Ready to elevate your perspective on Northern Wisconsin? We frequently hear visitors asking where to find the most breathtaking views, and we’re excited to share our favorite scenic heights across Northern Oconto County. Whether you’re chasing summer’s lush canopies or planning ahead for fall’s spectacular color show, these elevated destinations promise unforgettable panoramas just waiting to be discovered.
This self-guided tour showcases just a portion of the incredible scenic vistas available throughout Oconto County – there are countless more adventures awaiting those who venture off the beaten path. With locations spread across the northern part of the county, plan to stay a few days to fully experience all these incredible vistas and the outdoor adventures that await between them. 
From ancient old-growth forests to towering fire lookouts, these destinations offer the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and Instagram-worthy views. So lace up your hiking boots and prepare to see Northern Wisconsin from an entirely new angle.
Get ready to climb higher and see farther at these spectacular Northern Oconto County scenic heights:
Big Bear Rocky Vista
This scenic rocky overlook offers stunning views of the Chequamegon-Nicolet
National Forest stretching for miles in every direction. The moderate hike to reach the vista is well worth it when you’re rewarded with panoramic views of endless forest canopy below. During summer, you’ll enjoy lush green treetops as far as the eye can see, while fall transforms the landscape into a spectacular display of autumn colors. The natural rock platform provides the perfect spot to rest and take in the beautiful Northwoods scenery.
Location: Knowles Creed Road, Lakewood
For More Information: Big Bear Rocky Vista
Butler Rock
This unique rock formation offers excellent views over the rolling countryside of Northern Oconto County. From the top,
you can see a beautiful mix of forests, farmlands, and distant hills creating a scenic patchwork landscape. The rock itself is interesting to explore, showcasing the area’s geological history. Butler Rock is relatively easy to access, making it a great choice for families and casual hikers. The elevated views promise to be especially spectacular during fall color season.
Location: Butler Rock Lookout Lake, Town of Brazeau
For More Information: Butler Rock
Cathedral Pines
This 40-acre grove offers a completely different kind of scenic height experience. These
massive white pines, hemlocks, and red pines escaped logging in the 1900s, creating a natural cathedral of towering trees. Walking among these ancient giants provides a peaceful, almost magical atmosphere as sunlight filters through the high canopy above. The grove is home to a summer heron colony, adding wildlife viewing to this unique forest experience.
Location: Cathedral Dr, Townsend
For More Information: Cathedral Pines
Virtual View: Peace Among the Pines
Chute Pond Overlook
This scenic overlook provides beautiful views of historic Chute Pond and its surrounding forest. From this
elevated spot, you can see the entire 418-acre lake below, along with recreational boaters enjoying the clear waters. The overlook also offers views of the historic Chute Pond Dam, built in 1937. Summer visitors enjoy watching the lake activity below, while fall will bring stunning reflections of colorful autumn foliage mirrored in the calm waters.
Location: East Lake Shore Lane, Mountain
For More Information: Chute Pond Overlook Trail
Virtual View: Chute Pond Overlook Trail
Granite Hill
Known locally as Granite Hill, this scenic spot offers excellent panoramic views across Northern Oconto County’s
diverse landscape. From the granite summit, visitors can take in beautiful views of surrounding forests, farmlands, and distant ridgelines. The rock formation itself is interesting to explore while providing a natural viewing platform. Summer offers expansive green forest views, while fall color season promises some of the area’s most spectacular autumn displays from this elevated vantage point.
Location: Weso Flowage Rd, Breed
For More Information: Granite Hill
Virtual View: Granite Hill
Hagar Mountain
This rewarding hiking destination offers excellent summit views of the Chequamegon-Nicolet
National Forest and serves as the northernmost and one of the largest turkey vulture roosts in Wisconsin. The trail also features a beautiful waterfall along the way, adding an extra scenic element to your hike. To reach the trailhead, take Highway W to Bear Paw Lane and look for the dirt trail across from Bear Paw Lane. From the mountain’s peak, you can see for miles across pristine wilderness areas and dense forest lands. The scenic views showcase the vast scope of Northern Wisconsin’s natural beauty, with summer offering lush forest vistas and fall promising spectacular color displays.
Location: County Rd W, Mountain
For More Information: Hagar Mountain
Virtual View: Hagar Mountain
Mountain Fire Lookout Tower
Standing 100 feet tall, this historic fire tower built in 1935 and restored in 2015-16 offers the ultimate scenic experience
in Northern Oconto County. As one of the few fire lookout towers open to the public in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, visitors can climb all 132 steps to reach the 7×7 observation cabin at the top. From this unique vantage point, you’ll enjoy incredible 360-degree views of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, with pristine lakes, winding rivers, and endless forest stretching in every direction. Located on Tower Road in Riverview, this tower provides unmatched views that are spectacular in summer and absolutely breathtaking during fall color season.
Location: Tower Road, Riverview
For More Information: Mountain Fire Lookout Tower
Virtual View: Mountain Fire Lookout Tower Video
Quartz Hill
This scenic trail offers two different sections, both leading to excellent viewpoints over the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The
moderately challenging hike winds through beautiful forest terrain before reaching elevated spots with panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. From Quartz Hill’s summit areas, visitors can see forests and sparkling waterways stretching across Northern Oconto County’s landscape. The trail provides cool forest shade during summer hikes, while fall visitors can expect some of the region’s best autumn color viewing from these elevated vantage points.
Address: Hwy 32, Townsend
For More Information: Quartz Hill Trail
With spectacular scenic destinations spread across Northern Oconto County, this tour is perfect for a memorable weekend getaway or extended vacation. Each location offers its own unique perspective and outdoor experience, from moderate hiking trails to historic fire tower climbs. Consider planning a 2-3 day adventure to fully explore these scenic heights without rushing – you’ll have time to enjoy each vista, take plenty of photos, and discover the hidden gems between stops. Plus, with hiking trails, nearby lakes, and other outdoor activities at each destination, you’ll find ample ways to fill your days beyond the scenic overlooks.
Whether you’re seeking summer’s lush green canopies or planning ahead for fall’s magnificent color show, these scenic heights represent a glimpse of the elevated adventures waiting throughout Oconto County. Each destination offers its own unique perspective on Northern Wisconsin’s natural beauty, creating memories that will last long after your visit.