Pronounced sho-wah-ma-gon, the name is derived from an Indian language that means "place of shallow water," a reference to Chequamegon Bay that extends north from Ashland into Lake Superior. Chequamegon's remoteness and few visitors make it ideal for true wilderness experiences. 850,000 acres offer a bounty of waterways, northern hardwoods, pines, meadowlands, wildlife species and scenic overlooks.
Among the many miles of trails are the North Country National Scenic Trail, which cuts across 60 miles of the forest. The trail links the beautiful Penokee-Gogebic Range to the peaceful Porcupine Lake and Rainbow Lake wildernesses. Forty-two miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail stretch across Chequamegon. Canoe on 632 miles of historic river routes once traveled by Native Americans, explorers, missionaries and fur traders. The Flambeau, Chippewa and Namekagon rivers are considered the best for canoeing.