Hemlock Heights!

BATS trail builders are back at work. Under the direction of Will Krift of Trails Anonymous, 20 volunteers spent two weeks in May on the Hemlock Heights Trail connecting the Gil Larsen Trail to the Big Ravine West Rim Trail.

​The crew started at the top, roughing things in. Physical features that had to be built included two sets of cable steps, two crib walls, rock armoring in two spots where the trail crosses drainage areas, several sets of stone steps on steeper sections to navigate among tree roots, and a set of box steps at the bottom. A bench built by Bayfield High students in shop class will be installed at the top.

Gene Lemmenes & Will Krift moving a big rock. Click image for full-size view.

Kate Hoff digs in with a McCleod. Click image for full-size view.

Volunteer Kate Hoff was hard at work with a McCleod. “I love it,” she said. “It’s so satisfying seeing a trail happen and it’s wonderful to be a part of it. But the hillsides are challenging!”  

Will noted that the Hemlock Heights terrain is steeper with more constructed features which take more time. “But we made good progress throughout the project, despite some pesky roots that required more rock work than expected. It’s great to see how many volunteers came back to work on this.”
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​Hemlock Heights descends over 110 feet and is about a fifth of a mile long. There are six switchbacks from top to bottom. The trail traverses through a spectacular stand of hemlocks and is also dotted with a few cedars. Because the trail is steep, hikers should be cautious—especially when the trail is wet or frozen. Hikers are also asked to stay on the trail with no cutting across the terrain from one section to another. This is the most challenging of the trails, creating adventure and adding to the diversity of opportunities in the Big Ravine network.

Cable steps under construction at the top of Hemlock Heights. Click image for full-size view.

“Every time I work with Will, I learn something new,” Gene Lemmenes piped up. “This time we discovered how handy a come along and rock net can be for moving the really big rocks.”
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The trail enables access from the Gil Larsen Trailhead on Washington Avenue to the West Rim Trail, and on to Martin Road that connects to Betzold Road and the orchards area, including the Erickson Orchard. It also connects the West Rim trails to the East Rim trails via the Gil Larsen and Pine Bluff Trails. The Hemlock Heights Trail can be accessed from above via the West Rim trailhead located at the parking lot adjacent to the Bayfield school’s baseball field which, by the way, must have the most beautiful view of any ballpark in the world!

Hemlock Heights weaves through the trees. Click image for full-size view.

Hemlock Heights is the latest addition to the new trails network on City of Bayfield park lands that includes the Iron Bridge, Sweeny Switchback, Gil Larsen extension, and Pine Bluff trails. Kate Kitchell, Parks and Recreation Committee Chair is grateful for the City’s sponsorship. “We couldn’t have done all of these exciting trail additions without the incredible support from the City of Bayfield staff, Council, and committees.” 
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The Hemlock Heights Trail work was funded by a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program grant with matching grant funds from the Apostle Islands Area Community Fund, and donations from the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau. A huge round of applause to the funders, the volunteers and Will.

Next up? Beginning in mid-August, plans are to construct a connecting trail between the parking lot on the east side of Bayfield High School to the Gil Larsen Trail. It is hoped that the new “school” trail will facilitate safe and easy access for students to the Big Ravine for outdoor education and recreation.

Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.

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