Gracie’s Trail Ready for Walkers!

Gracie’s Trail is ready for use!  New signs welcoming walkers are up at both ends of Gracie’s Trail which starts on Betzold Road, about 25 feet north of the Betzold-Meyers Olson Road intersection, travels .2 miles, and comes out on County J at Fire Tower Road. 

The trail goes through beautiful stands of birch trees, maples and oaks. Beginning in May, BATS volunteers flagged and cleared an area about five feet wide for the trail. Returning in June, work included raking leaves off the trail surface, clearing logs and branches, cutting undergrowth, and grubbing out roots and rocks. Many thanks to volunteers Sue Aiken, Kaye Barczak, Andy Falconer, Mary Finn, Kate Hoff, Kate Kitchell, Sheree Peterson, and Janel Ryan.

​Gracie’s Trail crosses private land owned by Drew Froeliger and is named after Drew’s dog Gracie. According to Drew, “Gracie was a medium-sized, white-haired terrier who was my best friend for 22 years.  She moved here with me from California. She roamed the property!” Many thanks, Drew, for allowing us to follow in Gracie’s tracks.

Drew goes on to say he’d definitely encourage other property owners to provide access across their land to Bayfield Area Trails, the idea being that the connections create more trail opportunities. For instance, Gracie’s Trail opens up the possibility of connecting the Gil Larsen and Big Ravine East Rim Trails all the way to Fire Tower Road. For more information on granting private land access, visit the Participate page on the Bayfield Area Trails website.

​Gracie’s Trail should be great for snow-shoeing this winter. Hope to see you there!