Great Divide Highway is about 40 miles south of Ashland in northern Wisconsin. It begins about 13 miles south of Mellen and travels west across Chequamegon National Forest. It officially ends at the national forest boundary. Great Divide Highway is 29 miles long and follows WI 77, a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. The byway is generally open year-round.
Great Divide Highway travels through forests of northern hardwoods and mixed conifer. It also treats travelers to meadows filled with wildflowers and wetlands where waterfowl congregate. The byway winds through the hills of the Penokee Range, its ridgelands forming the Great Divide that separates water flowing north to Lake Superior from water flowing south to the Mississippi River. White-tailed deer, black bear, and timber wolves inhabit the forested regions while loons, beavers, and bald eagles can be seen around the byway’s many lakes. Scenic overlooks along the route provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding highlands.
The numerous lakes and rivers surrounding the byway make for great muskellunge, northern pike, bass, walleye, and trout fishing. Portions of the Namekagon River flowing from Namekagon Lake are part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. The river provides some Class II and III rapids for those wishing to tackle the river.
Side roads may tempt you to do some exploring. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with many beautiful “hidden” lakes, rivers, and streams. You’ll find campgrounds on the shores of many lakes and perfect places for pulling over and enjoying a picnic. This vast network of forest roads also makes for good mountain biking. In winter you’re likely to see cross-country skiers and snowmobilers utilizing the miles of groomed trails.
There are two national forest campgrounds along the byway. Day Lake is the largest and is about one mile north of Clam Lake. It has 66 campsites for tents and recreational vehicles. The Chippewa River camping area offers 11 sites and boat access to the river. There are no hookups at either campground.