The New Pikes Creek to Ashwabay Trail

​Thanks to sponsorship from the Town of Bayfield and approval from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Bayfield Area Trails is moving forward with the development of the new “Pikes Creek to Ashwabay Trail” that will connect from the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery on Highway 13 south of Bayfield to the Jolly Long Loop of the Mt. Ashwabay trails network.

Map showing the Pikes Creek to Ashwabay trail. Click to enlarge image.

The 1.3-mile-long non-motorized trail will cross Pikes Creek and the floodplain, climb up along a side ravine, and then traverse the plateau above Pikes Creek to join the Jolly Long trail at its western end. Ultimately, there are plans to develop a connection directly to the Mt. Ashwabay trailhead and parking area. ​

​The trail is designed for foot and snowshoe use; because of the special protections in the DNR’s Pikes Creek Management Area, no motorized or bicycle use will be allowed. 

A first look at trail construction. Click to enlarge image.

“We are super excited about this project as it will create an essential linkage toward our vision for the Bayfield Area Trails network. It also travels through beautiful terrain and forest,” says Kate Kitchell, Bayfield Area Trails Committee Chair. 

​Trail planning began in spring of 2021 with early exploration by adventurers Mick Parent, Ted and Tracy May, and John Olson. In the fall of 2021, the route was refined with the help of Steve Vizanko, Scott Nesvold, Peter Rothe, and Kate Kitchell, based upon finding the best location for the bridge across Pikes Creek. Coordination and permitting with DNR started in December 2021, culminating with approval to proceed in July 2022. 

Steve Vizanko of Bayfield Nordic sees this as a positive addition to the area’s trails. “Adding this as a snowshoe trail will create a great opportunity, as well as alleviate some existing conflicts between snowshoers and nordic skiers. Plus, the views from the plateau in winter time will be fantastic.” 

Winter view from plateau on the trail. Click to enlarge image.

​This is planned as a two-year project, with trail building of Segments A, B, and C this fall; followed by boardwalks and bridge installation at Pikes Creek next year (2023).  Most of the work will be completed by volunteers, combined with assistance from the Ashwabay Outdoor Education Foundation on Segment A. Due to the challenge and sensitivity of the terrain, Segment C will be led by professional trail builder Will Krift from Trails Anonymous in mid-October.

Another view of initial trail development. Click to enlarge image.

​Work was launched on August 30 – 31. We will soon reach out via email to recruit and schedule volunteers to work on Segment C. If you are not on the BATs email list and you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here. 

​This year’s trail building is possible thanks to funding from the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, Apostle Islands Area Community Fund, Bayfield County Health Grant, Town of Bayfield, and donations from Sue Aiken, Mike Eldred & Kate Kitchell, Genevieve Johnson & Mike Kinnee, Ted and Tracy May, Jen Maytum & Nick Parent, Kathleen Russell, and three anonymous donors.

COMING SOON
Name The Trail
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After the trail is constructed this fall, Bayfield Area Trails will be seeking suggestions for naming the trail.

PUT ON YOUR THINKING CAPS!

​The Bayfield Area Trails Committee is also especially grateful for the support from the Town of Bayfield Board, Clerk and Treasurer; without them, this project would not have been possible.