Wis. autumn hikes abound on Lake Michigan

Seven Bridges Trail in Milwaukee.

If living in or traveling 

to a Wisconsin county

along Lake Michigan, plenty of great autumn trails await.

Eleven Wisconsin counties border Lake Michigan – including Green Bay. Maple and beech dominate most forests near the lake,

but several other trees can be found as well. Here are some solid autumn leaf hikes in those counties from south to north:

Kenosha County
Among the best places to see fall colors are streams, where the leaves reflect beautifully against the blue water or brighten a gray sky. Such is the case at Petrifying Springs Park, where an unnamed trail traverses 2 miles (round trip) through a woods and alongside Pike River in the park’s southwest corner. Be sure to take the side trails with footbridges crossing the river, where you can enjoy orange and yellow leaves on trees and shrubs, some of them falling into the water and slowly gliding downstream. In Kenosha, from Wis. Hwy. 31 exit east onto Berryville Road/7th Street. Take the second right/south. Drive 0.17 miles to the second parking lot. Pick up the hiking trail from the paved sidewalk on the lot’s west side, going southwest into the woods.

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Hikers can experience the richly colored orange-red leaves of the hawthorn tree that grows along Pike Creek near Kenosha. The 0.4-mile looping Hawthorn Trail runs in the Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum. Hawthorns grow from 16 to 49 feet tall, and when more shrub than tree-like, their leaves branch out all around the trunk from the ground to its top. A bonus in autumn: The woods is a major stopover for migrating songbirds. From Kenosha, head north on Wis. Hwy. 31. After crossing Somers Road, turn left/west into the nature sanctuary. Park at the nature center; the trail begins west of it.

Racine County
Day hikers can walk across what used to be a terrace of ancient Lake Michigan and now is a wonderland of harvest colors in autumn. A 1-mile nature trail loops through Sanders Park Hardwoods State Natural Area, which is located within Sanders County Park. Among the highlights are gold-leaved basswood, wine-red white oak, bright-yellow black walnut, russet-colored red oak, lemony white ash, and a brilliant yellow elm-ash stand. From Racine, take Taylor Avenue south. Turn left/southwest onto Wood Avenue then right/east onto Exculpating Road where there’s a parking lot.

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Hikers can enjoy a bird sanctuary undergoing a major transformation at Colonial Park in Racine. The 1-mile round trip Root River Pathway makes two crossings over the waterway on its way to Lincoln Park. Many rare warblers stop in the park during the fall migration. An extensive effort is underway in the park to eliminate invasive species, such as buckthorn, reed canary grass, and garlic mustard, and to restore wetlands as well as replace ash trees ravaged by emerald ash borer. In 2019, a total of 175 small trees – birch and oak – and shrubs – elderberry, hazelnut, chokeberry and nannyberry – were planted in the park’s southern section, making for a great walk in which fall colors are at eye level. From downtown, take State Street west. Turn left/west onto West High Street. The road ends in the park.

Milwaukee County
Day hikers can traverse a wooded ravine with great views of Lake Michigan at Seven Bridges in Grant Park on Milwaukee's South Shore. The 0.4-mile round trip Seven Bridges Trail, with its stone steps and footbridges, makes for a great autumn hike. Along the way are yellow-leafed American beech and birch, amber-, orange- and red-colored maples, and gold to maroon white ash. From the junction of Interstates 94/41 and College Avenue, take the latter east. Go right/south onto South Lake Drive then left/east onto Grant Park Drive. Park in the spaces off the road at the Seven Bridges Trailhead.

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An observation tower offers great views of Lake Michigan and 185 acres of forest right in the Milwaukee metro area. The 0.26-mile Green Tree Accessible Loop at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center heads through a woods of beech, sugar maple, basswood and red and white oak. On the loop’s northeast side is a 60-foot high tower that you can go to the top of. From Interstate 43, head east on E. Brown Deer Road. Turn right/south onto E. Bay Road and into the center. Park in the lot at the road’s end. Walk east from the road to the trailhead.

***

Autumn colors with a view of Lake Michigan awaits at Big Bay Park in Whitefish Bay. A short 0.44-mile round trip path heads along the tree line, atop the bluff, while another heads to the Lake Michigan shore, where there's a concrete pier. In fall, yellow-, olive- and russet-colored leaves brighten the walk. From the intersection of Interstate 43 and West Hampton Road, take the latter east. Turn left/north onto North Lake Drive then right/north onto North Palisades Road. Park on the street.

Ozaukee County
Migrating raptors and fall colors set against the backdrop of beautiful Lake Michigan await at Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve. After passing a wetlands popular with waterfowl, the 2-mile round trip Lion’s Den Trail enters a deep, verdant gorge. Aspen stands and mature white birch with their fluttering yellow leaves abound. The trail then delivers you to a long, secluded beach. From Port Washington, drive south on County Road C/Lake Shore Road. Turn left/east onto High Bluff Drive, which enters the park. When the road becomes a roundabout, park in the first/southern lot.

Sheboygan County
The brilliant colors of sugar maples await hikers at the Maywood-Ellwood H. May Environmental Park in Sheboygan. The 0.25-mile Maple Forest Loop runs through the 135-acre city-owned park. each autumn, the maples' leaves turn amber, orange and crimson. Watch for whitetail deer and the many songbirds that call the park home. From Interstate 43, take exit 128 onto Wis. Hwy 42 and go southeast. Turn right/west onto Mueller Road. Park entrance is on the left/south. The trail leaves from the sugar house next to the Ecology Center.

Manitowoc County
Yellow and orange leaves along a pretty river await hikers on the Henry Schuette Park segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Manitowoc. Half of a 1.2-mile loop runs along the wooded Manitowoc River before the waterway spills into Lake Michigan. From U.S. Hwy. 151 in Manitowoc, go north on South 35th Street. Turn left/west onto Meadow Lane, which becomes Broadway Street when it curves north. Park at the playground then take the sidewalk along Broadway north. The trailhead is on the street’s right/east side. Check ahead to ensure the trail is not closed due to high water levels.

Kewaunee County
A pretty fall hike along a river awaits on a segment of the Ahnapee State Trail. The 2.25-mile round trip rail-trail between County Road M and Washington Road sits in the Ahnapee River’s wetlands cooridor where migrating birds gather each autumn amid the bronze grasses. On higher ground, look for the willows’ shimmering gold leaves in the breeze, dogwoods’ deep scarlet leaves and berries, and bog birch’s amber. From Algoma, take County Road M north. The parking lot is on the northeast corner of where the the road and trail meet.

Door County
Hikers can enjoy majestic views of blue Green Bay and the yellow and orange leaves of a blufftop forest at Ellison Bay Bluff County Park. An unnamed 1-mile trail loops through a woods of sugar maple, white ash, red oak, birch and beech. A spur trail leads to an observation deck at the edge of the 100-foot high limestone bluff. An enclosed catwalk extends outward from the bluff; walking on it will make you feel like you’re flying. From Ellison Bay, take Wis. Hwy. 42 south. Turn right/west onto Porcupine Bay Road then right/north onto Ellison Bluff Road. The road loops through the park; leave your vehicle in the lot on the loops’ southwest side.

Brown County
Hikers can head through a remnant of the great oak forests that once covered all of Brown County. The 1.15-mile round trip McMahon Woods Trail sits in the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum, which surrounds the UW-Green Bay campus. The trail runs alongside McMahon Creek, which flows into nearby Green Bay. Russet-colored oaks dominate the McMahon Woods' uplands while colorful sugar maples can be found in the understory. Fifty-nine different trees and shrubs can be seen along the trail. From Wis. Hwy. 57, take Nicolet Drive north. Turn right/southeast onto South Circle Drive. Roadside parking is available along the road’s first curve.

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A grove of cottonwoods awaits hikers on the Woodcock (Blue) Trail at Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve in Suamico. The 0.75-mile trail heads north from the interpretive center and curves around a small pond in the preserve’s northwest corner. During autumn, it’s a gloriously beautiful walk, as the tall eastern cottonwoods – which are largely absent in this part of Wisconsin – turn a bright yellow. From U.S. Hwy. 141 in Suamico, take Lineville Road east. Turn left/north onto County Road J/Lakeview Drive and then right/east into the preserve. Park at the center.

Oconto County
Hikers can head to the county’s highest point for great views of the surrounding forest. The 1.3-mile Butler Rock Trail climbs 160 feet to 1093 feet above sea level. It includes a 0.7-mile spur trail that stays at ground level as circling to the face of Butler Rock in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The newly developed trail crosses a forest whose canopy in autumn turns orange, red and yellow-green. From Wis. Hwy. 64 south of Mountain, take Old Hwy. 64/Forest Road 2308 east. Turn left/north onto Butler Rock Road then left/northwest onto Butler Lookout Lane. The trail starts where the road ends.

***

Day hikers not bothered by heights can enjoy a spectacular vista of autumn leaves from Mountain Lookout Tower. The 0.26-miles round trip hike sits in the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The tower is at an elevation of 1,254 feet. The road heads through a classic Northwoods setting that is beautiful any time of the year but particularly so in autumn. A September walk takes you past sugar, red and mountain maples, white, red and black oaks, paper, yellow and river birch, aspen, beech, basswood, and sumac. Various green conifers – including pine, spruce, fir, and juniper – dot the hardwood forest. From the village of Mountain on County Road W just east of Wis. Hwy. 32, take National Forest Road 2106 (Old 32) north. In about 2.25 miles, turn right/southeast onto Mountain Tower Road. Pull off to the side of the road so you’re not blocking traffic. Hike the road up to the tower.

Marinette County
A walk through a forest in the state’s rare Northeast Sands eco landscape awaits hikers at Governor Thompson State Park. The 3.5-mile Forest View Trail loops through a forest of yellow-leafed aspen, orange and red maples, and marigold scrub oak dotted with evergreen jack pine and hemlock. Less than 3 percent of Wisconsin falls into the sands eco landscape. From Crivitz, take County Road W west. Turn right/north onto Parkway Road then left/west onto Ranch Road. Enter the parking by going right/north on Paust Lane. Park in the lot for Woods Lake and walk north alongside Paust Road to the trailhead.

Autumn hikes abound on Wis.-Mich. border

Black River Harbor, Michigan

If living in a border

county or traveling near the Wisconsin-Michigan state line, plenty of great autumn trails await.

National and state

forests cover the region of second-growth forest, which is rich in colorful maples, basswood, oaks, aspen, birch and more.

Michigan

Gogebic County
Day hikers can enjoy splendid autumn colors on a Lake Superior beach at Black River Harbor in the Ottawa National Forest. The 0.75-mile round trip hike to and along the beach includes crossing a suspended footbridge over the Black River. The beach stretches between the blue great lake and a forest of basswoods, ash, birch, aspen, sumac, elder, oaks and maple mixed amid stately white pines. Colors range from yellows and golds to scarlet and burgundy, from tans and browns to crimson and orange. From U.S. Hwy. 2 west of Bessemer, take County Road 511/Powderhorn Road north. Turn left/northwest onto Black River Road, which naturally becomes the Black River National Forest Scenic Byway. Park in the lot at the end of the byway. The trail heads northeast from the lot’s center to the bridge.

Iron County
A beautiful fall scene at a rapids awaits in Copper Country State Forest. The 1.2-mile round trip Horse Race Rapids Trail heads to a Paint River canyon boasting 80-foot high rock walls. As gliding through the canyon, the river drops more than 20 feet over several yards. The forest surrounding the river in autumn is a colorful mix of oak, birch, basswood, ash, aspen, sumac, elder, and maple with many evergreens. From Crystal Falls, Michigan, take U.S. Hwy. 2, south. Turn left/east onto Horserace Rapids Road. A parking lot and the trailhead is at the road’s end.

Dickinson County
A pretty autumn setting awaits at Fumee Falls near the Wisconsin-Michigan border. The 0.13-mile round trip Fumee Falls Trail includes a bridge over a creek below the falls and a brief walk to an overlook above it. The falls drops 25 feet over three ledges, with the highest one at 10 feet. Ash, aspen, basswood, birch, elder, oak, sumac and a number of evergreens line the trail and falls. From Quinnesec, take U.S. Hwy. 2 east. Look for the pullout on the road’s left/north side at the edge of town.

Menominee County
Day hikers can head to a stunning rapids over ancient volcanic rock in the Menominee River State Recreation Area. The 0.2-mile round trip Pemene Falls Trail heads to a Menomonee River rapids. The rapids drops 10 feet over a 30 yards and offers plenty of rocky shoreline to walk up and down. It’s particularly pretty in autumn when basswood, ash, birch, aspen, oak and sumac along with evergreens cast the shoreline and river in harvest hues. From Carney, Michigan, take Hwy. G-18 west toward Wisconsin. Before reaching the border, turn right/north onto State Road. In a little more than a mile, a turnoff to the falls is on the left/west; park at the end of the road.

Wisconsin

Florence County
Yellow-leaved birch and evergreen cedar and pine line a waterfall at the end of the LaSalle Falls Trail. The 1.9-miles round trip partially heads along the Pine River to the 20-foot high waterfalls, which slides down a long rock ledge. LaSalle Falls is the highest waterfall in this part of the state. From Florence, take County Road N south. Turn right/west on County Road C then right/north onto LaSalle Falls Road. After crossing Halls Creek, park in the lot on the right/north side of the road. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.

Forest County
The 1-mile Franklin Nature Trail loops through varied sights that are particularly splendid in autumn. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest trail begins in mixed hardwoods full of yellow and orange leaves then passes stands of towering white pines and huge hemlocks. A boardwalk winds 400 feet over a bog where tamaracks turn the color of brass. From Eagle River, take Wis. Hwy. 70 east. Turn right/south onto Military Road/FR 2178 then left/east onto Butternut Lake Road/FR 2181. Stay on Butternut Lake Road/FR 2181. The parking lot is in 4.4 miles on the right/south.

Iron County
An impressive waterfalls surrounded by a gorge of fall colors awaits on the Potato River Falls Trails. Three paths for a combined 0.5-mile round trip heads to a series of cascades and falls that drop about 90 feet over the Potato River. One trail heads to the 40-foot drop over the Upper Falls, a second trail to the-50 foot Lower Falls, and another to a lookout. Red, yellow and orange leaves line the gorge below the falls, and fallen leaves float and swirl upon the flowing river. From Hurley, take U.S. Hwy. 2 west. Turn left/south on Wis. Hwy. 169. Go right/west on Falls Road. The trail leaves from the Potato River Falls Campground.

Marinette County
A walk through a forest in the state’s rare Northeast Sands eco landscape awaits hikers at Governor Thompson State Park. The 3.5-mile Forest View Trail loops through a forest of yellow-leafed aspen, orange and red maples, and marigold scrub oak dotted with evergreen jack pine and hemlock. Less than 3 percent of Wisconsin falls into the sands eco landscape. From Crivitz, take County Road W west. Turn right/north onto Parkway Road then left/west onto Ranch Road. Enter the parking by going right/north on Paust Lane. Park in the lot for Woods Lake and walk north alongside Paust Road to the trailhead.

Vilas County
Among the best spots to enjoy fall colors is a lakeshore, especially deep in a wooded area. The 0.55-mile ADA accessible Tom Roberts Nature Trail in Northern Highland American Legion State Forest fits the bill, heading through a mixed forest of sugar maple, white birch, and large-toothed and trembling aspen, balsam, and red and white pine with great views of Muskellunge Lake. Whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, coyote and fisher tracks often are spotted on the trail. From Woodruff, take U.S. Hwy. 51 north. Turn right/northeast onto County Road M and then right/east on County Road N. Go left/northeast on the road to Crystal Lake Campground then left/north on Crystal Lake Road. Park at the Nature Center.

Top fall hikes in northeast Wisconsin, Part II

Governor Thompson State Park's Forest View Trail

There’s no better way
to experience autumn colors in northeast Wisconsin than a hike.

The brilliant yellows, oranges and red of maples to the scarlet

and russets of

oaks...the crisp, fresh autumn air and the last warm rays of sunlight before winter arrives...

the crunch of fallen leaves and acorns beneath your boots

...stopping to enjoy a warm mug of apple cider or a caramel apple pulled from your backpack – it all calls for an afternoon on the trail.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great autumn trails across northeast Wisconsin to hike. Some are right out your back door, while some are a day trip that you can do in an afternoon.

Langlade County
Mature maple, birch, oak, aspen and pine near a blue, pristine lake await hikers at Veteran’s Memorial Park. The 1.1-mile loop heads through a wood and then past the undeveloped Jack Lake makes for an pretty walk in autumn. Several other connecting trails lead to nearby Game and High lakes as well as the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. From Antigo, take U.S. Hwy. 45 north. Turn right/east onto County Road J, which becomes Park Road. Go left/east into the park; the trail heads south from the parking lot.

Lincoln County
An old-growth forest with a large stand of white pines that escaped the logger’s ax await at Council Grounds State Park. The 0.9-mile Blue Trail runs through the Krueger Pines State Natural Area in the park. The trees are immense, and so are the number of leaves they produce – the gold of paper birch and bigtooth aspen, the tan to russet of white oak, the yellow to red of black oak, the bronze to purple of hazelnut, and the maroon of downy arrowhead. The park sits on beautiful Lake Alexander, created by the damming of the Wisconsin River. From Wis. Hwy. 64 in Merrill, take Wis. Hwy. 107 north. Turn tight/south onto Council Grounds Drive. Follow the road as it loops through the park. Park in the lot on the loops’ southeast side and walk north alongside the road; the trailhead is on the road’s left/west side.

***

Each autumn, gold, orange and russet leaves line the Hiawatha Trail, which crosses the Wisconsin River in Tomahawk, a rail-to-trail route that links to the Bearskin State Trail. This easy to hike segment of the Hiawatha runs 1.3-miles round trip from Sara Park to West Mohawk Drive. Tall oak, aspen, birch and various evergreens rise along the former rail line. From the junction of Wis. Hwy. 86 and West Somo Avenue, take the latter west. Leave your vehicle in the lot for Sara Park on the street’s right/north and walk east along the Wisconsin River to the trailhead.

Marinette County
A walk through a forest in the state’s rare Northeast Sands eco landscape awaits hikers at Governor Thompson State Park. The 3.5-mile Forest View Trail loops through a forest of yellow-leafed aspen, orange and red maples, and marigold scrub oak dotted with evergreen jack pine and hemlock. Less than 3 percent of Wisconsin falls into the sands eco landscape. From Crivitz, take County Road W west. Turn right/north onto Parkway Road then left/west onto Ranch Road. Enter the parking by going right/north on Paust Lane. Park in the lot for Woods Lake and walk north alongside Paust Road to the trailhead.

Menominee County
When they tell you that the outline of Menominee County can be seen from space, they aren’t kidding. Some of the oldest – and hence tallest – stands of hardwood, pine and hemlock grow in a county that is 95 percent forested. There are few spots to hike in the county, which is the Menominee Indian Reservation, but one spot is the first road between Ducknest and Sullivan falls on the Wolf River. From Keshena, take Wis. Hwy. 55 north. Turn left/west on Indian Road 24/Sullivan Falls Road. When the road swerves north at the river, park on the shoulder. Ducknest Falls is directly ahead. During autumn, walk the road, lined with colorful leaves and evergreens, for a 0.75-miles round trip to Lower Sullivan Falls.

Oconto County
Day hikers not bothered by heights can enjoy a spectacular vista of autumn leaves from Mountain Lookout Tower. The 0.26-miles round trip hike sits in the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The tower is at an elevation of 1,254 feet. The road heads through a classic Northwoods setting that is beautiful any time of the year but particularly so in autumn. A September walk takes you past sugar, red and mountain maples, white, red and black oaks, paper, yellow and river birch, aspen, beech, basswood, and sumac. Various green conifers – including pine, spruce, fir, and juniper – dot the hardwood forest. From the village of Mountain on County Road W just east of Wis. Hwy. 32, take National Forest Road 2106 (Old 32) north. In about 2.25 miles, turn right/southeast onto Mountain Tower Road. Pull off to the side of the road so you’re not blocking traffic. Hike the road up to the tower.

***

Hikers can head to the county’s highest point for great views of the surrounding forest. The 1.3-mile Butler Rock Trail climbs 160 feet to 1093 feet above sea level. It includes a 0.7-mile spur trail that stays at ground level as circling to the face of Butler Rock in Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The newly developed trail crosses a forest whose canopy in autumn turns orange, red and yellow-green. From Wis. Hwy. 64 south of Mountain, take Old Hwy. 64/Forest Road 2308 east. Turn left/north onto Butler Rock Road then left/northwest onto Butler Lookout Lane. The trail starts where the road ends.

Top fall hikes in northeast Wisconsin, Part I

La Salle Falls Trail

There’s no better way

to experience autumn colors in northeast Wisconsin than a hike.

The brilliant yellows, oranges and red of maples to the

scarlet and russets of oaks...the crisp, fresh autumn air and the last warm rays of sunlight before winter arrives...the crunch of fallen leaves and acorns beneath your boots...stopping to enjoy a warm mug of apple cider or a caramel apple pulled from your backpack – it all calls for an afternoon on the trail.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great autumn trails across northeast Wisconsin to hike. Some are right out your back door, while some are a day trip that you can do in an afternoon.

Iron County
An impressive waterfalls surrounded by a gorge of fall colors awaits on the Potato River Falls Trails. Three paths for a combined 0.5-mile round trip heads to a series of cascades and falls that drop about 90 feet over the Potato River. One trail heads to the 40-foot drop over the Upper Falls, a second trail to the-50 foot Lower Falls, and another to a lookout. Red, yellow and orange leaves line the gorge below the falls, and fallen leaves float and swirl upon the flowing river. From Hurley, take U.S. Hwy. 2 west. Turn left/south on Wis. Hwy. 169. Go right/west on Falls Road. The trail leaves from the Potato River Falls Campground.

Vilas County
Among the best spots to enjoy fall colors is a lakeshore, especially deep in a wooded area. The 0.55-mile ADA accessible Tom Roberts Nature Trail in Northern Highland American Legion State Forest fits the bill, heading through a mixed forest of sugar maple, white birch, and large-toothed and trembling aspen, balsam, and red and white pine with great views of Muskellunge Lake. Whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, coyote and fisher tracks often are spotted on the trail. From Woodruff, take U.S. Hwy. 51 north. Turn right/northeast onto County Road M and then right/east on County Road N. Go left/northeast on the road to Crystal Lake Campground then left/north on Crystal Lake Road. Park at the Nature Center.

Florence County
Yellow-leaved birch and evergreen cedar and pine line a waterfall at the end of the LaSalle Falls Trail. The 1.9-miles round trip partially heads along the Pine River to the 20-foot high waterfalls, which slides down a long rock ledge. LaSalle Falls is the highest waterfall in this part of the state. From Florence, take County Road N south. Turn right/west on County Road C then right/north onto LaSalle Falls Road. After crossing Halls Creek, park in the lot on the right/north side of the road. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail.

Forest County
The 1-mile Franklin Nature Trail loops through varied sights that are particularly splendid in autumn. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest trail begins in mixed hardwoods full of yellow and orange leaves then passes stands of towering white pines and huge hemlocks. A boardwalk winds 400 feet over a bog where tamaracks turn the color of brass. From Eagle River, take Wis. Hwy. 70 east. Turn right/south onto Military Road/FR 2178 then left/east onto Butternut Lake Road/FR 2181. Stay on Butternut Lake Road/FR 2181. The parking lot is in 4.4 miles on the right/south.

 
Oneida County
Day hikers can enjoy amber-leaved, trembling aspens with a lake view during autumn on the Madeline Lake Trail System. Consisting of four stacked loops, the third longest of them – the Blue Trail at 3.83 miles – offers the most views of autumn leaves and Madeline Lake as well as a couple of ponds. In autumn, the aspens add more than color to the evergreen forest. They are, as one local noted, Wisconsin’s natural wind chime. The aspen’s flat leaves flutter at just the hint of a breeze; their rustle is pronounced yet gentle and soothing. From U.S. Hwy. 51 in Woodruff, go east on Wis. Hwy. 47. Turn left/east onto County Road J and then left/north onto Rudolph Road. Look for the trailhead on the road’s right/east side. The trail sits in the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest near the popular Minocqua-Woodruff resort area.

***

During the first week of October, fall colors usually are at their peak in Minocqua, where the Bearskin Trail rambles through woodlands and and past lakes on its 16-mile path over a former railroad bed. From downtown, the trail crosses leaf-strewn footbridges over Minocqua Lake and then a connecting stream to Kawaguesaga Lake, all tucked in a forest of yellow and orange hardwoods mixed with white and red pines. A round-trip walk to Baker Lake covers about 3 miles. From U.S. Hwy. 51, go west on Front Street for parking and access to the trail, which starts behind the post office.

Top fall trails of northwest Wisconsin, Part II

View from top of Timms Hill

There’s no better way

to experience autumn colors around Northwest Wisconsin than a hike.

The brilliant yellows, oranges and red of maples to the scarlet

and russets of oaks...

the crisp, fresh autumn air and the last warm

rays of sunlight before winter arrives...the crunch of fallen leaves and acorns beneath your boots...stopping to enjoy a warm mug of apple cider or a caramel apple pulled from your backpack – it all calls for an afternoon on the trail.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great autumn trails around Northwest Wisconsin to hike. Some are right out your back door, while some are a day trip that you can do in an afternoon.

Price County
An array of autumn colors await day hikers on the trail to Wisconsin’s highest point. The 0.5-mile round trip Timms Hill Trail heads to the summit and a wooden observation tower on Timm’s Hill. The drumlin rises to 1,951.5 feet. Northern hardwoods – mostly maples of yellow and red leaves with a few oaks and other trees mixed it, resulting in a cornucopia of harvest colors – cover and surround the hill at Timms Hill County Park. To reach the trailhead, from Ogema take Wis. Hwy. 87 east. Turn right/south onto County Road C then straight-left/east onto County Road RR. Watch for the signed entrance to the park and turn left/northeast onto that road. Use the parking lot for the Timms Hill Trail. From the parking lot, go north on the Timms Hill Lake Trail. Then take the first left and head west to the hill. A wide dirt path, the trail is shaded until reaching the summit.

***

Northern hardwoods and pines await hikers on the Wintergreen Trail in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The 5.6-mile trail consists of four loops that head over rolling terrain. A perfect autumn hike, the forest is diverse, consisting of pine and balsam fir mixed with plenty of yellow-leaved aspen and birch in the bogs and orange-red maple, buttery basswood, and russet-colored oaks on the higher ground. From Fifield, drive five miles east on Wis. Hwy. 70. The parking lot for the trailhead is on the left/north; a national forest pass is required to park your vehicle.

Sawyer County
A beautiful forest walk with an array of autumn leaf colors awaits day hikers of the 4.9-mile Rim Creek Loop in Flambeau River State Forest. Sugar and red maples dominate the state forest but quaking aspen, birch and white ash also can be found here. From the village of Winter, take County Road W east into the state forest. After crossing the Flambeau River, turn at the first left/north into a parking lot.

***

Hikers can enjoy a variety of autumn colors on the Namekagon-Laccourt Oreilles Portage Trail in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway near Hayward. The easy, 0.8-mile loop memorializes a famous 18th century route where fur traders and explorers carried their canoes between rivers. Each fall, the second-growth forest here brightens with the amber, oranges and reds of sugar maples, the yellow of birch, and the russet and tans of oaks while red pine and spruce offer green accents. From Hayward, travel south on Wis. Hwy. 27. Turn left/west onto Rainbow Road then right/north onto Rolf Road. The trailhead is at a parking lot at the first left/west.

Taylor County
Day hikers can enjoy a hemlock and aspen grove and a panoramic view of a forest on the East Lake segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The 13-mile round trip makes for a spectacular fall hike. The trail heads east from a wayside into the Taylor County Forest. The hilly forest mainly consists of mixed hardwoods with maples and oaks, resulting in a show of yellow, orange, red and brown leaves throughout autumn. Signs along the trail identify types of trees in the forest. A hemlock grove, aspen regeneration project, and 1780-foot high Moose Mountain are other highlights of the trail. From Medford, take Wis. Hwy. 13 north about 15 miles. After crossing the Black River, look for a wayside on the road’s right/east side. Park there.

Washburn County
A pleasant walk through the woods along a wild river await hikers on the Trego Nature Trail in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Early autumn is a good time for those who enjoy fall colors. The trail parallels the Namekagon River through a woods of pine, yellow-leaved aspen and white birch, and russet-colored oaks, with views of the waterway. Hikers are likely to see a variety of wildlife or at least signs of it. White-tailed deer, turtles, fox, muskrat, bobcats, squirrels, snowshoe hares, and great blue heron abound in the riverway. Watch for otters and their slides, muddy paths cleared in the river’s bank in which they move from land to water. From Trego village, take U.S. Hwy. 63 north. About 1.3 miles from visitor center and after crossing the bridge over the Namekagon River, take the first right. The parking lot is at end of this entrance road. Look for the trailhead on the parking lot’s east side. The trail is fairly well-maintained.

***

A pretty autumn hike through a Northwoods forest awaits hikers on the Trego Lake Trail. The 1.9-mile trail loops through the forest next to Trego Lake in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The comely trail presents the yellow of birch trees leaves and orange and browns of various oaks amid the mixed hardwood and pine forest. You stand a good chance of spotting white-tailed deer and ruffed grouse along the way. From Trego, drive north on U.S. Hwy. 53. Go left/west on North River Road. In two miles, turn left/south into a parking lot. Take the stem trail from the lot’s southern side to the main trail, where you’ll go left/east.

***

Day hikers can enjoy a pleasant walk along a classic trout stream during autumn at the Beaver Brook Wildlife Area south of Spooner. The East Trail, with its many side trails, goes for a little more than two miles. Most of the trail runs beneath amber- and red-leafed maple, tan- and russet-colored oak, yellow aspen, and tamarack, whose needles turn a bright orange. From Spooner head south on U.S. Hwy. 53. Turn left/south onto Cranberry Drive. After about a mile, just before road curves southeast away from Beaver Brook, turn right into the parking lot.

Top fall trails of northwest Wisconsin, Part I

Copper Falls State Park

There’s no better way

to experience autumn colors around Northwest Wisconsin than a hike.

The brilliant yellows, oranges and red of maples to the scarlet

and russets of oaks

...the crisp, fresh

autumn air and the last warm rays of sunlight before winter arrives...

the crunch of fallen leaves and acorns beneath your boots...stopping to enjoy a warm mug of apple cider or a caramel apple pulled from your backpack – it all calls for an afternoon on the trail.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great autumn trails around Northwest Wisconsin to hike. Some are right out your back door, while some are a day trip that you can do in an afternoon.

Ashland County
A river rapids over billion-year-old red-tinged rock, surrounded by a variety of autumn colors, awaits day hikers on the Red Granite Falls Trail in Copper Falls State Park. The set of two loops, loosely shaped in a figure 8, runs 2.5-miles round trip in the park’s southern corner. During autumn, you’ll find the brilliant yellows of ironwood, paper birch and aspen, the blazing orange of sugar maple, and the scarlet of red oak mixed with the evergreen of hemlock and white pine. From Mellen, take Wis. Hwy. 169 north. Enter the park by turning left onto Copper Falls Road, and park in the Loon Lake Beach lot. Head south to the beach and pick up the trailhead heading west.

***

Amber-leaved trees and evergreen conifers await hikers at Prentice Park in Ashland. A 1.25-mile round trip paved trail wends through a boreal forest and wetlands as well as crosses, via a bridge, Fish Creek Slough before ending at the Lake Superior beach in Maslowski Park. In all, Prentice Park is nearly 100 acres in size. From downtown Ashland, head west on U.S. Hwy. 2. Turn left/south onto Turner Road then right/southwest onto Park Road, which ends at a parking lot. The trail leaves from the lot’s west side.

Bayfield County
Massive trees from an old growth forest and vibrant autumn colors await day hikers on the Drummond Woods Trail in the Chequamegon National Forest. The 0.75-mile trail runs through the Drummond Woods, where a number of trees survived the 1800s lumberjacking of the Wisconsin Northwoods. Heading through a northern hardwood forest, the trail marks an excellent spot to enjoy fall colors: the yellows of basswood and birch; the oranges of sugar maples; and the scarlet of black ash and red maple. Evergreens dominate the canopy with towering white and red pines and hemlocks. From Drummond, take U.S. Hwy. 63 north. In one mile, turn left/west onto Old 63 N (aka Forest Road 235). About 150 feet from that intersection on the right is a small pull-off for parking.

Burnett County
Day hikers can walk across an old railroad bridge over the St. Croix River at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and St. Croix State Forest on the Wisconsin-Minnesota border. The Gandy Dancer Trail, which starts dozens of miles south of the state forest in Polk County, at Danbury crosses the border into Minnesota. The trestle bridge segment is about two miles round trip. You’ll head through a forested area. The mix of trees near the riverfront yields a fantastic multi-colored leaf display in autumn. An added bonus for autumn hikers: You’ll probably spot a number of migrating waterfowl, including sandhill cranes. Also watch for bald eagles, osprey, northern harriers and hawks, all of which reside year-round in the area. In Danbury, parking for trail access is next to the walking route north of Hwy. 77 between and Hwy. 35 and North Glass Street. From the lot, take the trail north.

Douglas County
A walk along a pristine sand beach awaits day hikers of the Lake Superior shoreline in the Bear Beach State Natural Area. The unmarked trail runs for up to 3.4-miles round trip along narrow Bear Beach. Hiking the beach, you’ll get a good sense of what this area of the world looked like before Euro-Americans settled it. A thick woods hugs the sand’s southern side while the lake stretches wide beyond to the north. Though the forest this far north is heavy on the evergreens – especially balsam fir, white pine and white spruce – in autumn the yellowed-colored leaves of paper birch and trembling aspen and the spring green of speckled alder are well-represented. From Brule take U.S. Hwy. 2 west. In Maple, turn north onto County Road F. Next, go left/west onto Wis. Hwy. 13 then right/north onto Beck’s Road. Park in the dirt lot at the end of Beck’s Road near the Lake Superior shore.

***

A boreal forest may not seem like the best place to enjoy autumn leaves. The Superior Municipal Forest, however, delivers, with its extensive growth of gold-leafed white birch and aspen amid evergreen white and red pine, balsam, cedar, and black spruce. A 1.6-mile segment of the Millennium Trail winds through the woods. In Superior, at the 28th Street and Wyoming Avenue intersection, turn south to the municipal parking lot. The trail goes both east and west; skip the eastern side, which leads to multiple railroad tracks in Superior’s industrial section.

Polk County
Day hikers can experience an autumn forest that looks almost like the one Native Americans and pioneers saw during the 1800s. The 2.9-mile Ridge View Trails near Osceola heads beneath a lush forest canopy in the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway and the Osceola State Fish Hatchery on a bluff overlooking a St. Croix River back channel. Sugar maple is the dominant tree. Each autumn, its leaves vary from yellow to orange or red. Basswood, whose leaves turn olive in fall, and white ash, which changes to a deep maroon, usually are mixed in the canopy. From Osceola, take Wis. Hwy. 35 north and turn north onto County Road S. The two trailheads are on the road’s left/west. Both trailheads have their own parking areas off of the road. Just beyond 93rd Avenue is the southernmost parking area, which is an excellent trailhead for either loop.

***

The splendor of fall colors combines with a vista of the St. Croix River and fasinating rock formations on the Summit Rock Trail at Interstate State Park. The 1-mile round trip trail heads to a bluff’s highest point. Moss and autumn leaves cover the surrounding rock and ground while maples, basswood and eastern white pines line the trail. At the top, prickly pear cactus can be spotted amid the outcroppings. The highlight of the hike without question is the incredible view of the riverway from the summit. Looking north, the Old Man of the Dalles rock formation is visible. From St. Croix Falls, take Wis. Hwy. 35 south. Turn right/west into the park and follow the entry road to the parking lot across from the Lake O’ the Dalles.

Wisc. trails head through changing forests

Wisconsin's northern mesic forest, like that found in Chequamegon-Nicolet
National Forest, is an awesome spot for enjoying autumn leaves.

Wisconsin day hikers on several trails can experience autumn forests that are closest to the ones Native Americans and pioneers encountered during the 1800s.

Before Euro-American settlement, the northern mesic forest was the dominant ecological landscape in Wisconsin. It now covers slightly more than half of the state, mainly the northern portion. Today’s mesic forest looks far different than what pioneers found, however, because most of the forest was logged off during the late 1800s and early 20th century.

The second growth forest that replaced it is starting to become an old growth forest, though.

Sugar maple is the mesic forest’s dominant tree. Each autumn, its leaves vary from yellow to orange or red. Basswood, whose leaves turn olive in fall, and white ash, which changes to a deep maroon, usually are mixed in the canopy. In other northern mesic forests, usually those near Lake Michigan, American beech can appear.

In the subcanopy during autumn, balsam fir offers a green accent while ironwood provides light yellow leaves and American elm bright yellow. The shrub layer adds to the leaf display, most notably alternate-leaved dogwood’s deep crimson.

Oak also is common along many of the trails. Red oak often appears in northern mesic forests, and their leaves turn brown in fall, another nice accent to the oranges, reds and yellows of the other trees.

There are some differences between this forest and that which Native Americans and pioneers saw. Eastern hemlock and and eastern white pine both are nearly gone in today’s forest. Deer love the young hemlock’s leaves and so often overgraze it while aspen and maples outcompeted the white pines.

Though yellow birch does show up in today’s northern mesic forests, conditions are no longer ripe for it to reproduce, and so it’s slowly disappearing. Canada yew, a shrub, already is gone, thanks primarily to browsing by deer, whose population has exploded since the mid 20th century.

Some great Wisconsin trails to experience a northern mesic forest that’s slowly become old growth, include:
• Lakeshore Trail (Apostle Islands National Lakeshore)
• Penokee Mountain Trail (segment of North Country National Scenic Trail)
• Ridge View Trails (St. Croix National Scenic Riverway)
• Tower Trail (Potawatomi State Park, segment of Ice Age National Scenic Trail)
• West Torch Trail (Chequamegon National Forest)

Lookout tower offers great autumn vista

The Mountain Lookout Tower offers spectacular views of the surrounding
national forest in northeast Wisconsin.

Mountain lookout Tower Trail topo map.
Click for larger version.

Day hikers not bothered by heights can enjoy a spectacular vista of autumn leaves from Wisconsin’s Mountain Lookout Tower.

The 0.26-miles round trip hike sits in the vast Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The tower is at an elevation of 1,254 feet.

To reach the trailhead, in Mountain on County Road W just east of Wis. Hwy. 32, take National Forest Road 2106 (Old 32) north. In about 2.25 miles, turn right/southeast onto Mountain Tower Road. Pull off to the side of the road so you’re not blocking traffic. Hike the road up to the tower.

The road heads through a classic North Woods setting that is beautiful any time of the year but particularly so in autumn. A September walk takes you past sugar, red and mountain maples, white, red and black oaks, paper, yellow and river birch, aspen, beech, basswood, and sumac. Various green conifers – including pine, spruce, fir, and juniper – dot the hardwood forest.

At the end of the road is the Mountain Lookout Tower, which rises 100 feet high. An Aermotor tower, it is one of the few remaining lookouts in the eastern portion of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. When erected in 1935 by the U.S. Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps, it was part of an extensive system of more than a dozen towers in Nicolet National Forest.

The tower closed in 1970. After years of falling into disrepair, it was restored in 1994 then refurbished again in 2016. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

Today, it’s the only tower in the old lookout system that people can go up into it. First you’ll have to climb 132 steep steps. At the top is a 7-by-7 foot cab, from which you enjoy a 360 degrees view above the tree canopy for miles around. During autumn, you’ll see an array of harvest colors, from gold and sienna to honey yellow and crimson.

Most of those trees were planted during the 1930s by the CCC. Logging during the early 1900s wiped out the old growth forest, of which only isolated remnants remain in the national forest.

The lookout tower is open about mid-May through the end of October daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. There is no charge to enter the tower, but donations to help keep up the tower are welcomed.

Parking is available at the tower, by the way, but if you drive right up to it, then you wouldn’t be hiking, right?

Great Day Hiking Trails in Wisconsin

Brunet Island State Park in Chippewa County.

Ableman’s Gorge Trail
Ableman’s Gorge State Natural Area
Hikers can walk into Wisconsin’s ancient past through a rare 200-foot deep canyon at the Ableman’s Gorge State Natural Area. Ableman’s Gorge Trail runs about a little less than a half-mile round-trip. The gorge stretches for nearly a mile in an L shape through this section of the famous Baraboo Hills.

Chippewa County
While Chippewa County is well-known for its number of high-quality hiking trails –those at Brunet Island and Lake Wissota state parks and the Old Abe State Trail among them – there are a few lesser known ones that are interesting to walk. Four of them in particular take hikers into remote woodlands, offering great back-to-nature experiences.

Eau Claire County
Day hiking opportunities – both urban and rustic – abound in Wisconsin’s Eau Claire County. Sitting in the county’s northwest corner along the Chippewa River, trails run through the county's largest city, Eau Claire, and alongside wooded riverways.

North Country National Scenic Trail
Chequamegon National Forest
Day hikers can explore a northern Wisconsin forest with massive old growth hemlock trees on a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail. The segment runs 2.2-mile round trip through the contiguous Chequamegon National Forest and the Chequamegon Hardwoods State Natural Area.

Washburn County
Located in Wisconsin’s northwest corner, Washburn County is an outdoor recreational paradise. Several great trails can be found here, ranging from old railroad lines that run through woods to walks alongside the pristine Namekagon River.

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

Wood ducks await at Jones Spring area trail

Wood ducks spend part of their year at Jones Spring.

Jones Spring area map.
Click map for larger version.

Day hikers can enjoy wildflowers and wood ducks in the northern portion of Wisconsin’s Jones Spring area.

The 4.7-miles looping Red Trail runs through Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This trail is best done in early spring before the ground has thawed or in late fall after a freeze, as parts of it can be overgrown by summer and too muddy to cross.

To reach the trailhead, From Townsend, take County Road T south. Turn right/west onto Unity Drive then right/west onto Sawyer Lake Road (Forest Road 2122). After crossing Mary Creek, park at the road going left/east into the woods.

Take the stem trail east to the Red Trail. In 0.2 miles at the next junction, you’ve reached the loop. Go left/south.

The loop runs atop a low ridge here. It passes a small pond on the left/east and then Jones Springs.

Wildflowers
The next junction, in a clearing at 1.7 miles, is a stem trail heading right/west to a parking lot off of Jones Spring Road. Continue left/southwest.

A hardwood forest dominates this section of the walk. A number of wildflowers can see here and in the nearby wetlands. Among them are butterfly milkweed, Indian pipe, Northern blue iris (usually blooming in June or July), and partridge berry.

At 2.4 miles, the trail arrives at the bottom leg of the loop. The leg is shared with the Yellow Trail. Go left/northeast.

The trail passes through a wetlands then crosses Mary Creek. Mud can be deep in sections – be forewarned that at times of the year it can be impassable, at least not without sinking up to your knees into the mire. Because of that, you may need to turn back here.

Wood ducks
Along the way through the wetlands areas, you may see wood duck boxes aimed at increasing the wood duck population.

Adult male wood ducks are quite striking. Their plumage is multicolored and iridescent with a white flare running the neck’s length. The eyes are red with black pupils.

Even if you don’t see a wood duck, you probably will hear one. The male’s call is a rising jeeeeee while females squeal cr-r-ek, cr-e-ek if alarmed and do weep do weep when fleeing.

Habitat loss and overhunting for meat and European hat fashions nearly wiped out the wood duck in the 1800s. New conservation laws and measures helped the wood duck begin rebounding by the 1920s. Today, Wisconsin is prime breeding ground for the aquatic fowl.

The next junction, at 3 miles, is at Fanny Lake’s southwest corner. The Red and Yellow trails split here. Turn left/north to start a new leg of the Red Trail loop.

Jones Spring Impoundment
After the trail curves west, it climbs a low ridge. The Jones Spring Impoundment, a six-acre pond and marsh, is on the trail’s right/north side at 4.3 miles. Sometimes sandhill cranes hang out at the wetlands.

The trail then crosses Mary Creek again.

The next junction, at 4.4 miles, heads northwest to Sawyer Lake Road. Continue left/southwest on the Red Trail.

Look for a trail going right/west at 4.5 miles. This is the stem trail that leads to your parking lot.

Dogs are allowed to use the trail but must be leashed. Be sure to bring insect repellent.

Wildflowers, pines await at Jones Spring

The Yellow-Orange-White Trails at Jones Spring passes several lakes.

Jones Spring area map.
Click map for larger version.

Hikers can enjoy wildflowers and pine groves in the southern portion of Wisconsin’s Jones Spring area.

The 6.1-miles Yellow Trail – with two side trails, the Orange and White – loops through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This trail is best done in early spring as parts of it can be overgrown in summer or underwater.

To reach the trailhead, from Townsend, take County Road T south. Turn right/southwest onto Fanny Lake Road. A parking lot sits at the end of the road.

A wide stem trail runs southwest. At 0.2 miles, it reaches a trail heading right/north that goes around the east and north sides of Fanny Lake. A few feet west of it, at 0.3 miles, the loop for the Yellow Trail begins. Continue straight-right/southwest.

Fanny Lake
The trail passes Fanny Lake’s south shore. Birch trees line the small lake.

At the lake’s southwest corner, about 0.4 miles in, the Yellow Trail meets the looping Red Trail. Continue left/southwest onto the Yellow-Red Trail; the two trails share this leg to make their loops.

The trail crosses Mary Creek then heads through a wetlands. Mud can be deep in sections – be forewarned that at times of the year it can be impassable, at least not without sinking up to your knees into the mud. Because of that, you may need to turn back here and then do the trail in reverse from how it is described here, as well as treat it as an out-and-back hike.

On the other side of the wetlands, the Red and Yellow trails split at 1 mile. Go left/south onto the Yellow Trail.

Orange Trail
The route next comes to a side trail, the Orange Trail, at 1.1 miles. Take it right/southwest.

The Orange Trail heads between Upper Jones Lake and Lower Jones Lake. About half-way between them, a three-sided shelter sits on a knoll, nestled in pine and birch, to the left.

On the other side of the isthmus, the Orange Trail rejoins the Yellow Trail at 2.1 miles. Go right/south onto it.

After crossing Mary Creek, the trail comes to a four-way junction, at 2.8 miles, where the White Trail loop connects with the Yellow Trail. Turn right/southwest onto the White Trail.

Pine groves and open fields dominate the White Trail.

Wildflowers
Several wildflowers also can be seen along the trail. Among them are butterfly milkweed, Indian pipe, Northern blue iris (usually in June or July), and partridge berry.

Upon completing the White Trail loop, you’re back to the four-way junction at 4.5 miles. Go right/northeast onto the Yellow Trail.

Pine and birch dominate this part of the trail. A wetlands appears on the trail’s left/west.

The next junction, at 5.7 miles, brings you to the stem trail on Fanny Lake’s south shore. Go right/northeast onto it back to the parking lot

Dogs are allowed to use the trail but must be leashed. Be sure to bring insect repellent.

Ice Age Trail segment heads past hemlocks

The Ice Age Trail passes Jerry Lake near Medford, Wis.

Ice Age Trail - Jerry Lake segment topo map.
Click map for larger version.

Day hikers walk through hemlock groves on the Jerry Lake segment of Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

The 6-miles round trip segment from Jerry Lake to the South Fork of the Yellow River sits in the Chequamegon National Forest. The Ice Age Trail marks the edge of the glacial advance when ice sheets were last in these parts, about 8000 BCE. The trail stretches more than 1100 miles long across the state and largely cuts northeast-southwest through Taylor County.

To reach the trailhead, from Medford take Wis. Hwy. 13 north. Turn left/west onto County Road M then right/north onto Sailor Creek Road/Forest Road 571. A small parking lot is in 0.7 miles.

Take the Ice Age Trail north. Going south takes you to Lake Eleven, which is about five miles away.

In short order, you’ll arrive at picturesque Jerry Lake. The 26-acre lake reaches a depth of 30 feet. Largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish all thrive there.

At 0.1 miles, the trail junctions a connector that goes southeast to FR 571. Continue straight/north along Jerry Lake’s eastern shore.

Hemlocks
The trail passes a campsite with pit toilet and a steel fire grate on the northeastern shore of Jerry Lake at 0.2 miles. Two other primitive/rustic campsites are ahead at the South Fork of the Yellow River and at Sailor Creek, though the latter is a bit buggy, as it’s near a bog.

A marsh next appears. This used to be part of the lake, which is receding.

The trail continues into a hardwood forest and a young hemlock grove. preferring moist but well-drained soil, the hemlock looks a lot like a child’s drawing of a Christmas tree. It can grow up to 7 stories high and reach 35 feet in width.

At 1.6 miles, the trail crosses Hay Meadow Road/Forest Road 572, which heads west to Forest Road 112 and east to Forest Road 571. Continue straight/north.

Overlook
Next the trails descend a low ridge with a hemlock grove. The trail then passes through a good mix of tall pines and deciduous trees with a fair amount of birch. Be sure to look up - sometimes porcupines climb trees and are hiding in plain sight right above you on a birch trunk.

As the trail picks up elevation, you’ll reach an overlook that provides a great panorama of the forest.

The trail then descends toward the South Fork of the Yellow River, which appears at 3 miles in. A 67-foot heavy timber bridge spans the wide waterway. Bald eagles fly overhead, and otters swim about in the shallow waters. The river is a good spot to refill your canteen, but always be sure to filter it first.

It also marks a good spot to turn back for a 6-mile round trip hike.

Continuing on
If have some more energy, you can continue north. You’ll first pass the aforementioned primitive campsite, which sits on the ridge overlooking the river.

Next the route crosses Forest Road 576 twice, as both the trail and the road curve away and then toward one another.

At 5.6 miles, a small bridge crosses Sailor Creek, a clear, running stream. You can turn back here for a 11.2-miles round trip hike or you can camp here for the night. The camp is situated in a hemlock grove with a stone fire ring.

The trail can get quite muddy in spots after a thunderstorm, so be sure to wait a couple of days for the ground to dry out before attempting a hike.

IAT segment offers chance to see cranes

The Ice Age Trail runs through a vast forest in northcentral Wisconsin.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail - Chippewa Lobe segment
topo map. Click map for larger version.

Hikers can see sandhill cranes and orchids on the Chippewa Lobe segment of Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

The 7.8-miles round trip segment from Mondeaux Avenue to Forest Road 108 sits in the Chequamegon National Forest. The Ice Age Trail marks the edge of the glacial advance when ice sheets were last in these parts, about 8000 BCE. The trail stretches more than 1100 miles long across the state and largely cuts northeast-southwest through Taylor County.

To reach the segment’s trailhead, from Medford take Wis. Hwy. 13 north. Turn left/west onto county Road M then right/north onto County Road E/Mondeaux Drive/Forest Road 107. Next, go left/west onto the gravel Mondeaux Drive/Forest Road 102. After crossing the North Fork Yellow River, watch for a small parking area. The trailhead is just west of it.

Hardwood forest
A dirt trail heads west into the wilderness. At 0.5 miles is a small pond. Past the waterbody, the path enters a hardwood forest.

One end of the Chippewa Lobe Loop Trail, a side trail south of the main route, appears at 1.4 miles. Continue straight-right/southwest

This takes you through a stretch of birch and pine.

At 1.9 miles, the IAT crosses the White Birch Trail, a grassy spur trail that goes north to Forest Road 102 and south to the Chippewa Lobe Trail. Continue straight/west

Next the trail heads through an open hardwood forest. Be aware that in spring after a winter of heavy snowfall or following a lot of rain, the trail here can be underwater.

Sandhill cranes
At 3.1 miles is the other end of Chippewa Lobe Loop side trail. If looking for a campsite, there’s a nice primitive one about 0.1 miles south on the loop. It sits on high, dry ground, offers a benches and a stone fire ring, and there’s a short spur leading to a small bog lake where you can get water. Presuming you’re not staying overnight, continue straight-right/southwest.

A wetland appears on the south side of the trail. Keep an eye out for sandhill cranes in the marshes during migration seasons and look for an impressive display of orchids in the wetlands’ northwest corner each June.

Sandhill cranes are easy to pick out when they stop over on their migration. Tall and graceful, the slate gray bird has a long neck, legs and wingspan. Their wings can stretch up to 2.2 yards across from tip to tip.

The IAT next crosses Lake 19 Road/Forest Road 108 at 3.9 miles. FR 108 goes north to FR 102 while south heads to Lake Nineteen. This is a good spot to turn back.

A few more miles
If you have some extra energy, continue straight/southwest. The trail zigzags north then northwest, rising into an upland forest and heads through a birch stand. A boardwalk along the way crosses a small, unnamed stream.

Look for a large boulder. Next to it is the entry to a primitive campsite that sits under a hemlock canopy.

From there, the trail ascends to the top of Hemlock Esker and stays on it for about a mile. The esker rises about 80 feet above the surrounding forest. This is part of Lost Lake Esker State Natural Area. A bench and signature register is at the ridge’s highest point.

Past that, the trail drops off the esker and turns southwest.

At 6.9 miles, the trail crosses Forest Road 571. North goes to Forest Road 111 and south to Jerry Lake. The forest road marks a good place to turn around for a 13.8-mile round trip.

Day trail explores kettle bog wildflowers

Marsh cinquefoil blooms June to August in Wisconsin's kettle bogs.

Barksdale Ponds Trail topo map
Click map for larger version.

Day hikers can explore rare kettle bogs and their wildflowers on a northern Wisconsin trail.

The 1.25-miles round trip Barksdale Ponds Trail heads through the southern unit of the Barksdale Ponds State Natural Area in the Chequamegon National Forest.

To reach the trailhead, from Iron River, Wis., take U.S. Hwy. 2 east. Turn left/north onto Topside Road. When the road splits, go left/northwest onto Loon Lake Road/Forest Road 242. Next, turn left-straight/northeast onto Forest Road 847 (some maps list it as Forest Road 647). In about 0.375 miles, look for a jeep trail on the road’s right/east. Pull off the road there and park. This is the trailhead.

The road to the kettle bogs crosses a dry, glacial outwash plain featuring a mature red and white pine forest. Most of the tree trunks measure 16-18 inches in diameter. Beneath the canopy is a sparse shrub layer of hazelnut and pine saplings. Ground flora includes bearberry, big-leaf aster, blueberries, bracken fern, and wintergreen.

Kettle ponds
The difference between the pine forest and the state natural area is stark and begins right away. The route is a jeep trail that winds between two kettle ponds.

Look for spirea, a three- to six-foot tall shrub that likes moist to wet soil, especially meadows and streambanks. Its white, five-parted flower is a mere quarter-inch wide and slightly fuzzy. It blooms June to August. It’s found in all but four of Wisconsin’s counties.

Another flowering plant here is the marsh cinquefoil, which loves mucky, peaty soil. The purple to red, five-parted flower measures about three-quarters of an inch wide and also blooms June to August. Cinquefoil grows across northern Wisconsin and near Lake Michigan.

Water smartweed blooms in autumn. It's fully aquatic with the leaves floating on the water. The bright pink flowers grow in short clusters on smooth stems rising from the water. Individual flowers in the cluster are a mere quarter inch in length. Smartweed is found in all but six Wisconsin counties.

At 0.375 miles from trailhead, you'll come to another jeep trail. Go right/east on to it.

Sphagnum moss
During the hike, you'll encounter several kettle bogs where light-green sphagnum moss covers the wetlands. Sphagnum moss, which tolerates acidic water, forms floating mats over ponds. It can thicken up to six feet deep.

Thanks to compounds in the sphagnum’s cell walls, the moss does not decay so easily traps water. Be careful to not step on the solid-looking moss – in addition to potentially harming other rare plants that grow atop it, the mats can’t fully support your weight, and you’re sure to get wet.

The sphagnum mat itself hosts several wildflowers.

Late April to May, look for leatherleaf. The nodding, tubular white flowers are about a quarter-inch long and hang in a row beneath their stem. The mound-shaped shrub can grow up to three feet high and sometimes forms dense thickets. It grows in most of Wisconsin but is largely absent in the Driftless Area.

Bog laurel, also known as swamp laurel, also blooms in spring. Its cup-shaped, rosy red flower measures from a quarter inch to a full inch wide. The plant's leaves and twigs are poisonous. It thrives in wet areas that receive sun across the state's northern half.

Carnivorous plant
Wild cranberry also grows here. Blooming in mid to late June, the flowers are dark pink. Bees pollinate them, and shortly afterward berries form, usually in late June or early July. Three different species of wild cranberry can be found in the state, mostly in the northern half and in the central sandy plains.

The highlight of any hike past a sphagnum bog is the carnivorous pitcher plant. Downward-pointing hairs guide insects into a pool of rainwater kept in its cupped stalk, where the trapped insect drowns. The plant releases enzymes into the rainwater to digest the bug. It's maroon, bell-shaped flowers, which bloom in summer, are large at 2-3-inches wide and droop from a tall stalk. The pitcher plant usually grows only in northeast Wisconsin.

At 0.625 miles, you'll come to another jeep trail. Go right/southeast onto it. The trail passes the eastern shoreline of another kettle pond before arriving at Mirror Lake. After taking in the sites, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Bug spray is recommended for the hike in spring and summer.