The Wisconsin Forest Trail That Holds A Long Forgotten Secret Of The Great Depression

In the wake of the Great Depression, the government sought to put people back to work. The Civilian Conservation Corps was a New Deal program that employed thousands across the country for various outdoor projects. There were Civilian Conservation Corps projects in many locations in the Northwoods, and a special hiking trail will take you deep into this interesting chapter of Wisconsin history. Here’s what you need to know about the Camp Mercer CCC Trail, a historic Wisconsin hiking trail.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (“CCC”) was a program implemented in the United States during the Great Depression in the 1930s. It was a public work relief program that aimed to provide employment and promote environmental conservation and development.

In Wisconsin, the CCC played a significant role in the conservation and improvement of natural resources. Camps were established throughout the state, and young, unemployed men were enrolled in the program.

If you’ve spent some time in Wisconsin state parks, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered the fruits of this program. Crews of CCC workers built trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, and other infrastructure in Wisconsin state parks, and they planted millions of trees.

A trail in Iron County takes you to the site of a historic CCC camp. The Camp Mercer Interpretive Trail winds through the forest next to the Manitowish River, as depicted on this 1934 map of the old camp.

The trail loops past the administrative Civilian Conservation Corps camp location and two logging camps. There are 24 interpretive signs that tell the story of this property.

The trail will take you through a forest that’s lush and beautiful – it’s part of a conservation legacy that was established by this important movement.

You can reach the Camp Mercer CCC Trail trailhead via the Manitowish River access road, which is off of state Highway 51. I drove past this trail many times without realizing what I was missing. It’s worth a stop! Learn more about the Camp Mercer CCC Trail on the state Department of Natural Resources website. There’s so much history to discover in Wisconsin, why not explore more of the state’s top attractions?