Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Perkinstown Research Natural Area (RNA) is located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in north-central Wisconsin. The area covers a significant section of boreal forest characterized by dominant red pine, white pine, and northern hardwood species. One of the defining ecological features is the presence of Wisconsin’s rare conifer swamp and bog habitats, where black spruce, tamarack, and cedar thrive. The site was designated as a Research Natural Area to preserve its relatively undisturbed old-growth forest and diverse wetland habitats, which serve as a baseline for ecological research and monitoring of natural processes. Historically, the region was less impacted by logging compared to surrounding areas, allowing key old-growth attributes to persist. For outdoor enthusiasts, Perkinstown RNA offers opportunities for quiet immersion in a distinct northern forest setting, with hiking on limited trails and wildlife viewing as primary activities. The area does not have extensive developed recreation facilities, emphasizing natural values and conservation. Notable landmarks include intact old-growth pine stands that highlight forest succession stages and the rare bog ecosystems that support specialized flora and fauna. Visitors interested in botany, ecology, or natural history will find this area particularly appealing, as well as those seeking solitude and undisturbed habitats. Accessibility is moderate, with forest roads and limited marked trails, making it suitable for prepared visitors and researchers.
