Trail Work Days Report: Jerry Jolly Overlook Re-Opened

After a closure of over two months, the short route of the Jerry Jolly Overlook Trail has reopened, thanks to the efforts of trail volunteers.

The trail segment was closed after the June 19th storm that dumped close to five inches of rain on the Bayfield area in just a few hours, creating flash flood conditions.  The normally shallow and tranquil Pikes Creek in this section swelled to a torrent. It rose several feet, spilling over its banks onto the Overlook Trail with great force.

Taking a break on the cleared trail.

“Following the flood, a nearly impenetrable four-foot wall of branches, tree trunks, roots and other debris inundated the trail next to the creek, making passage difficult and dangerous,” said Lindley Mattson, Bayfield County Recreation Specialist. Armed with Pulaskis, McLeods, rakes, loppers, a chainsaw and shovels, five volunteers worked to remove the tangled barrier that lay across the trail to create safe and easy walking once again. They also restored a couple of other locations impacted by the flood. 

John tackles the big logs with his chainsaw.

Thanks go to the volunteers re-opening this trail: Fred Clark, John Ipsen, Kate Kitchell, and Jen Maytum, who worked under Mattson’s leadership. 

Check out the trail. It’s easy walking. You’ll be refreshed by the tranquility of Pikes Creek which is just beginning to reflect this season’s famous fall hardwood colors.