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As you can tell by the images, the "specialty" of the
Sylvania Wilderness area is boating, especially by canoe and kayak.
The paddler is treated to a forgotten time of old growth woods,
crystal clear lakes and the quiet, relaxing sounds of the wilderness.
The area is specifically managed for its wilderness character,
with a plethora of regulations in place to keep it that way.
There are 36 lakes sprinkled about the 18,000 acres of the Sylvania,
all connected by portages and ringed by campsites. The waters
of these lakes are remarkably clear, and paddlers can sometimes
observe loons fishing 30 feet below the surface!
There are two boats launches on Clark Lake which is the gateway
to the beautiful Sylvania Wilderness. There is also a boat launch
on Crooked Lake as well. Six lakes in the Sylvania are over 250
acres, which is quite large! Since no motors of any kind are permitted,
the experience is one of quiet and solitude. The exception to
this rule is Crooked Lake which is open to motors due to several
private residences along the lakeshore.
Many canoe and kayak enthusiasts consider the Sylvania Wilderness
area the "mini" Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
For many in the midwest, it's also closer. Sylvania is only 6
and a half hours from Chicago, and 5 hours from Milwaukee. To
me though, the Sylvania has its own unique charm that sets it
apart from the far more popular Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness,
and that's worth a lot more than the drive.
Those interested in a motor-free boating experience in a wilderness
will find that Sylvania has no peer in the midwest outside of
the BWCAW. Sylvania is one of those rare and special areas that
demand our attention. WAter recreation fans will love this place.
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