CannonTracks - Lakewood Tour - Chequamegon-Nicolet NF WI

Looks like a good one for the fall. Thanks for another great offering!

I am looking at doing this as a two-up with my wife, anyone that has done it see any challenges?

I have lived in the area for 20+ years and it is a nice ride and some of these trails are part of my regular routes. The eastern side of hwy 32 is generally more "muddy" than the western side. So if we are getting a lot of rain (2016 was really rainy) then you will run into more chances for mud. There are a TON of awesome off trail routes off of this loop and there is so much to explore just in this little area. Of course in dry times some of the side roads are either 100% sand or a mix of sand and limestone. For me on an F800GS that means avoid the sand (usually forest fire roads) and stick to the routes that are muddy. Some of these routes have holes that get really deep too so, honestly, local knowledge is key in this area. Some of the Nicolet forest routes are closed and gated and some have been renamed or even moved (do not trust your Nicolet forest map from the USGS around here; very dated info). Certain times of year I run some of these routes ONLY in my Tacoma due to the amount of deep holes there are and keep the F800GS on the tarmac instead. I've been meaning to put together a big map sometime of all the hidden routes around here. You could spend an entire summer here and not ride every nook and cranny we've been running for years out here.

In regard to the question on riding two up this route is just fine for that. I take the GF on most of these trails a few times a year. If you want to explore off this route just be wary of the weather. If it hasn't rained in a while you are generally good but if it's really dry the forest roads get really sandy. We have a lot of ATV trails here so they are shared and beat up by ATVs and such which makes that dry sand in some areas deep.

-motoxpd

Hey there, Motoxpd....been looking through DNR regs and just trying to understand....ATVs and OHMs do not mix, is that right? Off Highway Motorcycles on their own trails or tarmac if Dual Sport and ATVs on ATV trails only? Can't ride Motorcycles and ATVs together on same route/trails?

Thanks Cannonshot, for your reply and your Service. A buddy of mine and I hunt deer in the Mountain/Lakewood area and it is looking to become a year round recreation area....he has mentioned ATVs for he and his son and I more prefer the single track two wheel types. I'd hate to not be able to ride along with them. Seems arbitrary to me to not allow both Off-Road Vehicle types on the same trail.

Always about money, isn't it? ;-) So rule of thumb, as long as we're on Federal Nicolet Forest land on an ATV trail ATVs and OHMs can ride together. Thanks for the help.

NO doubt....and I am all in to pay for the registration, join AMA and area clubs like Dusty Trails or Crooked Lake Clubs to chip in and maintain these trails. I cannot find a reason as to why Oconto County would prohibit OHMs from riding on ATV trails....more users more money and one less track tearing up the trail.

I am a total noob to Adventure Riding; I don't even own one as yet. I just would hate for the dream to die because of regulations. We could look elsewhere, other counties, etc. but we have spent a bit of time in Mountain/Lakewood and love the place.

Finally went to your website. Yeah, a lot of work is an understatement! I am only in 2013 but I feel you had a hand in putting in place the October 2016 reg. fee bill to fund OHM trails. Well done!

Just rode today fun trail. sand is deep on atv trail by chute pond campgrounds. The two track is a little challenging with leaves falling covering up tree roots and rocks.