The Three Lakes Trail in Nicolet National Forest connects three quiet forest lakes through rolling hardwood and pine terrain near the town of Three Lakes, Wisconsin. The five-mile loop is easy and well-marked, offering the characteristic combination of forest and lake that defines the Nicolet's recreational landscape.
Northern Wisconsin's lake country character is fully on display here. The lakes are surrounded by mature forest, and the absence of development gives the loop a tranquil, backcountry feeling despite its accessibility.
The Route
The loop begins from the WI-32 trailhead and heads east through mixed forest to the first lake, reached at approximately one mile. The trail follows the shoreline briefly before moving through the forest to the second lake at two miles, then the third at three miles. The return to the trailhead cuts across the loop's interior on a forest trail.
Each lake offers a different character: one is larger and open, one is more marsh-edged, and the third is deeper and clearer. The variation keeps the lake-hopping loop interesting across its full length.
What to Expect
Loon calls are the acoustic highlight of early morning visits from June through August. The birds nest on several area lakes and their yodeling carries across the water in the still morning air. Bald eagles fish the lakes regularly.
Mosquitoes can be intense near the lake shores in June. By August the bugs diminish considerably and the lakes are at their most pleasant. Fall (late September through mid-October) is quiet, colorful, and bug-free.
Nearby
The town of Three Lakes, Wisconsin, is just a few miles from the trailhead and offers local dining and some lodging. Eagle River is about 15 miles west with more extensive services. The broader Vilas County and Oneida County lake region contains hundreds of additional lakes accessible by road, canoe, and on-foot trail.
Leave No Trace
This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.
Safety Considerations
The easy rating reflects the trail's general character under typical conditions. Weather, seasonal snow, and trail conditions can change the experience significantly. Carry the 10 Essentials on any full-day outing. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out, particularly on longer or more remote trails. Cell service varies throughout Nicolet National Forest and may be unreliable in canyon bottoms or remote terrain.