Powell Marsh Loop

Experience the scenic Powell Marsh Wildlife Area with this driving loop near Manitowish Waters in Vilas County. From Manitowish Waters, take U.S. Highway 51 south to Powell Road and turn right. Follow Powell Road about 7 miles to Highway 47. You’ll pass Alder Lake Road about 1.5 miles down on the left (this road leads you to the area’s cranberry marshes), and about 3 miles further you’ll encounter the scenic Powell Marsh Wildlife Area. Keep an eye out for its flocks of waterfowl and other wildlife, as well as cattails, marsh grasses and trees that turn hues of gold, red and yellow. About 6.5 miles down the road, you’ll pass the trailhead for the Powell Trail System. These deep-woods trails offer great hiking year-round and skiing in winter. At Highway 47, turn left and travel through the Native American reservation of Lac du Flambeau. Continue through Lac du Flambeau on Highway 47 to County Highway H. Turn left on H and follow it to U.S. Highway 51. Turn left on U.S. Highway 51 and travel north back to Manitowish Waters.