Picture

BLOG

  Best Hiking in Bayfield!
  • HOME
  • TRAILS
  • PROJECTS
  • ABOUT
  • NEWS
  • BLOG
  • PARTICIPATE

The Apostle Islands Lakeshore Trail Gets a Facelift

7/30/2022

0 Comments

 
​The National Park Service is completing a two-year facelift of the Lakeshore Trail this summer that hikers will find more than cosmetic.  The trail improvements will protect natural resources, improve public safety and enhance visitor experience throughout the year.
Person walking across one of the wooden bridges on the trail
One of the new bridges crossing a ravine. Click image to enlarge.
​The mostly coastal, linear trail begins at Meyers Beach 4.5 miles east of Cornucopia, and traverses 6.2 miles easterly through forests upon the headlands above Lake Superior’s famous sea caves in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Offering views of the islands and the dramatic sandstone cliffs, it is the area’s most popular trail and usage has increased dramatically in recent years.
​Hikers will readily see many of the improvements. About 800 feet of new boardwalks will cover wet, muddy areas and will discourage the continuation of informal, social trails. Four new bridges spanning steep ravines, including two that are nearly 50 feet long, will replace those in poor condition and make walking easier and safer. Three beautiful, hand-crafted cedar benches will offer a respite for weary feet while five small waysides will be created for future informational and signage kiosks. And three overlooks will offer travelers great Lake Superior and island views, safely from atop the cliffs.
Click images for full-screen slideshow.
Erosion and trail damage from the old trail location
Thanks to the new trail, these impacts from past use will be able to heal.
Boardwalk through the forest
New boardwalks reduce impacts and make travel across the wet areas enjoyable.
Map from Cornucopia to Meyers Beach.
Map from Cornucopia to Meyers Beach.
While use is limited to foot traffic only, for those who are interested in backpacking and overnight use, two new campsites will be added mid-trail, to augment the single site that now exists at the far end of the trail. 

​Some trail work will be less apparent. The trail will be rerouted in one area to prevent soil compaction around the state endangered mountain cranberry that grows here, and new water bars along the trail in spots will prevent future erosional problems. 
Click images for full-screen slideshow.
Looking across Lake Superior to an island
Several of the Apostle Islands can be seen in the distance.
View across blue water with sandstone cliffs topped by a green forest
Views of majestic cliffs along the way.
View across water with caves carved into Sandstone.
The hiker can experience fantastic views into sea caves from the trail.
View of Lake Superior through a crevasse between two sandstone cliffs
The trail gives safe access to peek through a spectacular crevasse in the cliffs.
These additions will make a great trail experience even better. Late afternoon and evening are particularly good times to enjoy the lake scenery as the western sun lights up the cliffs as the waters shimmer below. Whether you’ve hiked this trail many times, or this will be your first, you will find the walk a delight as the mix of clouds, waters and light are always creating a new  and changing palette of colors, textures and scenes to enjoy. 

For more information on the trail and current conditions, visit the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore website.
0 Comments

It's Time to Celebrate!

6/28/2022

0 Comments

 
​Thanks to many donations, funding from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, and the hard work of the City staff, the renovation of the Waterfront Walk through Memorial Park is complete!
​The awkward slope by the gazebo has been nicely recontoured, the hillside stabilized with rock, new sidewalk has been added on the south end along First Street, and the entire path has been leveled and paved to a four-foot width. This project is also accompanied by three new lovely memorial benches in Jake's Triangle Park on the south side of the Bayfield on the Lake Condominiums.
Picture
Waterfront Walk from Jake's Triangle Park looking toward the City Dock.
Picture
Waterfront Walk looking south from gazebo.
​Now all we need is for the grass seed to take root along the walkway, so cross your fingers that we have just the right amount of rain. We plan to coordinate with the City Plan Commission’s wayfinding project to add wayfinding signs for this walkway when the time is ripe.
Picture
Waterfront Walk looking north by gazebo.
On behalf of the City of Bayfield Parks and Recreation Committee, please accept our heartfelt appreciation for helping to make this happen! Along with the Harbor improvements, this is something we can all be proud of.

THANK YOU!!!
0 Comments

West Rim Trail Maintenance & Improvements!

6/28/2022

0 Comments

 
Bill Bland standing on trail in green forest
Volunteers!
Visitors to the Big Ravine West Rim Trail should enjoy a more comfortable walk following recent maintenance work by Bayfield Area Trails volunteers. Guided by crew leader Bill Bland, volunteers worked on Friday and Saturday, June 24 and 25, removing tripping hazards like rocks and roots, filling in dips with dirt, creating rock steps, and leveling the trail, in three different areas.
​Bill Bland said that when he moved to the area six years ago, the Big Ravine West Rim Trail was, he thought, the best, closest trail to town—and, for that reason, got the most use. “But over time,” Bill said, “because of heavy usage, the trail got ratty in spots. Dirt gets kicked aside, and stones and roots emerge. A little effort toward trail maintenance can make a big difference.”
​As Bill spoke, visitors from Atlanta and Florida proved his point about trail usage. “We just wanted to get out of town,” one woman said. “We’ve been to Madeline Island, took the Apostle Island cruise —and then we found this trail and we liked it because it’s right here by Bayfield.” 
The women were interested to learn that everyone working on the trail was a volunteer. Kate Kitchell, BATs Committee Chair, pointed out that aside from a small project on the Gil Larsen Trail last summer, this was the first BATs project led and undertaken solely by volunteers. “It’s great! That’s the way it should be!” Kate said.
Two women standing on a trail in the forest.
Visitors from Atlanta and Florida.
​BATs volunteers who worked on West Rim Trail included Jackson Beckman, Bill Bland, Mark Filonowich, Neil Howk, John Ipsen, Kate Kitchell, Gene Lemmenes, Ted May, Leo Stern, Cyndi Taylor, and Kris Wegerson.
​What’s the next opportunity to volunteer with Bayfield Area Trails? The BATs Trails Subcommittee will be looking for help on the Jerry Jolly Trails’ Overlook Loop during the week of July 24-30. Under the leadership of Mike Kinnee and Genevieve Johnson, the work will consist of clearing encroaching vegetation and re-establishing the trail between the Pikes Creek bridge and the Overlook. The crew will also install about 30 feet of boardwalk and a small wooden footbridge on the trail along Pikes Creek. Learn more about signing up to receive BATs updates, and volunteer, by clicking here.

​The more volunteers, the merrier!
0 Comments

Trails are Opening Up!

5/21/2022

0 Comments

 
​On Thursday May 5th, a group of volunteers constructed short lengths of portable boardwalk to mitigate passage through wet areas on the north end of the Big Ravine’s East Rim Trail. The many hands of the following volunteers allowed the project to be completed in under two hours: Don Louis Bredle, Kurt Dicke, Mary Finn, Neil Howk, Paul & Brenda Kaese, Kate Kitchell, Tessa Levens, and Gene Lemmenes.
The group dug small channels to help drain standing water off of the trail. They also constructed a dozen sections of treated boardwalk using 8-foot lengths of 2" x 12" boards screwed to 6" x 6" blocks. The boardwalks were placed along the wettest sections of the trail and can easily be moved aside once the trail dries out. ​
Picture
Volunteers constructed short lengths of portable boardwalk.
Picture
The group dug small channels to help drain standing water off of the trail.
The Big Ravine’s Pine Bluff and Hemlock Heights Trails are now open. Many thanks to everyone for staying off of the trail during the ice and mud season! Your cooperation has ensured that they are in great shape for everyone to enjoy. Please use caution on the few wet sections on Pine Bluff; please stay on the middle of the trail to avoid damaging the trail shoulders.

Between May 23rd and 31st Bayfield Area Trails volunteers will be working with Will Krift on rebuilding rock steps on the Gil Larsen Trail above the waterfall as well as fine-tuning the lower section of the School Trail built last fall. 
​See you out on the trails! 
​ 
Picture
The Big Ravine’s Pine Bluff and Hemlock Heights Trails are now open.
0 Comments

Iron Bridge Viewshed Reunion

5/21/2022

0 Comments

 
Bayfield Area Trails volunteers reunited with Nile Merton and Michael Sinclair of Bay Area Environmental Consulting at the Gil Larsen Trailhead on Saturday, May 14—a beautiful spring morning. They gathered for an update on restoration work undertaken a year ago, and to plant native shrubs and pull invasive forget-me-nots.
​
And there’s good news! Despite last summer’s drought, Nile reported a success rate of 60 to 80 percent for the 210 trees and shrubs planted in May 2021, including red osier dogwood, white cedar, winterberry holly, black chokeberry, and high bush cranberry.
Nile and Michael guide BATS volunteers
Nile and Michael guide BATS volunteers.
Michael demonstrates how to handle roots while planting
Michael demonstrates how to handle roots while planting.
Nile and Michael explained that they considered several factors when deciding what to add this year. They chose native shrubs that would stabilize the area but not obstruct the view of the Iron Bridge, and that would ultimately shade the creek and keep it clean as it flows into Lake Superior. They also looked for vegetation that would serve for bird forage and attract pollinators.  Michael explained that the biggest threat to the new plantings is competition from invasive species like forget-me-nots.

​Volunteers worked in teams and planted American elderberry, black chokeberry, juneberry, and arrowwood viburnum. Others dug up emerging forget-me-nots by the roots.
​Many thanks to Neil Howk, president of Chequamegon Audubon, who led a bird walk on the Gil Larsen Trail prior to the start of the Bayfield Area Trails workday. Participants watched for, and listened to, migratory birds passing through Bayfield on their way north. The walk celebrated Bayfield's participation in Wisconsin's Bird City program, and commemorated World Migratory Bird Day, which was Saturday, May 14, 2022.
Neil Howk leads a bird walk on the Gil Larsen trail
Neil Howk leads a bird walk on the Gil Larsen trail.
BATS volunteers at work in the Iron Bridge viewshed
BATS volunteers at work in the Iron Bridge viewshed.
​And many thanks to the Bayfield Area Trails volunteers who worked on the restoration of the viewshed at the Iron Bridge this year including Melis Erik, Lyndy Howe, Neil Howk, Kate Kitchell, Gene Lemmenes, Pam Lincoln, Erica and Mark Peterson, Sheree Peterson, and Kris Wegerson. The work was sponsored by the City Parks and Recreation Committee and Bayfield Area Trails.
0 Comments

High Water in the Big Ravine

4/25/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
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.
Picture
0 Comments

Mud Season Heads Up!

4/6/2022

0 Comments

 
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

0 Comments

Are you ready for field season?

3/19/2022

0 Comments

 

Mark Your Calendars

Picture
​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.

Picture

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! 


0 Comments

January 2022 Community Meeting

3/19/2022

0 Comments

 
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

0 Comments

New Pratt's Peak Project

2/1/2022

0 Comments

 
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. 
Picture
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!
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Blog | Bayfield Area Trails

    VOLUNTEER & UPDATE SIGN UP

    Archives

    March 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020

Picture Bayfield Area Trails logo
Button Facebook Logo
Button Email Icon

    Comments, suggestions, great experiences? Talk to us!
    ​ 

Submit

TJoseph Media © Copyright 2023-25 Bayfield Area Trails. All Rights Reserved.
  • HOME
  • TRAILS
  • PROJECTS
  • ABOUT
  • NEWS
  • BLOG
  • PARTICIPATE