Blog - Bayfield Area Trails

High Water in the Big Ravine

4/25/2022

For folks who don’t already know, creeks are really gushing these days. While it’s a spectacular sight, high water is over-topping some of the trails. Most notably, the creek in the Big Ravine is flowing over the stepping stones at the Gil Larsen Trail’s creek crossings. Be prepared for wet feet and please use caution when trying to cross the creek. You might consider bringing walking sticks.

Mud Season Heads Up!

4/6/2022

Pine Bluff Trail Closed Sign

To protect the trails we love, Pine Bluff and Hemlock Heights in the Big Ravine are temporarily closed.

It’s mud season again. As the snow melts, we are getting icy and muddy conditions on the trails. It is especially important to pay attention to this on trails traversing side slopes where ice in the middle of the trail may cause people to walk along the muddy edges. This can cause erosion and damage to the trails; and this may also make travel hazardous.

During mud season, remember this phrase: “If you leave a track, please turn back.”

Please pay attention to Trail Closures. Temporary trail closures are posted for your safety, to avoid erosion and resource damage, and to protect the trail. We all love these trails, so please stay off when they are closed.

Muddy footprint left on the side of the Pine Bluff Trail.

Due to ice on the trail, people walk in the mud along the trail’s edge causing serious damage to the trails.

Here are some other tips for how to navigate mud season.

Stay on the trail and stick to the middle. If you do find yourself on a muddy trail, it’s best for the trail to hike down the middle so as not to widen the trail. If someone else is coming and you need to make room, try to step off onto surfaces like rocks or grass versus moss and flowers.
Choose your hike carefully. During periods of rain, or as snow is melting, make informed decisions about where to hike. Generally speaking, trails covered by trees will hold moisture for longer, while trails that get more sun will dry out faster.
Hike early? If the ground is freezing overnight, aim to hike early when the mud is still hard. The mud will soften during the day and turn to an increasingly sloppy mess before refreezing at night.
Consider carrying cleats in case you run into significant snow or ice. Better to use cleats than to detour off the trail.
Use hiking poles to keep your balance on ice, snow, or mud.
Be willing to turn around!

Snow down the center of Pine Bluff Trail with mud on the trail edge.

Snow, ice and mud make the trails treacherous this time of year.

As always, trail reports, suggestions and ideas are welcome. You can send them via the Send Trail Report button below or from our Trail Alerts page. Happy Spring and we look forward to seeing you out on the Bayfield Area Trails!

SEND TRAIL REPORT

Are you ready for field season?

3/19/2022

Mark Your Calendars

The season's first events. Come one, come all!

May 7th @ 9:00 am - 10:30 am: Virtual Trails Training with Will Krift of Trails Anonymous: here is the meeting link. We will record the session and post it on this website for those who can't make the training.
May 14th @ 9:00 am - Noon: Restoration projects in the Big Ravine. We will gather at the Gil Larsen Trailhead (parking area on Washington Ave. across from the City library) to plant native shrubs and pull invasive forget-me-nots. Please bring work gloves, spades/shovels, clippers, buckets for watering plants, and any other tool you think would be useful.

Building the Hemlock Heights trail.

Building the Hemlock Heights trail.

With the first day of spring just one week away, we are excited about the upcoming trails project season. The Bayfield Area Trails 2022 project calendar is now posted here. Check out our 2022 Project Calendar. We hope you will make note of the projects that interest you.

As you'll see, several of these projects will be under the leadership of the newly-formed Bayfield Area Trails (BATs) Trails Subcommittee; and we want to say a special thanks to the 10 folks who have stepped up to be a part of this subcommittee! This is an important big step toward building long-term sustainability of the Bayfield Area Trails organization.

As we approach the project dates, you can expect that we will follow our standard process for recruiting and scheduling volunteers for the multi-day projects including the Big Ravine, West Rim, and Jerry Jolly Trails. We will send out recruitment notices two weeks prior to the project so that volunteers can sign up for time slots. Then, the crew schedule will be sent to volunteers one week before the project start date along with project logistics, tools, safety notes, and other relevant information.

Kate Hoff digs in with a McCleod.

Kate Hoff digs in with a McCleod.

Upcoming Trail Closures

Mud (and ice) season is coming our way: To avoid resource damage and potential safety risks, please anticipate trail closures on the Big Ravine's Pine Bluff and Hemlock Heights trails. When the closures are implemented, signs will be posted at key intersections and trail alerts added to the website and Facebook page.

We all love these trails, so please stay off trails during closures.

As always, suggestions and ideas are welcome. You can send them via the comment form found at the bottom of all pages on this site.

We look forward to seeing you out on the trails!

January 2022 Community Meeting

3/19/2022

Our January 2022 Community Meeting was a great success! The recorded version is linked here in case you missed the meeting.

Thank you for your continued support of Bayfield area Trails!

Click the image below to view Bayfield Area Trails January 2022 Community Meeting recording.

VIEW OUR 2021 ACCOMPLISHMENTS VIDEO

New Pratt's Peak Project

2/1/2022

Pratt's Peak? Near Cornucopia? "Never heard of it." or "I've heard of it but ... where is it?" or "I went hiking up there but couldn't find it." The elusive Pratt's Peak is about to be revealed!

Pratt's Peak is the second highest point in Bayfield County, with an elevation of 1,427 feet and is 800+ feet above Lake Superior.

Beautiful vistas from atop Pratt's Peak.

The Cornucopia Trails Club in association with Bayfield County & the Bayfield Area Trails group, is working on developing trails to show off not only the peak but nearby Cloud Lake, the surrounding forests and a big view of Lake Superior and Eagle Island, the most westward Apostle Island.

To learn more or volunteer to help build the trail, contact Cornucopia Trails Club by emailing Peter Rothe at: peterrothe1@gmail.com. Current trail development information will be posted on the Cornucopia Trails Club Facebook page.

Below are some images of the beauty to be discovered in this area!

Winter Trail Reminders

2/1/2022

It’s winter in Bayfield County with plenty of snow for outdoor enthusiasts! With the thought that you might he headed out to enjoy one of the Bayfield Areas Trails, here are some tips for a good experience:

Ski & snowshoe directional signs.

Trails are not maintained during the winter
Have some knowledge of where you’re headed. The Big Ravine East and West Rim Trails are both okay for showshoeing or skiing—but the steep slopes and the switchbacks on Pine Buff, Hemlock Heights, and the School Trail, will be a challenge
Familiarize yourself with a trail’s usage. Not all winter activities are allowed on all trails, so make sure you know what’s permitted. For instance, in general, snowshoes are not allowed on cross-country ski trails.

Even if snowshoeing and skiing are both allowed in an area, please don’t snowshoe on top of ski tracks. For example, on the Big Ravine’s West Rim Trail, please follow the signs that direct snowshoers on one route and skiers on another.
Don’t forget that the sun sets earlier at this time of year. Consider hiking early—and plan to be off the trail well before dark, especially as temperatures drop when the sun goes down.
Always practice Leave No Trace! Pack out anything and everything you brought in; this includes picking up after your pooch—even in winter.
Consider using hiking poles for stability
You might encounter others on the trail. Smile, greet, repeat! If you’re snow-shoeing, remember that uphill travelers have the right of way; downhill travelers should step aside. If you stop for a snack or to adjust your gear, step off the trail and make room for others to pass by
If snowshoeing, avoid wandering around in deep snow without your snowshoes on; you could inadvertently cause a deep hole that could be dangerous for others.

Most importantly, have fun! We consider ourselves very lucky to be here in the midst of the Bayfield Peninsula’s winter wonderland. You might find some interesting tracks, or see “snow fireworks” when a breeze lifts snow off a limb and lets the flakes come down lit by the sun. And is that a chickadee’s greeting? Enjoy!

Snow "Fireworks"!

Thank You for a Successful 2021 Trail Season!

11/2/2021

Greetings Bayfield Area Trails Enthusiasts!

As we watch the golden glow of autumn blow away, it's time to reflect on the successes of our field season and to give thanks to everyone who helped to make them happen! What an incredible year it has been! Read the month-by-month progress below.

Click pictures for a larger view. Click underlined text to learn more about a project.

May

The 2021 Gil Larsen Trailhead improvements.

As spring started to peep out of the soil, a crew of folks spent May Day planting native trees and shrubs at the Gil Larsen Trailhead in the Big Ravine. On the next day, a small group installed four new interpretive signs at the trailhead to provide visitors with information about the Big Ravine Trail network, trail etiquette, natural and cultural history, and Bayfield apple orchard heritage.

The trail building season began with our annual Fundamentals of Trail Construction and Maintenance Training, followed by the exciting construction of Hemlock Heights in the Big Ravine under the skillful leadership of our favorite trail builder Will Krift. Hemlock Heights connects the Gil Larsen Trail in the bottom of the Big Ravine with the Ravine's west side trails network, thereby opening up a whole new variety of loops. If you haven't explored this new trail yet, it's not too late; and...if you like a cardio workout, Hemlock Heights is the trail for you!

One of the new stairways along the new Hemlock Heights Trail.

June

In June, two projects expanded our network, with the extension of the Gil Larsen Trail a short distance along the creek bottom beyond the intersection with the Pine Bluff Trail.

A new bench and sign at the end of Gil Larsen Trail extension.

Gracie's Trail that connects from Betzold Rd. to Fire Tower Hill Rd. was also constructed. We are grateful to Drew Froeliger for generously allowing Grace's Trail across his property and we hope this leads to other private land crossings in our trails network. In June, steps were also added to steep sections of the Pine Bluff Trail to reduce erosion and make them more easily passable during slick periods.

A walking map showing the connection between the Big Ravine North Trailhead and Gracie's Trail.

July

New interpretive signs at the Gil Larsen Trailhead.

Arrows and maps posted along the Gil Larsen Trail.

Although we had plans for a couple of group volunteer projects in July, we discovered that everyone was busy having fun and catching up on travel and family gatherings that had been postponed due to the previous year of COVID restrictions. So, our Mainland Trail and Jerry Jolly Trail projects did not happen. But, if you were out in the Big Ravine during this time you probably noticed the new trailhead interpretive signs and maps and directional signs installed along the trails in early July.

The Cornucopia Trails Club (CTC) started to participate in BAT Committee meetings to explore collaboration on their plan for establishing trails on Pratt's Peak on the western edge of the Town of Bayfield. We are excited about the potential to expand our capacity to accomplish the Bayfield Area Trails vision for an interconnected trails network in the Bayfield Area!

The Olson Family honored their heritage with the installation of a new bench at the North Ravine Trailhead on Meyers-Olson Rd.

Improvements at the Big Ravine North Trailhead.

August

Northland students on the newly installed boardwalk on the Striped Skunk Trail.

Bayfield senior Allison Rogers cuts the ribbon held by District Administrator Beth Paap and Administrative Assistant Linda Weber at the top of the new School Trail.

Many hands from Northland College made for light work on the Big Ravine's West Side boardwalks as well as along the Brownstone Trail.

Even more exciting in August was the construction of the long-awaited School Trail to connect the Bayfield School with the bottom of the Big Ravine. We are extremely grateful for the enthusiastic support from the Bayfield School District, School leadership and staff, and Bayfield Community Education Foundation. This new trail now gives safe and sustainable access for students to appreciate the beauty and unique history of the Big Ravine.

The Bayfield Waterfront Walk/Memorial Park Walkway renovation was postponed due to lack of availability of contractors. The City plans to go out for another request for bids later this fall with the goal of completing the renovation before the Fourth of July.

September

We received an extra morale boost when The Big Ravine Preserve projects featured in the 2021 Wisconsin Great Lakes Chronicle. The article starts on page 8.

Momentum continued at the very end of the month, with the Brownstone Trail and Steps Renovation project. Despite a few bumps along the way, we were able to get it done just in time for Applefest!

The 2021 Great Lakes Chronicle cover photo.

Brownstone Trail Blue Wing Bay improvements, before and after.

October

On October 15th, a whirlwind of equipment and raking crews distributed and spread 20 cubic yards of gravel on the low muddy sections of the East Rim Trail.

As leaves fall and the tick populations decline, we have resumed efforts on the Pike's Creek Hatchery Connector project again. Thanks to adventurous field reconnaissance done during the spring, there is an initial proposed route to connect the Hatchery Trail to the Jerry Jolly Trails at Mt. Ashwabay with a non-motorized trail. We are initiating coordination and seeking permits and easements from the DNR, with the goal of pursuing grants for trail construction in 2022-2023.

The route of the proposed Hatchery to Jolly trail expansion.

Bayfield Area Trails is working with the Town of Bayfield and Landmark Conservancy to possibly purchase 10 acres of wetland at the headwaters of the Big Ravine Preserve on the north side of Meyers-Olson Rd. This would permanently protect the wetlands habitat and the Big Ravine watershed as well as provide a lovely opportunity for a trail for watching birds, beavers, and other wildlife in the wetlands.

The area of the possible wetland purchase at the headwaters of the Big Ravine Preserve.

November

Our last coordinated project for the season will be to rebuild the rock steps along the Gil Larsen Trail above the waterfall. Upon looking at this location we concluded that the rock work was more critical than replacing the boardwalk. So, we will be assembling a small crew to work with Will Krift. While on location, we will also do some final trail stabilization and drainage work on the lower end of the School Trail before the snow hits.

Gil Larsen Trail rock steps replacement project.

December

We will start planning a virtual meeting to talk about the future of Bayfield Area Trails, including seeking participants in our new Trails and Communications subcommittees. We will also discuss initial thoughts for 2022 projects. Please keep your eyes peeled for an invitation to this meeting in January or February.

Thank You!!

As you can see, we made lots of headway on our 2021 - 2022 priorities. This could not have been accomplished without the truly remarkable participation and enthusiasm of our Bayfield Area Trails Stewards. The greatest reward is seeing how many people love these trails! Although we haven't had a chance to add up all of the hours from this year's season, you can be sure that it was hundreds of hours plus donations of equipment and creative ideas.

At the risk of forgetting someone...a HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE AND THANKS TO OUR 50+ VOLUNTEERS:

Sue Aiken
Lois Albrecht
Betsy Blanchard
Bill Bland
Phil Bratsch
Bill Bussey
Erika Carrier
Matt Carrier
Doreen Conrad
Jon Crump
Jennifer Crump
Rex Dollinger
Bob Durfey
Mike Eldred
Nan Fey
Liz Fentress
Chuck Finn
Mary Finn
Tov Finn
Drew Froeliger
Kate Hoff
Neil Howk
Lindy Howe
John Ipsen
Tony Jeannette
Genevieve Johnson

Kate Kitchell
Mike Kinnee
Craig Lincoln
Gene Lemmenes
Beth Lowthian
Ted May
Tracy May
Bruce Moore
Jim Moeller
Scott Nesvold
Mick Parent
Phil Petersen
Sheree Peterson
Anney Olson
John Olson
Keith Ray
Greg Rozier
Janel Ryan
Rich Ryan
Cyndi Taylor
Steve Vircsik
Kris Wegerson
Grant Wilcox
Jan Wilcox
Bob Wood
Patti Wood

And...we must not forget the folks who are working behind the scenes on project support, including accounting for funds and paying bills. Thanks to the City of Bayfield staff, Parks and Recreation Committee, and City Council. We also greatly appreciate the support from the Town of Bayfield staff and elected officials!

Stay Informed

Visit our website regularly to check on Bayfield Area Trails happenings.
Follow us on Facebook.
Watch for monthly meeting notes to see what we are up to next!

Thanks to everyone who has brought Bayfield Area Trails to Life! Happy Trails!

No More Muddy Paws on the Big Ravine's East Rim!

10/31/2021

Daisy tried the improved trail areas and remarked how happy she was that her paws stayed dry!

On October 15th, BATS volunteers gathered on the East Rim Trail for a last hurrah for the 2021 trail-building season. They celebrated with big equipment, shovels and rakes, and 20 cubic yards of gravel—paid for with a grant from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program. The project had lots of moving parts as tractors, UTVs and ATVs shuttled gravel from the Meyers-Olson Road parking lot, and crews raked it onto sections of the trail that get very muddy in late winter and early spring. They also moved boardwalk materials to two locations along the trail, anticipating that some areas might need further improvement; that will be determined during next year’s snowmelt.

Map showing areas where work was completed.

Phil Peterson operating one of the tractors.

Those who assisted with equipment included Drew Froeliger and Phil Peterson on tractors loading gravel, Phil Bratsch driving an UTV with a dump box, Chuck Finn on his tractor with a custom-designed gravel hauler, Jim Moeller with an ATV and dump trailer, and Steve Vizanko driving an UTV with a dump box on loan from Ashwabay. Those who worked with shovels and rakes included Bill Bland, John Ipsen, Kate Kitchell, Gene Lemmenes, Beth Lowthian, Ted May, Sheree Peterson, and Janel Ryan.

Big Ravine East Rim Trail

Trails volunteer Gene Lemmenes said, “It was quite an impressive effort, especially in terms of the donated equipment and the timeliness of completing the project. We had planned for a full workday, but the crew was so efficient that we were done by 1:00 p.m.” Corgi owner Bill Bland added, “I think our dog friends, and their owners, will be very happy with these improvements next spring: no muddy paws and no muddy bellies!”

Renovations to the Brownstone Trail Make It Safer for Everyone!

10/22/2021

Before & After - Blue Wing Bay Stairs - Brownstone Trail

The section of the Brownstone Trail south of Blue Wing Bay Road is easier travel now, thanks to a Bayfield County Health Department grant to the Town of Bayfield. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Anthony Jennings, Kathleen Russell, Tim and Cari Logemann, Heidi Zimmer of Wild Rice Retreat, and Landmark Conservancy for their donations. Bayfield Area Trails volunteers were able to cross a number of items off the To Do list due to great participation over seven days and Will Krift's fantastic leadership. Special kudos to Rex Dollinger (and Ollie) for the use of his trailer, tools, and extra support.

The main goal of the recent work was to make a steep unstable section of the trail more user friendly for walkers of all skill levels, as well as for "wheeled" users including bikes and strollers. Bayfield Area Trails Committee Chair Kate Kitchell explains the other purpose; “We hope this will keep trail users on the proper trail right-of-way, rather than crossing private property along the old railroad grade.” New signs will be installed by Landmark Conservancy to provide clear direction for trail users.

Kate Kitchell and Will Krift and lots of Geocell Grid Paver!

The project goals were accomplished by widening the trail and installing Geocell Grid Paver material to stabilize the trail slope for “wheeled” vehicles; replacing deteriorated risers in the steps; filling the steps with fresh gravel; and adding railing along the steps. Other trail upgrades included refreshing gravel from the top of the steps to Blue Wing Bay Road and installing a sluice box “culvert” across the trail to improve drainage. At the base of the renovated steps, a pad was prepared for a memorial bench to honor Peg Dollinger. Once it is installed next spring, trail users will be able to rest and enjoy a great view of the lake!

Kate Kitchell, Will Krift and Betsy Blanchard work at the top of the renovated section of the Brownstone Trail.

This important project would have never happened without the time and energy of the many BATS volunteers who pitched in: Sue Aiken, Betsy Blanchard, Bill Bussey, Doreen Conrad, Rex Dollinger, Neil Howk, John Ipsen, Kate Kitchell, Gene Lemmenes, Ted May, Jim Moeller, Jimmy Moore, Scott Nesvold, Cyndi Taylor, Monarda Thrasher, Stephen Vircsik, Kris Wegerson, Grant Wilcox, and Jan Wilcox.

Many thanks to all who pulled together to make this happen! Go check it out.

Visit Landmark Conservancy’s Brownstone Trail Updates page to learn more about the Brownstone Trail’s bigger picture.

Many Hands Make Light Work

9/23/2021

During the last week of August, twenty-one Northland College first-year students from as far away as Florida and Oregon, studying everything from climate science to sustainable communities to outdoor education, pitched in to improve two Bayfield Area Trails as part of their orientation to Northland and the North Woods. In addition to enjoying the trail work, students said the experience gave them the opportunity to meet new people and build community.

The Northland students spent their first day working on the Striped Skunk Trail. Located on the Big Ravine’s west side, north of the soccer field, Striped Skunk connects Martin Road with the West Rim Trail. The crew began by clearing vegetation to widen the trail in preparation for the installation of boardwalk.

Northland students on newly installed boardwalk on Striped Skunk trail.

New trail signs and maps strategically placed throughout the Big Ravine trail system.

They then moved six new sections of boardwalk from the intersection of Striped Skunk and Martin Road, and re-positioned several old sections. The boardwalk was installed on parts of the trail that are wet and muddy during snowmelt and spring. It was intentionally placed along one side of the trail to allow for snowshoeing and skiing off of the boardwalk. Kate Kitchell of Bayfield Area Trails said she was really grateful for Northland’s muscle: “We expect that some of the boardwalk will need to be adjusted during next year’s mud season, but there’s no way we could have gotten this done without the student crew.”

Additional thanks go to the Town of Bayfield for funding the boardwalk materials, Rich Ryan for assembling and delivering the six new sections of boardwalk, and Bayfield Area Trails volunteers Kris Wegerson and John Ipsen who served as on-site coordinators.

Over the course of the next two days, two different Northland crews worked on three sections of the Brownstone Trail. Can you say “Gravel?” The crews spread gravel between the southern end of Chequamegon Road and the Waterford condominiums at Pike’s Bay; they spread gravel north of Blue Wing Bay Road; and they cleared vegetation to widen the trail south of Blue Wing Bay Road. Many thanks to Rex Dollinger and the County Health Department grant for funding the gravel costs.

Northland student, Anders Prater of Hinckley MN, at work on the Brownstone.

The Northland students were supported by Bayfield Area Trails volunteers Gene Lemmenes and Bob Wood who served as on-site coordinators, and a Brownstone neighbor, Bob Plucinak, who spread gravel with his tractor on the trail adjoining the Waterford condominiums. On the Brownstone section north of Blue Wing Bay Road, the student crew worked with Rex Dollinger as on-site coordinator and Jim Moeller who made things a little easier by shuttling gravel with his ATV with dump trailer.

Rex Dollinger ready for work on the Peg's Leg trail section.

Special thanks to Rex Dollinger for his financial support, time and energy, which he donated in memory of his wife Peg; they walked the Brownstone Trail together for nearly 20 years. The section of the trail improved with Rex’s help is affectionately known as “Peg’s Leg.”

What’s next? BATS volunteers can mark their calendars for September 27 - October 1 when Will Krift of Trails Anonymous will lead a crew to reconstruct the Brownstone Trail south of Blue Wing Bay Road including renovating the steps. Also, stay tuned for a call for volunteers to work on the Big Ravine’s East Rim Trail on October 14th and 15th.

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