News | Bayfield Area Trails

Lower Big Ravine Draft Study Report

7/18/2026

Available for Public Review Until July 29th

Are you interested in the future of the Lower Big Ravine? If so, please take the time to review and provide comment on the draft study report contracted by the City of Bayfield with Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH).

Comments may be submitted in writing to [email protected] at the City of Bayfield by 5 pm July 29th. There will also be an opportunity to provide public comment at the City Parks and Recreation Committee on July 27th at 4pm (see the City website for meeting details).

Questions about the report may directed to Kate Kitchell, the City’s designated project coordinator, at [email protected].

Concept Design Recommendations Report for the Lower Big Ravine Infrastructure.

Click image to open the report. (pdf)

Topo map explaining proposed improvements.

Map of Proposed Improvements. Click map to enlarge.

Citizens Gathered to Discuss the Future of Trails and Biking in Bayfield County

7/2/2026

A community meeting focused on Bayfield County Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan, with attendees seated facing two screens displaying the plan title and a presenter speaking near a podium.

On June 25th, Bayfield Area Trails (BAT) joined with the Northwest Regional Planning Commission in hosting a public meeting in Washburn to discuss the future of hiking – as well as biking and walking -- on the Bayfield Peninsula. Turnout was strong, with more than twenty-five people signing in for the BAT portion of the program -- in addition to the dozen or more current BAT volunteers and National Park Service employees who attended.

A community meeting or event inside a room with large windows and an open door letting in sunlight. Several people are engaged in conversation or reviewing information on display boards, with a man and woman in the foreground holding papers and talking.

Lots of ideas were shared!

The evening started with attendees engaging with BAT volunteers at various stations to learn about Bayfield Area Trails, the community and economic impact of silent sports study recently completed by BAT, and the draft Bayfield Peninsula Trails Plan -- a long-term blue print for creating a peninsula-wide silent sports trail system and a strategy to support it.

The Plan, which is being developed with support from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, will outline the work to be undertaken by BAT on trails maintenance and expansion over the next 10 years. Attendees were asked to offer their thoughts -- through the use of interactive displays and maps -- on key components of the current draft.

A community meeting in a well-lit room with large windows and flags near the window, where people are engaged in conversations and reviewing informational posters and materials on tables.

Participants visited maps and posters during the open house.

Specifically, they were asked to weigh in on the timing priority of improvements to existing trails and the priority and timing of proposed new trails and trail segments over the next five and ten years, respectively. This input will be valuable as BAT’s Planning Committee continues to work to finalize the Plan.

Two men discussing a large map taped to a wall inside a room, with one man pointing at a specific area on the map.

Discussing improvements to existing trails.

Following this open house session, attendees heard short presentations from representatives for BAT and the NW Regional Planning Commission. Kate Kitchell presented on behalf of BAT and offered an overview of the planning process and the draft Plan, including its implementation component. Kate noted that 101 initial new trail and route concepts were identified through stakeholder input, and that number was whittled down to 27 priority proposals included in the plan’s ten-year horizon.

Kate emphasized that the plan is still in draft and final decisions about whether and how trails will be developed will reside with each landowner or public land manager. The evening concluded with interactive break-out sessions during which attendees and volunteers together offered feedback on ways BAT can attract additional volunteers, further engage the community on trail enhancement projects, and strengthen its communications and outreach more generally.

A man examining a large planning chart titled

Participants gave input on trails proposed for the next 5 to 10 years.

If you were unable to attend the meeting, we encourage you to review information on our Bayfield Peninsula Trails Plan webpage via this link; and provide online input via this link.

Stay Tuned!

Part One of the Draft Plan will be posted on the website by July 15th.

A group of people in a room examining large charts and maps displayed on walls and tables, likely engaged in a planning or collaborative discussion.

There was a chance to give thumbs up or thumbs down on new trail proposal.

Rejuvenating the Clayton Creek Trail

7/2/2026

Trailhead featuring a green informational sign for Clayton Creek Trail, showing a detailed map with marked parking areas, trail routes, and natural landmarks. Surrounding dense greenery and a narrow grassy path indicate the start of the hiking trail through a forested area.

The western trailhead is located behind the Red Cliff Community Health Center.

On Friday June 26th, an army of 19 trail workers rejuvenated the Clayton Creek Trail, starting from the trailhead behind the Red Cliff Community Health Center. This collaborative effort, led by Ron Nordin from the Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources Division, included staff, interns, and volunteers from Red Cliff TNR, the Red Cliff Community Health Center, and Bayfield Area Trails.

An informational sign for Clayton Creek Trail showing a detailed map with marked trails, streams, parking area, and bridge boardwalk. Text highlights trail rules, accessibility from sunrise to sunset, prohibition of motorized traffic, and guidelines for harvesting natural resources, with contact information for reporting trail maintenance needs.

The map and narrative tell the story.

This pleasant 1-mile-long trail meanders through a variety of habitats and terrain along an ephemeral creek. Thanks to the hard work by this amazing crew, the trail is now clear of fallen trees and branches, the corridor has been brushed, the trail tread is visible and stable again, and the entrance is freshly mowed. The few small footbridges will be upgraded in the near future.

Grassy pathway bordered by tall green grass and trees under an overcast sky. A wooden post with a small sign or box is visible on the right side along the path, suggesting a nature trail or park setting.

The trail was mowed as part of the project.

THANK YOU TRAIL WORKERS!

Red Cliff Treaty Natural Resources Division

Ron Nordin – project leader
Lance Bresette
Genevieve Adamski
Jessica Jacobson
Corey Maxa
Ron Nordin III
Harly DeFoe
Jaxin Bresette

Red Cliff Community Health Center

Tina Martin - coordinator
Megan Kutz
Derek Gordon

Bayfield Area Trails Volunteers

Sheree Peterson
Stephen Virscik
Doug Welty

Three U.S. Forest Service Interns

A satellite map showing a forested area with roads, buildings, and labeled locations including Clayton Creek Trailhead.

Clayton Creek trailhead location.

Repairing the Salmo Boardwalks – Round Three!

6/23/2026

Four volunteers working on a wooden boardwalk.

Filling in the gap.

On Saturday June 13th, seven volunteers put their creative carpentry skills to work on a problem bridge on the Salmo Trail where it had heaved and created a steep slope that could be hazardous when wet or frozen. Bob Feyen and Jim Steffenson led the crew in leveling the bridge to make it easy and safe again.

This was the second round of work on this bridge, following the first round which was completed in five-degree weather in early December. It was a complex undertaking as they created temporary supports, removed deck boards and bumper railings along the edge, cut the bridge into pieces, jacked up and dropped sections, installed new posts on metal pans, and replaced deck boards and railings. Fortunately, the weather cooperated for this all-day endeavor; and the bugs weren’t even too bad!

Four volunteers working on a wooden boardwalk.

Cutting the boardwalk before jacking it up.

Volunteers working on a wooden boardwalk.

Low railings were replaced along the edge.

Volunteers working on a wooden boardwalk.

One more deckboard left to install.

In addition to making this section safer, it sets the stage for the next phase of the Salmo Accessibility Project when the Wisconsin Conservation Corps will come to town during the last two weeks of July to install 330 feet of elevated boardwalk and construct a 10’ x 16’ viewing platform along the lakes’ edge.

The trail will be closed from July 20th – 31st during the project. And, don’t be surprised to see huge stacks of boardwalk materials that will arrive on June 24th.

Volunteers working on a wooden boardwalk.

The steep slope is no longer there.

Let’s give a big round of applause to Bob Feyen, Neil Howk, Gene Lemmenes, Gerry Miller, Jamie Paterson, Rich Ryan, and Jim Steffenson for this awesome work!

New Trail Segment Along the Big Ravine’s East Rim Now Open

6/23/2026

A group of volunteers in outdoor gear with trail building tools.

Friday's Happy Crew

Bayfield Area Trails (BAT) is pleased to announce the creation of a new trail segment in the Big Ravine system, adding to its growing network of trails. It parallels the primary route of the East Rim Trail but hugs the edge of the rim, giving walkers dramatic views into, and across, the ravine.

The City of Bayfield granted BAT permission to create this trail that protects this watershed. It designated the Big Ravine as a Conservancy District to prevent a repeat of the now infamous and disastrous flood that washed enormous amounts of sediment from the steep slopes above the ravine into the city streets in 1942, burying roads and cars.

This area has been largely undisturbed for over 80 years and trail users can view enormous red pines, white pines and hemlock, along with large hardwood trees of red maple and birch.

Two volunteer working on a gravel trail.

David and Doug tackle a rock in the trail.

“The roughly quarter-mile trail section provides a dedicated non-motorized alternative along this segment that is used for snowmobiling from December through March. It also terminates at the highest elevation on the East Rim where the ravine is the deepest”, said Mike Kinnee, the project leader.

Three volunteers working the ground with hand tools.

Creating trail tread with rakes and rogue hoe.

Wooden boardwalk on a gravel trail surrounded by the lush green forest.

Two boardwalks were installed at the south end.

Two volunteers standing on a gravel trail.

Tamping the tread is the final step.

Over a two-day period 12 volunteers relocated two 12’ long boardwalks from the main trail, cut back vegetation, grubbed out tread, infilled low areas and created positive drainage routes.

Assisting with the trail work were volunteers Neil Howk, Ross Huelster, John Ipsen, Genevieve Johnson, Ted May, Nick McNeely, Sheree Peterson, Peter Rothe, David Saetre, Steve Virscik, Kris Wegerson, and Doug Welty.

The public is invited to enjoy this new trail addition throughout the year.

Group of six volunteers standing on a gravel trail surrounded by green forest.

Saturday's crew put the finishing touches on the trail.

Fresh gravel trail through the lush green forest.

Voila the new trail!

Trails Open House and Public Input Session - June 25th @ 5-7 pm

6/12/2026

Spring Guided Hikes Encountered Abundant Birds & Beavers

6/11/2026

Two birds in natural settings promote Bayfield Area Trails’ Spring Nature & Bird Walks, with a small brown bird on moss-covered stone and a black, white, and yellow bird among branches with event text overlay.

2026 Spring Nature and Bird Hikes. Click images to enlarge.

Bayfield Area Trails volunteers offered a variety of nature walks during the month of May.

On Saturday May 2, Chequamegon Audubon President Neil Howk led a hike at the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery and along the Salmo Lakewalk Trail to view early season migratory birds. Nine participants viewed more than 40 species of birds including Yellow-rumped and Palm warblers and Blue-winged teals.

A blue-winged teal duck swims on calm, brown-reflective water, showing distinctive white facial markings, a dark bill, and ripples behind it.

Blue-winged Teal

A small brown and yellow bird perches on a concrete surface covered with bright orange lichen, with blurred red branches in the background.

Palm Warbler

A small black, white, and yellow bird perches on a branch among dense leafless twigs, with yellow patches above its eye and on its wings.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

The scheduled May 9th hike could not compete with the annual "dumpster day" in Bayfield, but two stalwarts (Gerry Miller and Neil) still walked to the pond at the Big Ravine Headwaters to view the latest beaver activity and numerous lesser yellowlegs feeding in the flooded fields north of the pond.

On Saturday May 16, Ted May and Neil led a hike at Frog Bay Tribal National Park for six interested nature lovers. Highlights of that walk included a half dozen blue-headed vireos and eleven species of warblers including the elusive black-throated blue warbler.

A solitary Lesser Yellowlegs, a long thin beak, and speckled brown and white plumage stands in shallow reflective water with scattered vegetation.

Lesser Yellowlegs

A beaver partially submerged near a grassy, leafy riverbank gnaws on a piece of wood while a tree branch crosses diagonally in front.

Beavers at work!

A group of people in outdoor clothing walk along a sandy lakeshore with trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

Frog Bay Tribal National Park beach.

The Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival from May 21-23 included field trips on many trails in the Bayfield Area Trails network. These included the Big Ravine Headwaters, Frog Bay Tribal National Park, the Lakeshore Trail in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the Pileated Woodpecker Trail at the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery, the Salmo Lakewalk Trail, the Lost Creek Falls Trail, and the Houghton Falls Trail.

More than 230 people participated in the 62 field trips, programs and activities offered during the festival and 178 species of birds were identified. See the full bird list here.

A group of hikers wearing outdoor gear and backpacks stand on a narrow metal bridge in a leafless forest with dry leaves on the ground.

The Lakeshore Trail - Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

A group of people walk in a line on a narrow wooden boardwalk through dry grass and pine trees, led by a person wearing a yellow cap and holding binoculars.

Staying on the trail protects sensitive habitat.

Seven people wearing outdoor clothing and binoculars stand at a trailhead in front of informational hiking and wildlife signs in a wooded area.

Happy birding along the Lakeshore Trail!

Spring Maintenance Completed on the Brownstone Trail

6/11/2026

A gravel trail winding through a dense forest with green foliage and tall trees on both sides.

The Brownstone Trail awaits!

Happy 30th Birthday, Brownstone Trail!

In 1996 Landmark Conservancy (then Bayfield Regional Conservancy) helped to establish the 2.25-mile Brownstone Trail which traverses from Bayfield to the Pikes Bay area along Lake Superior. We are grateful for the continued cooperation of landowners who allow public access along the route. The Brownstone Trail is the flagship of the Bayfield Area Trails network which is expanding throughout the Bayfield peninsula to include our local communities.

On May 28-29, 2026 the Brownstone Trail received a dressing-up for its birthday. Volunteers Erika Lang (Landmark Conservancy Conservation Manager headquartered in Bayfield), John Ipsen and Kris Wegerson (Bayfield Area Trails volunteers) weed/grass whipped and hand pulled invasive forget-me-nots along the trail from Chequamegon Road to Blue Wing Bay Road. They cleaned out ditches and culverts, helping to keep the trail dry; reshaped rolling grade dips on the trail which helps to channel water off the trail; and moved gravel to cover bare spots on the trail. Thanks to our volunteers!

We invite you to come hike, run or bike this summer and celebrate thirty years of a truly beautiful woodland trail with outstanding views of Lake Superior.

Read Survey Results: Future of the Lower Big Ravine Creek and Trails

6/5/2026

A trailhead entrance for the Big Ravine trail featuring a set of stairs leading up to a fenced path surrounded by dense green trees under a partly cloudy sky. Signs and information boards are visible near the stairs, indicating trail details and guidelines for visitors.

Big Ravine Gil Larson trailhead on Washington Ave. in Bayfield.

UPDATE JUNE 8, 2026: In early May, 82 people responded to this survey. See what they had to say.

READ SURVEY RESULTS

Here’s Your Chance for Input!!

The Big Ravine is a local treasure, but faces some challenges, including aging stormwater management and trail infrastructure, accelerated erosion, bank instability, and sediment delivery to downstream drainage systems.

The City of Bayfield, in cooperation with the Bayfield Area Trails Committee, has partnered with Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. (SEH®) to assess the current conditions of the Lower Big Ravine creek, trail, boardwalks, and infrastructure in the context of the changing climate.

To help guide decisions about the future of the Big Ravine, please take a few moments to fill out this short 16-question survey based on your experience of visiting this important community space.

The survey closes on May 10th.

COMPLETE THE ONLINE SURVEY

Survey QR Code

QR Code that when scanned will open the Bayfield Trails Engagement Survey

An informational trail sign highlighting the natural features and wildlife of Big Ravine.

Thanks to the Boreal Waters Foundation and Wisconsin Coastal Management Program for supporting this project.

Big Blow Brings Big Change in the Big Ravine

5/26/2026

Clearing in progress.

Chequamegon Bay area residents will long remember April 17, 2026, when supercell storms came on fast and furious. Severe thunderstorms, high winds, and tornado warnings stretched across the cities of Bayfield, Washburn and Ashland. Washburn sustained heavy tree damage, downed trees and power outages. A tornado (one of at least 13 reported in Wisconsin that day) touched down in Ashland County southeast of Clam Lake causing property damage, downed trees and power outages.

a man wearing safety gear standing next to a large, freshly cut fallen tree in a forested area. The tree has multiple thick branches cut into sections, highlighting recent tree removal work.

How old do you think this tree was?

This event brought big changes in the Big Ravine, blowing down three large iconic trees - a hemlock, oak, and white pine - across the Gil Larsen Trail below the Bayfield school. Several other trees fell across the creek and in other nearby locations.

With the City of Bayfield’s approval, Bayfield Area Trails volunteers rallied for three rounds of work to clear the trail, creek and surrounding area. It was difficult to know how to tackle this situation due to the massive size of the trees and the inability to remove them from the site. But, folks just went to work to make the trail passable and safe for use.

An extra special thanks to Fred Clark, who spent two and a half hours in his busy schedule on April 23, 2026, to take the first crack at clearing the daunting jumble. With swamping support from Kris Wegerson, Fred used his forestry skills to deftly buck and limb the large diameter trees.

In a second round, volunteers John Ipsen, Kris Wegerson, and Peter Wisla were able to complete opening the trail two days later, thanks to Fred’s earlier work. They also cleared a tree that damaged the railing and blocked the School Trail and removed a hazard tree leaning over the trail on the Sweeney Switchback Trail.

Fred Clark wearing protective gear, including an orange helmet and ear protection, working amidst fallen and cut tree branches in a forested area.

Fred Clark at work during round 1 of trail clearing.

Round two crew - Peter, Kris, and John.

Round two crew - Peter, Kris, and John.

A group of six people standing in a wooded area with cut tree logs and branches scattered around, with some wearing hats and one person in a safety helmet, indicating a focus on safety.

Round three strategy session.

A large pile of freshly cut tree logs stacked in a forest clearing, with visible tree rings and bark textures.

Making headway clearing the trees off of the trail.

Phil Petersen removes a large willow from the creek.

Phil Petersen removes a large willow from the creek.

On the morning of May 8th, eleven more volunteers gathered for round three. Bob Kelly picked up where Fred left off, applying his chainsaw skills to complete cutting the fallen trees into large log chunks. Phil Petersen chainsawed the other downed trees in and around the trail and creek. Other volunteers muscled large logs into place along the edge of the trail, bucked up limbs and brush, and dispersed materials across the area.

Four people working together to clear and stack cut logs along a forest trail during daytime.

Moving big heavy logs chunks.

To put icing on the cake, Dave Doering, Tech. Ed. teacher at the Bayfield School, worked with some of his students to repair the broken railings along the School Trail.

Both the Gil Larsen and School Trails are open and safe for use again. But, be prepared for a dramatically different scene that will remain long after we’re gone. The skeletons of the iconic trees lay across the slope, large log chunks line the trail, and brush piles protect the creek banks.

A wooded area with several large cut tree logs scattered on the ground near a small stream, showing a person standing on the right side wearing outdoor clothing.

Round two - The trail is clear! Hooray!!

Hopefully, there are new niches where pioneering plants can take root and wildlife can create new homes so that the Big Ravine ecosystem continues to evolve while providing a special place for us to enjoy.

Thanks again to our 15 trail volunteers who dedicated 65+ hours.
You are AMAZING!

Round One: Friday April 24th (2.5 hrs.)

Fred Clark - Chainsawyer
Kris Wegerson - Chainsawer & Swamper

Round Two: Saturday April 25th (5.5 hrs.)

Kris Wegerson - Chainsawyer
John Ipsen - Chainsawyer
Peter Wisla - Swamper

Round Three: Friday May 8th (4 hrs.)

Bob Kelly - Chainsawyer
Phil Petersen - Chainsawyer
Jon Crump
Kate Kitchell
Todd Larson
Gerry Miller
Scott Nesvold
Mic Pelech
David Saetre
Erik Scott
Doug Welty