Blog Archives

Temp Trail Closures Coming Due to Early Mud Season

2/11/2024

Despite holding out hope for winter to arrive, three vulnerable trails will be closed to protect them from damage during mud season. These include the new Pileated Woodpecker Trail behind the State Fish Hatchery, and the Pine Bluff and Hemlock Heights Trails in the Big Ravine.

Due to their steep slopes, sensitive soil types, and narrow trail corridors with multiple switchbacks, these trails are especially prone to severe damage when muddy.

According to Fred Clark from the City’s Parks and Recreation Committee, “This damage can lead to erosion, add sediment to creeks, and harm vegetation. And let’s not forget; repairs cost money and time.”

Although it is possible that the ground may freeze and become snow-covered again, freezing and thawing on these trails will continue to create muddy as well as icy conditions that may put the trails and trail users at risk.

These trails will be monitored and reopened when they dry up in the late spring, which is expected to occur in May sometime.

Closures will be posted with signs and flagging at these locations:

Pileated Woodpecker Trail (PWT): at the bridge across Pikes Creek and at the Jolly Long Link intersection. The trail will also be closed to protect the slopes adjacent to the footbridge directly south of the Jolly Long Link intersection.

Hemlock Heights Trail: at the intersection with the Gil Larsen Trail at the trail’s bottom and the intersection with the West Rim Trail above the School at the top of the trail.

Pine Bluff Trail: at the intersection with the Gil Larsen Trail at the trail’s bottom, and the intersection with the East Rim Trail at the top of the trail.

Hemlock Heights & Pine Bluff trail closure map. Click image to enlarge.

Pileated Woodpecker trail closure map. Click image to enlarge.

While using other trails during this transition period, please be aware and use caution under icy conditions and follow basic muddy trail “etiquette.” If you make a track, please turn back. Don’t go around muddy patches, please go through them. Go slow to avoid rutting.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MUDDY TRAIL ETIQUETTE

Bayfield Area Trails Committee Chair, Kate Kitchell says, “This has been a crazy year, making it difficult to determine when and where to close these trails. But, it comes down to sustainability, stewardship, and safety. I’m optimistic that folks will respect the closures and avoid super muddy conditions because they care about our area’s special resources.”

Stay tuned to via our Bayfield Area Trails website alerts and Facebook page.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING TO KEEP OUR TRAILS IN GREAT SHAPE!

0 Comments

Watch out for ice & mud!

2/6/2024

0 Comments

Winter can be a wonderland for hiking: dashing through the snow, treetops glistening, and Jack Frost nipping at your nose. This winter’s thaw and refreeze periods can cause slippery hiking conditions on ice and mud. Please be cautious when hiking up and down steep slopes and across trails that appear icy and glazed.

Some of the notable locations are in the Big Ravine; including the Hemlock Heights, Sweeny Switchback, Iron Bridge, School, and Pine Bluff Trails. However, these conditions can occur anywhere.

We recommend wearing sturdy footwear with traction devices that can be either built in, such as ICEBUG brand, or ones that can be attached, such as YAKTRAX, DUE NORTH, STABIL, and other brands. Just search for “traction devices for winter hiking.”

Having walking sticks doesn’t hurt either. If you encounter a muddy patch, please walk through the mud rather than around it. When in doubt, just turn around. Remember, “In life, as in baseball, it’s the number of times you reach home safely that counts”

Stay tuned via our Facebook page and website for “springtime” trail closures.