NORTHEAST REGION

Calendar

Oct. 7-9 Iron Mountain – Leif Erikson Festival Oct. 8 Crooked Lake – Oktoberfest Oct. 8 Crivitz – Fall Craft Shop Oct. 8 Iron Mountain – Quilt Shop Oct. 15-16 Doty – Doty Dusty Sled Dog Races Nov. 6 Suring – Holiday Craft Bazaar Nov. 9 Shawano – Ladies’ Day Nov. 26 Oconto Falls – Avenue of Lights Ceremony Nov. 26 Lakewood – Christmas Tree Lighting Nov. 26 Lakewood & Townsend – Holiday Craft Fair Nov. 26 Shawano – Holiday Stroll & Tree Lighting Dec. 2 Shawano – Santa Parade Dec. 3 Florence – Christmas in Florence Dec. 3 Oconto – Christmas Parade & Santa Visit Dec. 3 Riverview – Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Find Fall Colors for Miles and Miles

OCONTO COUNTY -- Pack up the family and travel to the northernmost region of Oconto County for a truly remarkable fall adventure. The local chamber suggests these outings: Quartz Hill Trail -- The Quartz Hill Trail offers one of the prettiest views of the brilliant fall colors from atop a quartz rock outcrop. As you hike through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest you’ll take in the dazzling colors of the hardwood forest and the glassy luster of quartz crystal. Quartz Hill Trail cascades into two sections. One portion is located on the east and the other portion is located on the west side of State Highway 32. The west portion of this trail leads to the site of the Carter Fire Lookout Tower. Once used to spot forest fires, all that now remains are four concrete pilings. For a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and forest, take the east section that leads across a boardwalk to the top of McCaslin Mountain. The trail is rocky and uneven and is also used by ATVs. It has moderately steep sections. Interpretive signs outline the area’s unique history and identity. For example, at the quartz crystal deposit, hikers can learn why the early Native Americans visited Quartz Hill to collect quartz. However, digging or collecting quartz crystals is now prohibited at Quartz Hill. Take pictures of these beautiful creations and leave only with your memories. From Carter, take State Highway 32 south 1 mile. The parking area is on the west side of the highway. A sign with trail map is at the trailhead. To get to the east portion of the trail from the parking lot you must cross over State Highway 32. Be cautious

for high-speed traffic. The trail section to the east to McCaslin Mountain is 6/10ths of a mile. The section to the west to Carter Tower site is 3/4ths of a mile. Mountain Fire Lookout Tower -- Then it’s off to Mountain Fire Lookout Tower to experience another bird’s eye view of the Northwoods’ natural beauty. The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower delivers a spectacular panorama of the east side of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. To reach the 7-by-7foot lookout perch, you will have to climb 132 steps. The 100-foot-high steel tower was built in 1935 by the U.S. Forest Service and Civilian Conservation Corps. Just the 41st lookout tower registered in the U.S., the tower is listed on the National Historic Lookout Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The Lakewood-Laona Ranger District restored the tower in 2015-16.

Early October is typically the time of year when fall foliage is at its peak in Oconto County. The lookout tower is located 2.5 miles north of Mountain off Forest Road 2106/Old 32 on the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District. It’s open from 8 a.m. until sunset until Oct. 31. Visiting the site is free, but donations are appreciated. Butler Rock – Hike up the recently developed out-and-back trail to Butler Rock, in the town of Brazeau, to reach the county’s highest point. This two-mile sand trek is not for the faint-hearted, but the views are spectacular. Directions: In Mountain, turn right onto Old 64 Road/Old Hwy. 64, sharp right onto Butler Rock Road and turn left onto Butler Rock Lookout Lane.

Tour the Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway

Autumn is an excellent time to tour the Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway and to see the fall colors during a time known as Colorama. The bulk of the scenic byway is located in Forest County, with segments in Langlade, Oneida and Vilas counties. The Nicolet-Wolf River Scenic Byway is located in the heart of the majestic Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and home to the headwaters of the pristine Wolf River. About 95% of the Wolf River watershed is wooded and wild. A variety of recreational opportunities are available to travelers ranging from activities on the extensive multi-use trail systems to water-based sports during the warmer months. You’ll find hiking and biking trails where you’ll discover the beauty of the Northwoods. There are shopping opportunities at unique shops and attractions to visit along the route. The route winds through the National Forest and various small communities, including Langlade, Hollister, Lily, Pickerel, Mole Lake, Crandon, Argonne, Alvin, and Nelma on WIS 55; Choate on WIS 52; Hiles, Carter, Wabeno, Padus, and Laona on WIS 32, as well as the Sokaogon Chippewa and the Forest County Potawatomi communities. The route offers a variety of historic and cultural sites, rustic roads, many waterways and an abundance of wildlife. Attractions include the Ice Age Trail, the Wolf River State Trail, the historic Dinesen House in Mole Lake and the Forest County Potawatomi Cultural Center near Crandon. The region’s logging heritage comes alive at the Lumberjack Steam Train and Camp 5 Museum complex in Laona, and the Wabeno Logging Museum. Stop in Argonne and view the new mural in front of the Hiles town hall on Hwy. 32. The eight-foot high, multi-panel mural showcases the town’s early days, the appreciation of Native American culture and traditions, and the exceptional recreational opportunities in the area. The “World’s Largest Soup Kettle” can be found in Laona.

Check out the website and interactive map at nicolet-wolfriver-scenicbyway.com to plan your fall adventure and future trips to the Northwoods.