Trail heads through haven for waterfowl

Wood duck. Courtesy WI DNR.

Topo Map, Augusta Wildlife Area Trail.

Day hikers can explore an region being restored to its pre-settlement habitat on the Augusta Wildlife Area Trail.

The 1.2-miles round trip jeep trail sits in the 2,503-acre Augusta Wildlife Area between Augusta and Lake Eau Claire. The trail is one many undesignated paths that cut through the state-run public land.

To reach the trailhead, from Augusta head north on County Road G. After Solie Road, take the first unnamed dirt road going right/east. This heads into the wildlife area. Park at the road’s end.

From there, the trail heads straight southeast into a woods. Before the 1930s, white, black and bur oaks, with a few white and red pines, dominated the southern part of the wildlife area while Jack pine, scrub oak, and oak barrens covered the northern half. Most of it was cut down while wildfire burned the rest.

The trail next curves south and passes a pond on the left/east with wetlands just beyond the woodline. Melting glaciers formed those peat and marshlands about 10,000 years ago. At the time of the timber harvest, the marshlands were drained away, resulting in major habitat loss for ducks and geese.

Once past the pond, the trail curves west and enters an open area.

Beginning in the early 1940s, the state purchased land here in an effort to restore those wetlands. Three flowages were added over nine years while potholes and ditches were constructed.

Today, the area is populated with blue-winged teal, mallards and wood duck. Muskrats, beaver, ruffed grouse, and whitetail deer also call the wildlife area home.

Where the grassland gives way to field, turn back and retrace your steps to where you parked.

Some maps also refer to the public facility as the Augusta State Wildlife Area.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Western Wisconsin trail follows lakeshore

Coon Fork Lake, courtesy of travelwisconsin.com.

Trail is dotted orange. Map courtesy of Eau Claire County
Parks and Forests.

Day hikers can enjoy a wooded trail along a scenic lake in Wisconsin’s Coon Fork County Park.

The 2.6-miles round trip Coon Fork Lake Trail hugs the shoreline of picturesque Coon Fork Lake in southeastern Eau Claire County. A number of mountain bike trails and more than three miles of ski trails also can be found in the park.

To reach the trail, from Augusta, take U.S. Hwy 12 south. Turn left/northeast onto County Road CF. After crossing Coon Fork Creek, go left/north onto Horse Creek Road. The dirt lot is immediately on the left/west. Carefully cross County CF and pick up the hiking trail as it heads south.

From there, the trail passes the east side of the dike that backs up Coon Creek to form Coon Fork Lake. Built in 1963, the dam is 20 feet high. The county park was created the year after the dam went into operation.

Beyond the dam, the trail then slips between lake and Campground D and passes a boat landing. The looping campground is the newest one at the park.

The wooded trail parallels the lake’s edge the rest of the way, offering several tree-framed vistas. Coon Fork Lake covers 62 acres. Musky, largemouth bass and panfish all are plentiful in the lake. At the southeast side of the lake, the trail crosses a small beach on it.

Songbirds are ubiquitous on the trail. You’re also likely see whitetail deer or at least signs of them such as their prints. Raccoons and even porcupines also have been spotted on the route.

When the trail curves east, the lake significantly narrows and becomes Black Creek. Upon reaching the mountain bike trail at junction 28, the hiking trail ends, marking a good spot to turn back.

If a dog owner, the county park trail is a good spot. Pets are allowed here on leashes of up to eight feet.

Learn more about nearby day hiking trails in my Day Hiking Trails of the Chippewa Valley guidebook.