Big Improvements to the Jerry Jolly Overlook Trail Loop

Chainsaw work prep for building one of the water bars to control erosion.

Bayfield Area Trails and Bayfield County Forest Staff made big improvements to the Jerry Jolly Overlook trail loop.

​The Jerry Jolly Trail west of Bayfield is especially popular among snowshoers and cross-country skiers in the winter. Now, with the recent efforts of Bayfield Area Trails’ volunteers working in collaboration with Bayfield County, the trail is likely to become a more popular destination for non-motorized travel during snow-free months as well (foot traffic only).

"Hikers will enjoy walking the nice loop along the trail, climbing to a forest overlook point and strolling along Pikes Creek,” said volunteer crew leader Mike Kinnee who helped organize area citizens to make needed improvements throughout the loop trail. “There’s a lot of interesting ferns and unique flora out there. We found some beautiful lady slippers out there last spring,” he added.

Fifteen Bayfield Area Trail volunteers worked to greatly enhance the Jerry Jolly Overlook Loop Trail that originates at the Pikes Creek bridge about 0.6 miles from the trailhead. This new 0.5-mile-long loop travels from the Pikes Creek bridge, up to the Overlook, across the ridge, and back down to the bridge. The volunteers significantly brushed and cleared the trail, constructed a 32-foot boardwalk across a perennial muddy spot, re-routed a short section, and dug in several water bars to better manage rainwater down a steep hillside to prevent erosion.

Three new signposts were added, and additional wayfaring signs were relocated to better serve trail users. A forthcoming interpretive sign will be placed at the trailhead to explain the history of this site and highlight notable natural features.

Happy crew working on building a water bar for erosion control.

Erica and Tracy working on ground prep.

Mark and Jeff completing one of 11 water bars.

Mark drilling holes for rebar stakes to secure a water bar.

​The biggest job, however, was the addition of two bridges. The main bridge, damaged last winter, was replaced with a six-by-six-inch timber bridge that was constructed on-site by volunteers working with Bayfield County staff.  A second bridge across a small ravine was repurposed from another location and put in by county employees. 

32-feet of new boardwalk.

The project included a new foot bridge across a small drainage.

​The original trail was made possible in 2006 by Jerry Jolly, who lived nearby. He donated 72 acres of the land here, containing the creek, meadows, and forests to Bayfield County with the desire that it be open to people for recreation.  While Mr. Jolly has since passed, his legacy gift continues to provide great enjoyment to all who recreate here. It is particularly beautiful in the autumn when one can walk along Pikes Creek reflecting the colors of the fall leaves or from the hilltop overlook gazing through the colorful forest to the creek below.

Jerry Jolly Trail Project Map. Click image to enlarge map.

​“It was a great collaboration between the County Forest staff and the Bayfield Area Trails’ volunteers,” said Lindley Mattson, Recreation Specialist for Bayfield County Forests and Parks.  “The work got done faster and more efficiently than I had expected,” she added. “A great deal was accomplished over just a few days.”