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Wisconsin
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Wisconsin State Parks

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Wisconsin
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Black River State Forest
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BLACK RIVER STATE FOREST
BLACK RIVER STATE FOREST
910 Hwy 54 East
Black River, Wisconsin   54615

Phone: 715-284-4103
Reservations: 715-284-4103
Email: park email button icon
The Black River State Forest, established in 1957 includes approximately 67,000 acres in Jackson County. The area is unique among the state forests mainly because of its geological features. The Forest lies on the edge of the glaciated central plain east of the rough coulee region or driftless area of Wisconsin. If you hike the nature trail to the top of Castle Mound, one can observe what was once the bed of glacial Lake Wisconsin. Unglaciated buttes, sandstone hills, and castellated bluffs such as Castle Mound dot the vast forest landscape.

Dike 17 Wildlife Area is of special interest on the forest and a must visit. The 3,700 acre area is primarily managed for waterfowl. Approximately 2,100 acres of this area are a wildlife refuge. Some endangered and threatened wildlife species which can be found there include the bald eagle, osprey, Karner blue butterfly and the Massasauga rattlesnake. In addition, the threatened eastern timber wolf has reestablished its presence on the forest.

Hunting is permitted on State Forest land except for some public use areas. The forest provides excellent hunting for whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkey and squirrels. Fishing is also popular on the Black River, East Fork of the Black and various flowages. Walleye, bass, northern pike, musky and panfish are a few species that can be found in these waters.
History of the Area
Prior to European settlement, the land that is now Black River State Forest was occupied by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota, Ho-Chunk, and Ojibwe. These tribes relied on the forests for hunting, gathering, and cultural activities.

In the mid-1800s, European settlers began moving into the region and started logging the forests for its valuable timber. The Black River area had an abundance of white pine, which was highly sought after for construction and other purposes. Logging became a major industry in the area, attracting many settlers and boosting the local economy.

The logging operations had a significant impact on the landscape and ecosystem. Large-scale clearcutting, river drives, and sawmills transformed the forested terrain. By the late 1800s, however, the white pine stands had been largely depleted, and the logging industry began to decline.

The state of Wisconsin recognized the importance of conserving the remaining forested areas and established the Black River State Forest in 1957. Since then, the forest has been managed for multiple uses, including recreation, wildlife habitat preservation, and sustainable timber harvesting.
Passes
A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles stopping in state parks, forests and recreation areas, please visit the VEHICLE ADMISSION STICKERS web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHiking Trailyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
Camping
1. East Fork Campground offers 24 sites with picnic tables, fire rings and vault toilets.
2. Pigeon Creek Campground has 38 rustic campsites for tents or small trailers.
3. Castle Mound Pine Forest campground provides electric hookups at all of its 35 family campsite units.
4. Wildcat Mountain State Park nearby also offers camping options including group camps and horse:friendly sites.


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Location
Black River State Forest is located near Black River Falls

Trails
1. Castle Mound Pine Forest Trail: A 2. 8-mile loop trail featuring a lake, suitable for all skill levels.

2. East Fork Campground Loop: This is an easy-rated 3 mile long hiking and mountain biking route with river views.

3. Wildcat Mountain State Park Trails: Offers over twenty miles of scenic trails that traverse the forested hillsides along Kickapoo River Valley.

4. The Smrekar Trail: It's a moderately difficult three-mile-long trail offering hikers beautiful woodland scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.

5. Pigeon Creek Ski/Hiking/Bike Trails: North Route & South Route; both are approximately five miles each in length through diverse terrain including wetlands, prairies, pine forests etc.

6. Castle Mound Nature Trail: An accessible half-a-mile interpretive nature path showcasing unique geological features like sandstone bluffs amidst oak-pine woods.

7. Red Oak Ridge Hiking/Skiing/ Bicycling Path: Two loops totaling around fourteen miles offer moderate to challenging hikes amid hardwood ridges and marshy lowlands.

8. Wildlife Observation Area Walking Paths: Short quarter or half mile paths leading from parking areas to bird watching platforms overlooking ponds/wetland habitats.

9. East Fork Black River Camping Grounds Accessible Walkway: Paved one-third-of-a-mile walkway providing campers direct access to beach area on east fork black river.

10. Millston Sand Barrens Interpretative Nature Track: One-and-half-miles self-guided tour explaining rare ecosystem comprising jack pines growing atop sandy soils.

11. North Settlement Backpacker's Primitive Site Approach Way: A short but steep hike up less than a mile leads backpackers towards secluded camping site within dense woodlands.

12. South Beaver Creek Canoe Landing Footpath: A brief tenth-of-aile foot-trail connecting canoe landing spot at south beaver creek with main road.

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Area Campgrounds
Parkland Village Campground & Resort
N6150 Julianna Road
Black River Falls, WI

Directions
Use Mapquest and the address provided below to create a custom set of directions from you location to the Forest:

Black River State Forest910 Hwy 54 EastBlack River Falls, WI 54615-9276715-284-4103 or 715-284-1417

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Wisconsin
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Wisconsin State Parks

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