Alltrails / Nicole Mellen
The hike is not long – it covers about 2.5 miles and takes an hour to complete – but it’s beautiful. The hike will take you through dense forest and past many scenic views. The hike is especially beautiful during the fall.
Alltrails / Robin Cooper

Learn more about the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website. There’s a lot to discover in northern Wisconsin – here are some destinations that are so worth the drive.

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Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, Wisconsin, USA