The chief feature of the reserve is the Kettle Moraine, a highly glaciated area.

The area contains very hilly terrain and glacial landforms, such as kettles, kames and eskers.

The 56,000-acre (23,000 ha)[1] forest is divided into two large and three small units, which are spread across a hundred miles.

Several areas of trail loops for hiking, biking and skiing can be found in the northern and southern units.

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a 115-mile (185 km) scenic route that winds across southeastern Wisconsin, and through all five forest units.