State Natural Areas_Content Page_WolfRiverWoods_697

Wolf River Woods

No. 697

Northern mesic forest at Wolf River Woods State Natural Area.

 

Located along the Upper Wolf River in southern Langlade County, Wolf River Woods features one of the best examples of hemlock-hardwood and northern dry-mesic forest on the Upper Wolf River Fishery. It occupies the sandy loam-capped gravelly hummock complex found north of the river and is one of only a handful of upland forest stands in the entire Wolf River basin that has developed old-growth characteristics. The forest features a mix of dry-mesic and mesic northern forest types of very good quality. The mesic forest is composed of sugar maple, hemlock, yellow birch, American beech, northern red oak and basswood with a diversity of size classes present. There is advanced regeneration of hemlock and a fair amount of coarse woody debris, both standing snags and downed logs.

Along the Menominee Reservation border, the terrain is hummocky and hilly and descends to a cedar-dominated wet-mesic forest. The southern half is situated on a slight slope with several small springs and seeps that coalesce into spring runs. The unstable substrate around the springs contains numerous tip-ups and downed trees while a few super-canopy white pine occur in more flat, dry areas. The forests connect to the regionally significant Menominee Forest Conservation Area providing important corridors for plants and animals requiring large tracts of unfragmented older forest. Several Species of Greatest Conservation Need birds, including black-throated blue warbler, veery and wood thrush are known from this area. Wolf River Woods is owned by the DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2026.

Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for a variety of recreational activities as indicated below. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the Maps tab. A compass and topographic map or a GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.

The good majority of SNAs are isolated and have few or no facilities. Some SNAs have vehicle access lanes or parking lots, but their accessibility may vary depending on weather conditions. Parking lots and lanes are not plowed during winter. Hiking trails may be nonexistent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. A GPS unit or compass and a detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger SNAs.

Entrance fees: Except for Parfrey's Glen, Pewits Nest, Gibraltar Rock, the Dells of the Wisconsin River, SNAs within State Parks and some within State Forests, all other DNR-owned SNAs do not have any admission fees. For more information, see Wis. Admin. Code NR 45.

Allowable activities: DNR-owned land

The activities listed below are generally allowed on all DNR-owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such as SNAs closed to hunting, are noted above and posted with signs on the property site.

Prohibited activities: all SNAs

Although a handful of sites allow activities like primitive camping (e.g. Lower Chippewa River on sand bars) or horseback riding (e.g. S. Kettle Moraine), the activities listed below are generally prohibited on DNR-owned SNAs.

  • Camping and campfires
  • Collecting of animals (other than legally harvested species), non-edible fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood or any other natural material, alive or dead.
  • Collecting for scientific research requires a permit issued by the DNR.
  • Collecting of plants, including seeds, roots or other non-edible parts of herbaceous plants such as wildflowers or grasses.
  • Drones: Flying-related activities, including the use of drones, hang-gliders and model airplanes, are prohibited. Permission may be issued by the SNA Program for the use of drones for educational or research purposes.
  • Geocaching
  • Horseback riding
  • Rock climbing
  • Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use.

For rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Chapter NR 45 Wis. Admin. Code.

Location

Located within the Upper Wolf River Fishery Area, Langlade County. T31N-R14E, Sections 25, 36. T31N-R15E, Sections 30, 31. 403 acres.

Driving directions

From the intersection of Highways 64 and 55 in Langlade, go south on 55 approximately 5 miles to a DNR parking area west of the road. Or continue on Highway 55 another ½ mile and go southwest on M 0.1 mile, then south on Dessel Road to its end to a DNR parking area.

The DNR's state natural areas program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions and private individuals. While the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary according to individual ownership policies. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities.

Users are encouraged to contact the landowner for more specific details. The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries. To create your custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's Mapping Application.

Property Map

Wolf River Woods is owned by the Wisconsin DNR.