Top fall hikes in west-central Wisconsin, Pt. I

Sisters’ Farm Trail System

There’s no better way to experience autumn colors in west-central

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 west-central Wisconsin to hike. Some are right out your back door, while some are a day trip that you can do in an afternoon.

Chippewa County
Day hikers can enjoy a pleasant walk around several placid lakes and ponds on the South Loop at the Hickory Ridge Recreational Area east of Bloomer. Though primarily cross-country skiing trails, the series of stacked loops can be hiked during the other seasons. The South Loop, a 3.1-miles round trip lollipop, is a good choice, as almost the entire trail runs through a northern hardwood forest. In Wisconsin, such a forest typically consists of sugar maple, beech, basswood, white ash, and yellow birch. The trail makes for a colorful walk in autumn when the leaves change. From Bloomer head west on Wis. Hwy. 64. Go left/north onto County Road AA then right/east onto 226th Avenue, which as veering south naturally becomes 225th Avenue (aka Bob Lake Road). The parking lot is on the north side of the road just east of Big Buck Lake.

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Day hikers can walk under a canopy of amber, orange and scarlet leaves at Irvine Park. A paved 1.1-mile paved trail loops through the park’s southeast corner, runs alongside a creek and passes through a tiny zoo, making it a perfect autumn outing if children are with you. From downtown Chippewa Falls, head north on Wis. Hwy. 124. Turn left/west onto Bridgewater Avenue. Go right/north onto Bear Den Drive and pull into the parking lot on the left/west. At the lot, angle northeast past the restrooms. At Bear Den Drive, walk left/north along the sidewalk.

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A cornucopia of colors await hikers each autumn at Lake Wissota State Park. Though much of the park consists of evergreen plantations, sections of it contain deciduous forests. Try the south end of the Lake Trail, which runs 1-mile round trip from the beach house to the Red Pine Trail junction. Yellow-, orange, and red-leaved sugar maples, russet-colored oaks, and a few evergreen red and white pine – surround the trail. From Chippewa Falls, head north on Wis. Hwy. 178. Turn right/east onto County Road S. Immediately after the Chippewa River bridge, go right/east on County Road O. The park entrance is about two miles on the right. Park in the lot for the beach house.

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For more Chippewa County trails, see Day Hiking Trails of the Chippewa Valley.

Eau Claire County
Day hikers can enjoy a walk along two waterways through a wildlife-laden forest in the heart of Eau Claire. Several undesignated trails run through the Putnam Park State Natural Area on the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus. Hike the natural area’s eastern section, which is largely centered on Little Niagara Creek. The natural area is heavily forested, with red and white pines dominating the higher ground while hackberry, paper and river birch, and red and silver maple thrive in the lower, wetter areas. Tamarack and white cedar also can be found in the eastern portion’s wettest sections. Day hikers will be impressed by the size of the trees, especially the red and white pine, which have largely been undisturbed for more than a century. It can be reached by walking alongside Putnam Drive, which starts across from campus parking lot #14.

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Hikers can enjoy a waterfalls shrouded in autumn colors while perched atop rock that is at least 1.85 billion years old at Big Falls County Park. Though there’s no designated trail, hikers easily can walk a half-mile along the Eau Claire River and across the rock. The waterfalls – surrounded by trees that have turned yellow and various shades of red– consists of two drops that total 25 feet over outcroppings of ancient gneiss. From Eau Claire, take U.S. Hwy. 12 east. Turn left/north on N. Elco Road. At County Road SS (aka 9 Mile Creek Road), go right/east. This road runs out at County Road K (aka N. 130th Avenue); head left/north onto County K. Just before crossing the Eau Claire River, turn left/west onto Big Falls Forest Road. The sandy road heads straight to a parking lot; from there, walk west toward the river.

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Day hikers can walk through an oak savanna and along a stream at the Beaver Creek Reserve north of Fall Creek. The 1.3-mile round trip Interior Loop runs through a small section of the 400 acres overseen by the Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve. Each autumn, the savanna's oak leaves range from yellow-brown to wine red. A variety of colors also can be seen on other trees along the creek and the trail's uplands portion. From U.S. Hwy. 12 in Fall Creek, go north on County Road K. The reserve is on the north side of the Eau Claire River. Park in the lot for the nature center on the road’s right/south side. From there, take a connector trail east to the trailhead.

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For more Eau Claire County trails, see Day Hiking Trails of the Chippewa Valley.

Rusk County
By Wisconsin standards, the 1300-foot high Blue Hills are like mountains. With that kind of relief from the surrounding terrain, it’s an excellent place to see a variety of fall colors. The Blue Hills primarily sit in a mixed deciduous forest of maple basswood, and oak, but you also can find red and white pines, balsam and hemlock. The Blue Hills West Trail’s first stacked loop at 2.3 miles total is particularly good during autumn. From U.S. Hwy. 8 in Weyerhaeuser, go north on Second Street. Take the road out of town for about seven miles. At the Y intersection, turn right/east. After passing Christie Mountain, turn left/north onto Fire Lane Road. Next, go left/west onto Excelsior Road (unmarked); if you pass the turnoff for the East Side Trailhead and parking lot, you’ve gone too far.

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Autumn colors can be found aplenty on the Sisters’ Farm Trail System just outside of Ladysmith. Ten miles of trails cover the varied terrain inside a bend of the Flambeau River. Leaves along the trail shimmer red, yellow and orange. From downtown Ladysmith, take U.S. Hwy 8 south. Turn right/west onto Port Arthur Road then straight/left-south on Sisters’ Farm Road, which leads to the parking lot.

Eau Claire Co. boasts number of great trails

Buffalo River State Trail, courtesy Wisconsin DNR

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, Eau Claire is the county’s most populous city and the region’s economic center. At one time, Eau Claire ranked as the nation’s lumber capital, but in the 20th century that role gave way to manufacturing. Today, it’s best known as the home of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and as a regional government and retail center. Recent efforts to make the city trail-friendly, and a number of excellent walks, particularly the Chippewa River State Trail, are found there.

The rest of the county also offers several great day hiking opportunities. The majority of them run along or near the Eau Claire River, which flows from the county’s eastern side into Eau Claire. The eastern terminus of the Buffalo River State Trail also is in the county.

Five great trails to hike in Eau Claire County include:
• Eau Claire River Route
• Putnam Trail
• Chippewa River State Trail
• Interior Loop
• Buffalo River State Trail

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

How to reach Chippewa Valley hiking trails

White pines on the Bjornson Education-Recreation
Center Loop

Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley – loosely defined as Chippewa, Eau Claire, Dunn and Pepin counties –boasts a number of parks and trails ideal for hiking. Several major highways offer access to the valley.

From the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, take Interstate 94 east. Trails in Dunn and Pepin county trails can be accessed by exiting on Wis. Hwy. 25, while many trails in Eau Claire and Chippewa counties can be reached by exiting onto U.S. Hwy. 53 or U.S. Hwy 12. An easy to reach Chippewa Valley trail from I-94 is the Bjornson Education-Recreation Center Loop.

From northern Wisconsin and Minnesota, take Hwy. 53 south into Chippewa County. Continue south into Eau Claire County or take Wis. Hwy. 29 west to Dunn County. A good valley trail close to northern Wisconsin and Minnesota is the Circle Loop.

From southern Minnesota and Iowa, either Interstate 35 can be taken north to Minneapolis-St. Paul and then I-94 east into Dunn and Eau Claire counties or U.S. Hwy. 63 can be taken north to I-94, which then is traveled east. A fun valley trail that is close to southern Minnesota and Iowa is the Silver Birch Park Trail.

From eastern Wisconsin, either U.S. Hwy. 10 or Hwy. 29 can be driven east to I-94. A good trail for visitors from that area is Lake Wissota State Park's Lake Trail.

From the Upper Peninsula, take U.S. Hwy. 8 west then Hwy. 53 south. Some excellent valley trails along this route are those at the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area.

From southern Wisconsin and Illinois, head north on I-94 into Eau Claire County. Among the first trails visitors from that area can reach is the Coon Fork Lake Trail.

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

Array of trails await at Beaver Creek Reserve

Maps of  North trails (top) and South trails (bottom).
Courtesy Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve.

An variety of great trails await day hikers at the Beaver Creek Reserve in west-central Wisconsin.

The reserve preserves 400 acres, overseen by the Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve, alongside the Eau Claire River. A number of nature and conservation programs, as well as scientific research, occurs year-round at the reserve.

To reach the reserve, from U.S. Hwy. 12 in Fall Creek, go north on County Road K. The reserve is on the north side of the Eau Claire River. The county road splits the reserve in half.

North trails
Six trails (listed here from east to west and south to north) are located north of County Road K:
• Youth Camp Trail – The 0.6-miles one-way trail leaves from the Citizen Science Center/Wildlands School and passes the main lodge to the Exercise Loop. Park at the science center.
• Naturalist Loop – The 0.2-mile loop runs part of the way alongside Deinhammer Creek. Access it via the Youth Camp Trail.
• Exercise Loop – The 0.9-miles trail sits between Cedar Lodge and the Eau Claire River. Park in the lot for the observatory and walk west past the lodge.
• Pine Loop – Deinhammer Creek runs along two sides of the 0.85-mile loop. The quickest way to reach it is via the Youth Camp Trail then taking the connector trail across the creek.
• Oak Loop – The reserve's longest trail on the north side at 1.2 miles, the quickest way to reach it is via the Pine Loop. A connector trail from the Exercise Loop also links to it.
• Big Falls Trail – A 0.8-mile trail heads from the northwest corner of the Oak Loop along the Eau Claire River.

South trails
Located south of County Road K, park at the Nature Center for all trails (listed here from east to west and north to south):
• Interior Loop – The 1.3-miles trail passes Beaver Creek, an oak savanna, the Eau Claire River, and a turtle pond.
• Savannah Loop – A 0.6-mile trail runs past a creek, through an oak savanna, and by the turtle pond.
• River Loop – The 1.3-mile loop offers the longest stretch of trail along a creek and river at the reserve.
• Boundary Loop – The reserve's longest trail at 2.5 miles, it includes several footbridges, a picnic area, and an observation deck for a marsh.

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

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.

My latest hiking guidebook now on sale

My latest book, Day Hiking Trails of the Chippewa Valley went on sale Monday. The book lists more than a hundred great family-friendly trails in Wisconsin’s Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn and Pepin counties. Among them are the Chippewa River State Trail, the Red Cedar State Trail, the Old Abe State Trail, and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Two state parks – Lake Wissota and Brunet Island – are explored as well. The book includes a bonus primer about day hiking essentials such as gear, clothing, navigation, and how to avoid various trail dangers. Day Hiking Trails of the Chippewa Valley is available as a paperback and as an ebook on Kindle/ Ebook versions for Nook, iBook/iPad, Kobo, and other formats are coming out later this month.

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

Buffalo River State Trail offers rustic hike

Buffalo River State Trail. Courtesy Wisconsin DNR.

Topo map of trail's eastern terminus, Plate 1.

Topo map of trail's eastern terminus, Plate 2.

Topo map of trail's eastern terminus, Plate 3.

Old railroad grade
runs 36.4 miles
in Wisconsin

Day hikers can enjoy a pastoral walk past farm fields and through country woods on the Buffalo River State Trail in west-central Wisconsin.

The trail runs for 36.4 miles through the Buffalo River Valley between Mondovi and Fairchild while passing three other farm towns. Most of the way, the trail parallels either the Buffalo River or one of its forks. An easy to reach and rustic segment to walk heads 4.8-miles round trip from Fairchild to the North Fork Buffalo River.

To reach that trailhead in Fairchild, at Eau Claire County's southeastern corner, from U.S. Hwy. 12 go northeast onto County Road YY/North Street. After crossing Town Line Road, turn left/north into the Buffalo River State Trail parking lot. An access trail goes from the lot north to the main route.

Classic farm country
Once there, turn left/southwest onto the trail (Taking the trail the other direction heads into downtown Fairchild.). Built on a former railroad grade, the trail here and throughout its course is fairly flat with a surface of railroad ballast and limestone screenings.

In about 0.1 miles, the trail crosses busy Hwy. 12. Be sure to look both ways and hold hands of any children with you.

From there, the trail line is nicely lined with hardwood trees on both sides, making for a pleasant colorful walk in autumn. As the trail is wide, though, you'll need a sunhat or sunscreen.

Through breaks in the treelines, you'll be able to spot a variety of farm fields on either sides of the tracks. This is classic Wisconsin dairy country you’re heading through.

About 0.5 miles from trailhead, the trail crosses McGower Road. In doing so, you are now in Jackson County. At 0.9 miles, the trail intersects Arndt Road.

Riviere de Beeufs
The farmland gives way to heavier woodlands at about 1.85 miles, when the trail recrosses McGower Road. Tree plantations can be seen on the trail’s north side for part of this segment.

At 2.4 miles the trail reaches North Fork Buffalo River, a good turnback point. The river and its forks were named by early French explorers for the bison than once roamed this area; they called it the Riviere de Beeufs. The North Fork joins the main Buffalo River upstream. The Buffalo in turn flows into the Mississippi River at Alma; it’s the next tributary to feed the southbound Mississippi after the Chippewa River.

Bicycles, horses, ATVs and UTVs also use the trail spring through autumn; during winter, it becomes a snowmobile trail. Be aware that sometimes maps refer to the route as the Beef River Recreational Vehicle Trail or as the Buffalo River State Park Trail.

Other trailheads (heading east to west) for the Buffalo River State Trail include:
• Osseo – On non-school days, park at school district's athletics fields at the northern end of Rose Lane. Follow the lane north onto an access trail for the Buffalo River State Trail.
• Strum – Park downtown on County Road D/Fifth Avenue South; the trail is between Birch and Maple streets.
• Eleva – Park on Third Street South and walk south; the trail is just past Goddard Street.
• Mondovi – Parking is available at the southern end of Marten Street.

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

Parks, trails abound in Chippewa Valley

Brunet Island State Park. Photo courtesy of Wisconsin DNR.

Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley – loosely defined as Chippewa, Eau Claire, Dunn and Pepin counties –boasts a number of parks and trails ideal for hiking.

Highlighting those attractions are two state parks. Brunet Island State Park covers 1300 acres on the Chippewa River and boasts several quiet lagoons. To the south, Lake Wissota State Park spans over a thousand acres along a reservoir on the Chippewa.

Several minor state public areas as well as county and city parks can be found in the region.

The Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area at more than 3000 acres in size preserves several unique landforms created during the last ice age. Hoffman Hills Recreation Area covers a little more than 700 acres and includes an observation tower at its highest point.

Each of the Chippewa Valley’s three largest cities operate large parks. Chippewa Falls’ Irvine Park includes a zoo, cave and walk along a creek. Eau Claire’s Carson Park offers historical museums and a trail near the Chippewa River. Menomonie’s Wakanda Park sits on Lake Menomin and adjoins a game park with nature trail.

Four lengthy trails crisscross the valley. The Chippewa River State Trail runs 26 miles along its namesake from Durand to the Lake Hallie area north of Eau Claire. The Old Abe State Trail heads 19.5 miles along the Chippewa River from Chippewa Falls to Brunet Island State Park. The Red Cedar State Trail hugs the Red Cedar River for 14.5 miles from Menomonie to northeast of Durand. Each of those three trails were built on old railroad grades. A fourth trail, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, marks the farthest advance of glaciers in the last ice age, and runs for 23 miles in Chippewa County, from north of Stanley to northeast of New Auburn.

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

Trail offers chance to see rare blue butterfly

An adult Karner blue butterfly lands on a researcher's hand.
Photo courtesy of  http://www.mccoy.army.mil.

Trail map, courtesy Wisconsin DNR.

Day hikers stand a good chance of spotting the rare and beautiful Karner blue butterfly in Wisconsin’s South Fork Barrens State Natural Area.

The 1.4-mile round trip hike in Eau Claire County heads through a Jack pine-oak barrens. It’s the perfect habitat for the Karner, which is rapidly disappearing in the United States.

To reach the state natural area, from Stanley, drive south on County Road H. Turn right/west onto E. Channey Forest Road. In a half-mile, the road comes to the border of the state natural area. At the first jeep trail heading north, park on the road shoulder.

While there are a lot of spur trails running off of E. Channey Forest Road, most of them quickly enter private property. Instead, walk alongside the shoulder of the gravel forest road. While this can be dusty in summer, the flat road is little traveled and ensures you stay on public land.

On either side of the road, you’ll see a lot of Jack pine with bur oak, some Hill’s oak and red pine, and blueberry and American hazelnut in the understory. There’s also plenty of prairie grasses and forbs in the openings.

Among them is wild lupine, a favorite food plant of the Karner. Thanks to destruction of habitats where wild lupine thrives, the Karner’s range is shrinking. At one time, it could be found from Minnesota to Maine, but today it’s limited from Wisconsin to New York, and then in only very specific locales.

Extremely small – an adult Karner is only the width a nickel with an inch-long wingspan – the male’s top side is a striking deep blue. The female’s top side is a bit lighter blue with brown mixed in. Both genders’ undersides consist of a curve of orange crescents near the wing edges.

As the Karner’s pale green caterpillar feeds on lupines, the state uses prescribed burns to prevent woody plants from encroaching on the small sandy barrens where the flower grows.

When the road begins turning straight north in about 0.7 miles from where you parked, head back.

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

Trails explore Chippewa Valley geography

Chippewa River near Ella, Wis. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

The geography of Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley – defined loosely as Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn and Pepin counties – includes three distinct areas. A number of trails allows hikers to explore the landforms.

The Chippewa River runs about 183 miles from northern Wisconsin into the Mississippi River, where sediment helps back up the river and forms Lake Pepin. Only the Chippewa River’s lower 50 miles from the Mississippi River northward is navigable.

About half of Chippewa County – the northeast corner – sits in the Northern Highlands. The site of an ancient mountain range, it is now a hilly region will virtually no lakes or swamps. It mostly belongs to the North Central Forest ecological zone.

Most of Dunn County, the southwestern half of Chippewa County, and the northern and eastern portion of Eau Claire County are in the Central Plain. Half-a-billion years ago, much of this area was a coastal plain bordering a sea. It has since been uplifted hundreds of feet with erosion over the millennia and the most recent ice ages reducing the terrain to the fairly flat surface that once existed here. Ecologically, it’s part of the Western Coulee and Ridges area.

The western edges of Dunn County, much of Pepin County, and the southeastern portion of Eau Claire County is part of the Western Upland. A system of ridges and valleys make up the area around the Chippewa and Mississippi rivers. This region ecologically also is part of the Western Coulee and Ridges area.

Great trails to explore the area’s geography include:
• Jean Brunet Nature Trail (Northern Highlands)
• Tower Ridge Recreation Area trails (Central Plain)
• Tiffany Bottoms SWA trails (Western Upland)

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

Trails explore Chippewa Valley’s geology

Waterfall at Devils Punch Bowl near Red Cedar River. These rocks were
formed from sediment at the bottom of a sea some 500 million years ago.

The geology of Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley – defined loosely as Eau Claire, Chippewa, Dunn and Pepin counties – shows two major periods very distant in time. A number of hiking trails offers access to the geological sights.

While rock can be found in Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley that dates to at least 1.85 billion years, most of the area’s bedrock was formed much later. Prior to 545 million years ago, the four counties making up what is now the river valley sat off the edge of the North American continent near the equator.

Over the next 50 million years, the bedrock for most of Eau Claire and Chippewa counties formed in the Cambrian period and then in the 50 million years following during the Ordovician, the bedrock for Dunn and Pepin counties developed. Most of the sandstone above this bedrock is visible in road cuts and where the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers have carved through it.

Much of the geological record between 443 million and 1.8 million years ago has disappeared from the Chippewa Valley. During that time, the area probably lay under a sea for several million years with the rest lost to erosion, both from everyday causes such as rain and wind and from the glaciers that swept through the area.

Much of the landscape today in the Chippewa Valley is shaped by the glaciers of the past ice age, which ended about 10,000 years ago. As the glaciers’ advance stopped in northern Chippewa County, sediment brought from those melting ice sheets formed a thin layer over much of the area’s existing bedrock. How the melting ice shaped the Chippewa Valley – the Chippewa River itself was a major channel for the meltwater flowing into the Mississippi River – is a complex story that varies across the region.

Great hiking trails for discovering the Chippewa Valley’s geology include:
• Big Falls Trail (1.85 billion year old rock)
• Irvine Park Loop (rock from Cambrian period)
• Devils Punch Bowl Trail (rock for Cambrian-Ordovician periods)
• Circle Trail (Ice Age moraines)

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

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.

Hike heads over ancient rock at waterfalls

Big Falls. Photo courtesy Town of Seymour

Topo map of Big Falls in Eau Claire County, Wis.

Day hikers can amble over the sands of a 550-million-year-old ocean and rock that is at least 1.85 billion years old at Big Falls County Park in western Wisconsin.

Though there’s no designated trail, hikers easily can walk a half-mile along the river, over the sandbars and across the rock. The falls area is great spot for wading in the river, sunbathing on sand, and picnicking upon the exposed rocks.

To reach the park, from Eau Claire, take U.S. Hwy. 12 east. Turn left/north on N. Elco Road. At County Road SS (aka 9 Mile Creek Road), go right/east. This road runs out at County Road K (aka N. 130th Avenue); head left/north onto County K. Just before crossing the Eau Claire River, turn left/west onto Big Falls Forest Road. The sandy road heads straight to a parking lot.

From the lot, walk west toward the river. You’ll hear the rush of water over the falls pointing the way.

The Eau Claire River turns sharply at this spot, spilling in two falls over outcroppings of gneiss. A 25-foot drop, millions of gallons per hour head over the polished gneiss and boulders, forming a deep pool below the falls.

The sandrock on the river’s shoreline belongs to the Mt. Simon formation. It formed about 550 million years ago when sediment settled at the bottom of a shallow ocean covering this part of the world.

The exposed base of the sandstone sits atop even older gneiss that formed many miles beneath the surface of the earth some 1.85 to 1.9 billion years ago. This rock at one time belonged to the Marshfield continent that existed in the Archean era. At that time, the area south of what is now the Wisconsin Northwoods marked the edge of the North American proto-continent with a great sea beyond. A chain of islands known as the Marshfield continent gradually collided with the North American proto-continent, expanding the land area of what is now Wisconsin.

Over time, the Eau Claire River has cut through all of the Mt. Simon sandstone here and is now rushing over and exposing even more of the erosion-resistant gneiss.

The 135-acre county park straddles both sides of the Eau Claire River, and there is a northern entrance on the opposite shoreline. When planning a trip here, be careful to not confuse it with Big Falls County Park near Kennan in Wisconsin’s Price County, which is a couple of hours drive away.

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

Trail follows ridgeline overlooking creek

Lowes Creek County Park includes about 18 miles of multi-purpose trails.
Photo courtesy County of Eau Claire.

Lowes Creek County Park trails map,
courtesy of Chippewa Off Road Bike Association.

Day hikers can walk a forested trail overlooking a popular trout stream in west-central Wisconsin.

The Ridgeline Trail and the paths leading to it run 1.22-miles round trip at Lowes Creek County Park south of Eau Claire. About 18 miles of multi-purpose trails - frequented by hikers, runners and off-road bicyclists - can be found in the park, which hugs the creek’s course.

To reach the trailhead, from Eau Claire, take Wis. Hwy. 93 south. At Golf Road, turn right/west. In 1.5 miles, turn left/south into S. Lowes Creek Road. The park entrance is in another 1.5 miles; go left/east onto Palomino Road. A parking lot, is at the road's end. An entrance fee is required.

From the parking lot’s northwest side, take the wide trail heading straight north (Two other trails go east.). At the first trail junction, in 0.1 miles, turn right/east, crossing a footbridge over Lowes Creek.

Flowing out of the slope between the Chippewa and Buffalo river valleys to the south, Lowes Creek is a Class II trout stream that eventually makes it way into the Chippewa. Native brook trout can be found between the mouth of Clary Creek north to the Chippewa, but the stream is restocked with brown trout for sports fishing.

At the next trail junction, in 0.08 miles, go right/southeast. You’ll parallel the creek for about 0.25 miles, passing the junction with the Onion Trail, and at last reach the Ridgeline Trail. Go right/south on the Ridgeline, which overlooks the creek about 50 feet below.

While much of the upland surrounding Lowe Creek consists of pine forests, the moist soil along the creek bed yields other trees, including birch, making this a nice trail to see harvest colors in autumn.

Follow the Ridgeline Trail for 0.18 miles until it intersects the Nemesis and Skull trails. This marks a good spot to turn back.

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

Walk quiet woods in historic logging site

Lakeshore Trail (marked in yellow), Eau Claire, Wis.

Day hikers can walk a tranquil, wooded path that at one time was a hub of Wisconsin’s bustling logging industry.

The Lakeshore Trail at Eau Claire’s Carson Park runs about a mile one-way. A side trail of the Chippewa River State Trail, it’s less of a wilderness route than an urban walking path.

To access the trail, from U.S. Hwy 12/Clairemont Avenue in Eau Claire, turn east onto Menomonie Street then left/north onto Carson Park Drive. Use the parking lot next to the baseball stadium. From there, cross Carson Park Drive and go southwest or northeast on the trail.

The 134-acre park sits on a “peninsula” surrounded by an oxbow lake, Half Moon Lake, which once marked the course of the Chippewa River. Today, the river runs east and south of the lake.

Despite hugging Carson Park Drive, the path is quiet with the rustling of leaves in the wind far more common than passing vehicles. That wasn’t the case during the last 1800s, though, when Half Moon Lake was a holding pond for logs awaiting their turn at the sawmill. In 1884, more than 989 million board feet of logs came down the Chippewa River to Eau Claire’s sawmills. At the time, the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company owned what is now the park.

When the trees from up north were all felled, the lumber companies moved on, and for a while the land sat empty and unused. Proposals included building a resort and a race-track there.

Then in 1914 the heirs of millionaire lumberman William Carson purchased the land and gave it to the city on condition that it be used as public park. The following year, the park was named for their father, the former president of Valley Lumber Company.

In the 1930s, a baseball stadium went up in the park. This was soon followed by the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum, another museum for the county’s history, and several other park facilities.

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

Extensive forested area sits in metro area

Trail through Putnam Park State Natural Area, courtesy WI DNR. 

Topo map for trail.

Day hikers can enjoy a walk along two waterways through a wildlife-laden forest in the heart of western Wisconsin’s largest metro area.

Several undesignated trails runs through the Putnam Park State Natural Area in Eau Claire, which boasts more than 70,000 residents. The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire owns and maintains the 230-acre natural area.

Big trees
Putnam Park actually consists of two sections, which the university campus splits. Both sections are narrow, curving strips along waterways.

The western section sits on the Chippewa River. To access it, from campus parking lot #4, follow the interpretive trail into the state natural area.

The much larger eastern section is largely centered on Little Niagara Creek. It can be reached by walking alongside Putnam Drive, which starts across from campus parking lot #14.

Both areas are heavily forested, with red and white pines dominating the higher ground while hackberry, paper and river birch, and red maple and silver maple thrive in the lower, wetter areas. Tamarack and white cedar also can be found in the eastern portion’s wettest sections.

Day hikers will be impressed by the size of the trees, especially the red and white pine, which have largely been undisturbed for more than a century. Henry Cleveland Putnam donated the areas for the park to the city in 1909, wanting it set aside as a botanical laboratory because of the great variety of plants found there. Indeed, more than 400 species of plants have been documented.

Wildlife
With the diversity of plants and its size, the state natural area is a haven for an incredible range of animals for an urban area. At last count, 23 kinds of mammals – including beaver, white-tailed deer, and woodchucks – called the woods home. Six reptiles, including the prairie skink, also can be found there.

The state natural area is a great place for birdwatchers as well. About 100 bird species – such as eagles, hawks, wild turkeys, and woodpeckers – live there during summer.

One other species you’re certain to find are college researchers documenting plants and animals. In 1957, the city transferred the acreage to the Wisconsin State College, which later became the university.

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

Loop includes oak savanna, turtle pond

Saw-whet owls are studied at Beaver Creek Reserve in
west-central Wisconsin. Photo courtesy WI DNR.

Map of Interior Loop, courtesy of Beaver Creek Reserve.

Day hikers can walk along a creek, through an oak savanna, and past a turtle pond on the Interior Loop at the Beaver Creek Reserve in west-central Wisconsin.

The 1.3-mile round trip loops runs through a small section of the 400 acres overseen by the Friends of Beaver Creek Reserve. A number of nature and conservation programs occur year-round at the reserve. It’s also a research site, with recent programs focusing on American kestrels, saw-whet owls, bat calls, and stream monitoring.

Beaver Creek
To reach the reserve, from U.S. Hwy. 12 in Fall Creek, go north on County Road K north. The reserve is on the north side of the Eau Claire River. At the parking lots, take a connector trail east to the trailhead.

The Interior Trail heads southeast to an observation deck overlooking Beaver Creek, a meandering trout stream that flows for eight miles into the Eau Claire River. The creek supports a self-sustaining trout population; about 60 percent of Wisconsin’s streams require the addition of trout grown in hatcheries.

Staying on Beaver Creek’s west side, the trail gradually veers west, heading through an oak savanna along the way. In Wisconsin, savannas are meeting ground between the flat, drier prairies of the West and the hillier, wetter deciduous forests of the East. On the reserve’s savanna, oak is the dominant tree.

Upon leaving the savanna, the trail and the Boundary Loop merge. Go left/east on to the Boundary Loop to enjoy the swinging bridge and its views over the Eau Claire River, then head back onto the Interior Loop.

Turtle pond
The south side of the Interior Loop parallels the river. A major tributary of the Chippewa River, the Eau Claire flows west into the city that bears its name.

Next, the trail curves north past a marsh. Grasses rather than trees dominate these wetlands, which serves as a home for a variety of aquatic birds. An observation deck allows hikers to pause and enjoy the scenery.

On the trail’s north side, it passes a turtle pond. Turtles spend most of their lives in the water, and should you get close enough to see one, you’ll notice they have webbed feet and long claws.

The trail then turns north and heads to the nature center. The center contains a number of exhibits about the reserve’s many ecosystems. The parking lots are just north of the center.

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

Riverside trail includes S-shaped bridge

Banbury Bridge. Photo courtesy City of Eau Claire.

Map, Eau Claire River Route.

Day hikers can walk across a unique S-shaped bridge on a short urban trail in downtown Eau Claire, Wis.

The 0.6-mile round trip Eau Claire River Route – often referred to on maps as a side trail of the Chippewa River State Trail – runs alongside and crosses its namesake. Its connections with the main Chippewa River State Trail allow for quick access to various parks.

Park at the L.E. Phillips Memorial Library then cross South Dewey Street, heading east onto the paved trail. Breaks through the trees allow for views of the Eau Claire River, which in this stretch runs over a series of cascades.

The Eau Claire River is one of the Chippewa Rivers’ major tributaries, flowing for 40 miles out of the east. Two nearby dams back it up into reservoirs.

With the elevation changes on the river, a variety of trees can be spotted along the way, making for a colorful autumn walk. Eau Claire is officially a Tree City USA, and a walk along this trail proves why.

In short order, the trail curves northeast and crosses the river on a trestle S bridge that originally served the railroad. The bridge offers great views of the river and of Banbury Place, which sits on the river’s north side.

Now a complex of apartments, retail shops and offices, Banbury Place used to be the site of the Uniroyal tire plant that before closing its doors during the early 1990s was the city’s largest employer. More than 1350 people worked at the 1.9 million-square-foot plant. The complex stretches a quarter-mile in length.

Upon reaching the Chippewa River State Trail on the river’s north side, turn back. The Chippewa trail runs alongside busy Galloway Street and while pleasant for bicyclists, for hikers it’s more akin to a sidewalk.

If you wish to continue, however, going left/west on the Chippewa trail takes you to beautiful Phoenix Park; you also can turn it into a loop by heading left/south at North Dewey Street and heading to the library. Going right/east on the trail offers access to Boyd Park and the Fairway Trail which leads to Archery Park; just past Banbury Place, turn right/south onto the trail that crosses that river and via a wood-chip path enters Boyd Park.

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

Urban hike heads link historic area, park

Chippewa River State Trail from Historic Water Street District to Phoenix
Park in Eau Claire, Wis.

Chippewa River State Trail runs through heart of Eau Claire, Wis.

Day hikers can enjoy a pleasant urban hike along a river in the Chippewa Valley’s largest city.

Though most of the Chippewa River State Trail runs through rural areas, its most used portion sits in the middle of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. A 3.7-mile round trip segment of the trail links the Historic Water Street District to beautiful Phoenix Park.

People have used the route since at least 1882 when the Milwaukee Road set down a rail line on most of what is now the trail. The rail line was abandoned in 1980 and soon converted to a bicycling trail that also can be hiked. Like most former rail lines, the trail is fairly flat and wide (10 feet); much of it is also paved.

Start at the Chippewa River State Trail’s 10th Avenue trailhead. From Menomonie/Water Street, drive south onto 10th Avenue; a small parking lot sits at the road's end southwest of Hobbs Memorial Ice Center. A short stem trail then connects the lot to the Chippewa River trail.

Historic Water Street District
Once at the main trail, go right/north, heading through quiet neighborhood. At Seventh Avenue, you must walk along the street. Turn right/east at Menomonie Street and then pick up the trail again at Sixth Avenue. The trail then passes through Historic Water Street District with the Chippewa River on the trail's right/south side.

The majority of the business buildings in the Water Street District were constructed in the early 1880s. At that time, the lumber industry was king in the Chippewa Valley with logs floating from the Northwoods down the Chippewa River to sawmills in Eau Claire.

Upon leaving the historic district, the trail passes through a small stretch of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus, specifically in front of the Haas Fine Arts Building. The university’s music, theater arts, and arts programs, along with performance halls, are located there.

As the river curves north, so does the trail, crossing Water Street and running through Owen Park. Downtown Eau Claire sits on the opposite shoreline. At West Grand Avenue, a bridge crosses the Chippewa, linking the trail to downtown.

Phoenix Park
Next, the trail comes to the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers. North of the confluence, the trail swerves right/northeast and via a trestle bridge crosses the Chippewa and enters Phoenix Park.

A steel company sat on the site for decades, though you would’t guess that today. Several years after the manufacturer closed its doors, the city reclaimed the area as a green space, with the park opening in 2005. A Farmers' Market is held each Saturday at the park, making it an interesting urban hiking destination.

For day hikers, the park marks a good spot to turn back. The trail does continue east, though, following the Eau Claire River, with a spur crossing the waterway to the Fairway Trail, before swerving north at U.S. Hwy 53 on its way to Chippewa Falls.

Generally on the Chippewa River State Trail, passes are required for bicyclists, inline skaters, and horse riders but not for hikers or for casual walking. Pets also are allowed but must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet long.

Alternate south route: Back at the parking lot, going left/south rather than right/north takes you to a junction with the Lakeshore Trail that circles to Carson Park, or you can continue south out of town to Carryville and on to Tarant Park in Durand. The trail sticks to the Chippewa River shoreline the entire way.

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