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Natural Attractions

Caroline Lake Preserve

  • Caroline Lake Preserve | The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin
  • Walking trail, canoe, cross-country ski, hunt, and fish
  • 10 Miles – From Mellen, travel east on State Hwy 77 for about 4 miles to Lake Drive. Take a right and follow Lake Drive for 2.5 miles to Lake Caroline Road. Take a left and travel 2 miles to an unmarked road on the right. After one mile, this road dead ends at the mouth of the Bad River and at the Caroline Lake boat landing. Park at the boat landing area, then walk 1/2 mile back down road you drove in on to start of hiking trail to Twin Lakes. It is the first wide path on the left side of the road; look for small trail sign.

Chequamegon National Forest

850,000 acres shared by Ashland and Bayfield Counties, the Forest provides endless trails for the outdoor enthusiast, a variety of breathtaking overlooks and landscapes and is home to several hundred wildlife species. Activities include fishing, hiking, ATVing, horseback riding, wilderness camping, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice-fishing and snowshoeing. Fall colors attract many visitors who enjoy the scenic drives through the forest.

Copper Falls State Park

North of the city of Mellen, hiking and cross country ski trails meander throughout this beautiful Wisconsin park. Self-guided nature trails and observation points overlook spectacular vistas of canyons, streams, and waterfalls. Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls highlight two miles of steep-walled gorges.

  •  Copper Falls State Park | Wisconsin DNR
  • Bad River
  • Waterfalls (Copper Falls-40’ & Red Granite Falls)
  • Camping, hiking, bicycling, picnicking, fishing
  • Doughboy’s Nature Trail, 1.7 mile walk to the Brownstone Falls Overlook
  • 2.5 miles – Take Highway 169 out of Mellen WI. Follow the signs to 36764 Copper Falls Road, Mellen, WI 54546

Corrigan’s Lookout

Little Girls Point (Lake Superior)

Morgan Falls & St. Peter’s Dome

Located about 13 miles west of Mellen and 6 miles south of Sanborn in the Penokee Range. The 1600 ft. red granite dome is the highest point in the Chequamegon National Forest. On a clear day, you can see Lake Superior 20 miles to the north. At the south fork of Morgan Creek, a stream of water cascades 70 feet down the face of a rock cliff to a small, shaded pool – creating a breathtaking natural scene. It is a 1/2-mile hike from the parking area to Morgan Falls, and beyond the falls, about one mile to the top of St. Peter’s Dome. Parking sticker needed.

Mount Whittlesey

Mt. Whittlesey is 6th highest peak in Wisconsin reaching up 1,873 feet into the sky. It’s nested in the Town of Morse, WI. Mt. Whittlesey is used for recreational hiking, climbing, and picnicking. Mount Whittlesey is a well-kept secret to the locals in Mellen, Wisconsin.

North Country Trail

Mellen is the largest town in Wisconsin on or near the completed North Country Trail. Mellen is located just a couple of miles from the eastern trailhead for this long-established trail in the Chequamegon National Forest. On September 16, 2012, Mellen became Wisconsin’s first “Trail Town”. This honor was presented to Mellen by the North Country Trail Association which recognizes a community through which the trail passes and accommodates hikers and other trail users. Mayor Joe Barabe accepted two trail markers identifying Mellen as a Trail Town. The North Country Trail runs from North Dakota to New York, a distance of 4,600 miles.

Penokee Mountain Trail and Penokee Mountain Trail Overlook

The overlook offers a breathtaking view of the Penokee Mountain Range and the Chequamegon National Forest. Interpretive wayside exhibits unfold the colorful history of this ancient mountain range giving visitors a glimpse into the past. Located 3 miles west of Mellen on County Hwy GG, this overlook has a platform area for viewing with benches. Stairs lead up to the overlook.

Saxon Harbor (Lake Superior)

Tyler Forks Community Forest

Wren Falls

  • Waterfalls (Wren Falls-15’).  Wren Falls is on the North Country Trail.
  • 15 miles – From Mellen, turn right on Highway 169 just north of Mellen. Drive 11.6 miles to Vogues Road. Turn right onto Vogues Road.  Drive 3.4 miles until Casey Sag Road. Turn left onto Casey Sag Road. Parking is available. You’ll have to walk 1.5 miles down Wren Falls Road to get to the falls. Address: Casey Sag Road, Saxon, WI  54559.