- Region
- WI, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm wilderness permit requirements wit…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Eagle River-Florence Ranger District
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Photos of Blackjack Springs Wilderness
How to get there
Blackjack Springs Wilderness is seven miles northeast of Eagle River in Vilas County, Wisconsin. The listed road access is Forest Road 2178, Eagle River, WI 54521. Confirm the appropriate entry location and current road conditions with the Eagle River-Florence Ranger District at 715-479-2827 before traveling.
- Forest Road 2178
Listed road access for Blackjack Springs Wilderness near Eagle River. Confirm the entry location before arrival; no specific parking area or trailhead details are given.
- Eagle River-Florence Ranger District
Trip-planning contact at 1247 E. Wall St., Eagle River, WI 54521, rather than a wilderness trailhead. Call 715-479-2827 for access guidance and current conditions.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
WI, USA · United States
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Hunting
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
Springs, wetlands, and rolling forest
Blackjack Springs Wilderness protects about 5,800 acres in Vilas County, seven miles northeast of Eagle River in northern Wisconsin. Designated in 1978, it lies within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Four large, clear springs form the headwaters of Blackjack Creek beneath dense forest cover. Three streams, spring ponds, wetlands, and Whispering Lake give the area its water-rich character. The lake sits in the northeastern part of the wilderness. Glaciation shaped the rolling, uneven ground, so walking here is not simply a matter of crossing flat woodland. Vegetation is typical of the Lake Superior Highlands, with forest providing habitat for black bears, white-tailed deer, fishers, ruffed grouse, and songbirds. Hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and camping are the main ways to explore this mix of forest and water.
Walking the trails and old logging grades
Several trails enter Blackjack Springs Wilderness, with four miles of maintained trail across the area. That figure describes the trail network, not a single loop or an approach to the springs. Abandoned logging roads and railroad grades offer additional walking opportunities, but should not be treated as maintained or reliably marked routes. Extensive logging and fire changed this forest during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and much of the woodland is secondary growth. Those old transportation corridors remain visible reminders of that history. Carry a detailed map and compass, and choose an outing that matches navigation ability rather than relying on a named destination alone. Day hiking and backpacking are both options. Bicycles, motor vehicles, boat motors, and wheeled devices for transporting canoes or equipment are prohibited within the wilderness.
Camping and preparing for woodland travel
Bring safe drinking water and a treatment method; potable water is not available, and lake or stream water must be purified before drinking. Pack insect repellent from spring through fall, check regularly for ticks, and carry a first-aid kit. Deer ticks can carry Lyme disease. Watch the weather and bring protection against cold and wet conditions, since hypothermia can occur in any season. Leave travel plans with someone before heading in. For overnight trips, store food securely away from sleeping areas to avoid bear problems. Camping within 100 feet of water is prohibited, and stays are limited to 14 consecutive days. Use an existing low-impact site without damaging vegetation, favor a portable stove, and pack out trash. Wisconsin fishing and hunting regulations and license requirements apply. Confirm current access conditions and any permit requirements with the Eagle River-Florence Ranger District.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Blackjack Springs Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 45.9679, -89.0848
- Latitude (DMS)
- 45° 58′ 4.3″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 89° 5′ 5.3″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Blackjack Springs Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The Blackjack Springs Wilderness was established by Congress in 1978 and is located in Northeast Wisconsin on the Eagle River Ranger District of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Much of the area...
Key takeaways
- Region: WI, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 45.968, -89.085
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Blackjack Springs Wilderness
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
- Kayaking
Sheltered and open-water paddling lines.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Blackjack Springs Wilderness
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishBrook TroutSalvelinus fontinalis
Wildlife guideNorth American beaverCastor canadensis
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
GamefishSmallmouth BassMicropterus dolomieu
Wildlife guideSnowshoe hareLepus americanus
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
Springs, wetlands, and rolling forest
Blackjack Springs Wilderness protects about 5,800 acres in Vilas County, seven miles northeast of Eagle River in northern Wisconsin. Designated in 1978, it lies within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Four large, clear springs form the headwaters of Blackjack Creek beneath dense forest cover. Three streams, spring ponds, wetlands, and Whispering Lake give the area its water-rich character. The lake sits in the northeastern part of the wilderness. Glaciation shaped the rolling, uneven ground, so walking here is not simply a matter of crossing flat woodland. Vegetation is typical of the Lake Superior Highlands, with forest providing habitat for black bears, white-tailed deer, fishers, ruffed grouse, and songbirds. Hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and camping are the main ways to explore this mix of forest and water.
Walking the trails and old logging grades
Several trails enter Blackjack Springs Wilderness, with four miles of maintained trail across the area. That figure describes the trail network, not a single loop or an approach to the springs. Abandoned logging roads and railroad grades offer additional walking opportunities, but should not be treated as maintained or reliably marked routes. Extensive logging and fire changed this forest during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and much of the woodland is secondary growth. Those old transportation corridors remain visible reminders of that history. Carry a detailed map and compass, and choose an outing that matches navigation ability rather than relying on a named destination alone. Day hiking and backpacking are both options. Bicycles, motor vehicles, boat motors, and wheeled devices for transporting canoes or equipment are prohibited within the wilderness.
Camping and preparing for woodland travel
Bring safe drinking water and a treatment method; potable water is not available, and lake or stream water must be purified before drinking. Pack insect repellent from spring through fall, check regularly for ticks, and carry a first-aid kit. Deer ticks can carry Lyme disease. Watch the weather and bring protection against cold and wet conditions, since hypothermia can occur in any season. Leave travel plans with someone before heading in. For overnight trips, store food securely away from sleeping areas to avoid bear problems. Camping within 100 feet of water is prohibited, and stays are limited to 14 consecutive days. Use an existing low-impact site without damaging vegetation, favor a portable stove, and pack out trash. Wisconsin fishing and hunting regulations and license requirements apply. Confirm current access conditions and any permit requirements with the Eagle River-Florence Ranger District.
Route options
- Maintained-trail hiking
Use the trails entering the wilderness for a day hike or backpacking outing. The area has four miles of maintained trail in total; this is not a specified end-to-end route. Carry a detailed map to select an entry and turnaround.
- Abandoned logging-road and railroad-grade exploration
Explore the old road and railroad grades still visible within the forest. These provide additional walking opportunities beyond the maintained trails, but are not a documented continuous route. Plan around navigation ability and the rolling, uneven terrain.
Sample itineraries
- Blackjack Springs day hike · 1 day
Plan a map-led hike focused on the four springs that feed Blackjack Creek. Confirm access from Forest Rd 2178 with the ranger district before setting out. Explore the dense forest without assuming abandoned logging grades are maintained trails; choose a turnaround suited to conditions.
- Whispering Lake overnight · 2 days
Plan a backpacking trip toward Whispering Lake in the northeastern wilderness, confirming your route beforehand. Camp at least 100 feet from water and the North Country National Scenic Trail, out of sight and sound of other visitors. Spend the second day birdwatching before hiking out.
- Forest and logging-history walk · 1 day
Explore the rolling forest on maintained trails, watching for remnants of logging roads and railroad grades. The wilderness has four miles of maintained trail, with additional walking opportunities on old grades. Carry a detailed map and compass rather than treating every visible grade as a marked route.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring
Bring bug repellent and check regularly for ticks. Streams, spring ponds, and wetlands warrant careful footing and route choices. Watch the weather and carry layers: hypothermia is possible in any season.
Summer
Summer
Plan for insects in the dense forest and around wetlands. No potable water is available; carry safe drinking water and purification equipment. Summer does not eliminate hypothermia risk, so keep rain protection and dry layers available.
Fall
Fall
Continue carrying bug repellent and checking for ticks. Prepare for changing weather rather than relying on mild conditions. Hunting is an established use of the wilderness; check applicable Wisconsin regulations when planning a hunting trip.
Winter
Winter
Confirm weather and access conditions with the ranger district before departure. Plan conservatively for cold-weather travel over rolling, uneven terrain. Carry insulating layers, navigation tools, and emergency supplies; leave your travel plan with someone.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring | Bring bug repellent and check regularly for ticks. Streams, spring ponds, and wetlands warrant careful footing and route choices. Watch the weather and carry layers: hypothermia is possible in any season. |
| Summer | Summer | Plan for insects in the dense forest and around wetlands. No potable water is available; carry safe drinking water and purification equipment. Summer does not eliminate hypothermia risk, so keep rain protection and dry layers available. |
| Fall | Fall | Continue carrying bug repellent and checking for ticks. Prepare for changing weather rather than relying on mild conditions. Hunting is an established use of the wilderness; check applicable Wisconsin regulations when planning a hunting trip. |
| Winter | Winter | Confirm weather and access conditions with the ranger district before departure. Plan conservatively for cold-weather travel over rolling, uneven terrain. Carry insulating layers, navigation tools, and emergency supplies; leave your travel plan with someone. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm wilderness permit requirements with the Eagle River-Florence Ranger District at 715-479-2827. Wisconsin fishing and hunting regulations and license requirements apply. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days.
Official source: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest | Blackjack Springs Wilderness · Verified October 19, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Rolling, uneven glacial terrain and wetlands require careful footing and conservative route choices.
- Dense forest and abandoned logging roads or railroad grades can complicate navigation. Carry a detailed map and compass, and leave your travel plan with someone.
- Deer ticks can carry Lyme disease. Use repellent and check yourself periodically; insects warrant preparation from spring through fall.
- Hypothermia can occur in any season. Monitor weather and protect dry clothing from rain and moisture.
- Clear spring water is not necessarily safe to drink. No potable water is available; properly purify all stream and lake water.
- Black bears can be attracted to food. Store food securely away from sleeping areas, and never keep it in a tent or sleeping bag.
What to pack for Blackjack Springs Wilderness
- Detailed wilderness map
- Compass
- First aid kit
- Travel plan left with a reliable contact
- Safe drinking water; agency guidance is about one gallon per person per day
- Water filtration device and appropriate purification supplies
- Food-storage supplies for hanging food high between trees
- Portable camp stove
- Bug repellent
- Rain protection
- Insulating layers and dry spare clothing
- Footwear suited to uneven ground
- Shelter and weather-appropriate sleeping system
- Trash bags
- Small trowel for human-waste disposal
- Container for carrying wash water away from lakes and streams
Blackjack Springs Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Blackjack Springs Wilderness, and how is it accessed?
- This roughly 5,800-acre wilderness lies seven miles northeast of Eagle River in Vilas County, Wisconsin, within Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The listed access road is Forest Rd 2178. Contact the Eagle River-Florence Ranger District for help identifying an appropriate entry point.
- What makes the landscape distinctive?
- Four large, clear springs form the headwaters of Blackjack Creek. Whispering Lake, three streams, spring ponds, and wetlands sit within dense forest on rolling glacial terrain. Old logging roads and railroad grades remain visible from the area's logging history.
- Are bicycles or canoe carts allowed?
- No. Motorized and mechanized equipment is prohibited, including bicycles, outboard and electric motors, and wheeled devices for transporting canoes or equipment. Canoeing is an activity here, but do not plan on using portage wheels or leaving a boat stored in the wilderness.
- What are the camping rules?
- Camping within 100 feet of water or the North Country National Scenic Trail is prohibited. Stays are limited to 14 consecutive days. Choose an existing suitable site without damaging vegetation, keep camp out of sight and sound of trails and other camps, and pack out trash.
- Can visitors build campfires?
- Campfires are permitted, but a portable stove is encouraged. Check current fire restrictions before departure. Keep fires small, use small dead and down wood gathered away from camp, and restore the site before leaving.
- Are drinking water and restrooms available?
- Potable water is not available; bring water and purification equipment. Do not rely on restroom availability. Dispose of human waste in a shallow hole at least 100 feet from campsites, trails, and waterways, and carry wash water away from streams and lakes.