The "Continental Divide," is a geological line that splits Northern Wisconsin. North of "The Divide," rivers flow to Lake Superior. These waterways are full of rapids and waterfalls, making river travel impossible. To the south, navigable rivers run south to the Mississippi River. Travelers on the Flambeau Trail had to cross the rugged landscape until the "Divide," where they could paddle the navigable river ways to Lac du Flambeau.