The lead changed hands as both sides showed real attacking endeavour, with a 2-2 draw just about the appropriate scoreline.
Nathan Ellington and Andy Liddell were on target for the home side, with Forest's marksmen being John Thompson and Marlon Harewood.
Wigan, who hit the bar through Jimmy Bullard, took the lead moments before the break when Liddell fed Ellington and he made no mistake from close in.
Forest came out with real purpose after the break and turned the game on its head when Thompson bundled home following a game of pinball in the Wigan area.
Buoyed by the goal, Forest poured forward and Harewood turned in a shot after Eugen Bopp's corner had caused panic in the Wigan box.
To their credit, though, Wigan rallied and Liddell smashed home an equaliser from 20 yards.
Chances were traded late on, as John Filan saved well from Harewood, while Ellington saw Darren Ward make a fantastic save from his header.
