Peshtigo River State Forest Paper Mill Dam Road

This forgotten maintenance road shadows the Peshtigo River’s most violent stretch, built in the 1920s to service the now-demolished Caldron Falls paper mill. The 12-mile route starts near Crivitz and immediately drops into the river gorge, crossing several feeder creeks on rotting timber bridges that’ll test your nerve as much as your suspension. The road’s crown jewel is the abandoned concrete dam abutments at mile 7 — massive structures that once powered the mill, now standing like ancient monuments while Class IV rapids thunder around them.

Easy to moderate depending on bridge conditions and recent beaver activity that can flood low sections. Any high-clearance vehicle can handle the route, though 4WD helps on the steeper creek approaches. Spring offers the most dramatic whitewater views but also the sketchiest stream crossings. No permits needed, and primitive camping is allowed throughout the forest. The road dead-ends at private property, so it’s an out-and-back affair. Bring a camera — the combination of industrial ruins and wild river makes for some haunting photography.