Houghton Falls Preserve Trail Reroute Makes the Trail Safer

Noah and Mike secure the boardwalk.

Chainsaws, rogue hoes, and drills…oh my! On Friday and Saturday September 12th and 13th, fourteen Bayfield Area Trails volunteers teamed up with the Town of Bayview to reroute 200 feet of the trail away from the ravine edge and to manage drainage along the trail. The reroute will make winter hiking easier by avoiding icy conditions along the top of the ravine’s steep slope.

Mike Bunch initiated clearing the new trail corridor, followed by chain sawyers Ted May, John Ipsen, Kris Wegerson, and Mic Pelech who then cleared trees and deadfall along the entire new route.

Gearing up for the morning.

Loading planks for transport to the trail.

Noah Michaelsen led carpentry work that included building protective fencing in front of viewpoints into the ravine and three sections of boardwalk across dips along the new trail route. 

Bob Feyen commandeered the power wagon on loan from Bayfield County and Landmark Conservancy. It was used to transport gravel to the new trail to fill low spots where water could pool during spring and heavy rains.

The rest of the crew created the hiking trail tread, blocked off the old trail with the material cut from the new corridor, and installed treated wood structures to manage water drainage.

Mark Peterson and Mike Bunch build new trail tread.

A creative solution to managing drainage.

New trail tread in progress!

Town Board Chair Don Jenicek was happy with the project outcomes. “It’s great to see how much a group of volunteers can accomplish with a good plan and positive outlook. The Town really appreciates everyone who pitched in to make this happen.”
 
Bayfield Area Trails Committee Chair Kate Kitchell remarked “It was truly a cooperative effort. The Town of Bayview’s support was fantastic. They provided gravel, lumber and railing, and closed the trail during the project to avoid potential disruption or safety issues with trail users. Don Jenicek and Mike Yonan were there every step of the way.”

Hooray we are done!

A new viewpoint.

Houghton Falls Nature Preserve is a place to behold. From Echo Dell and the waterfalls in spring, to beautiful rock cliffs, people come from far and wide to experience its special features. The 1.3-mile round-trip trail is one of the most heavily visited on the Bayfield Peninsula, with over 4,000 visitors during this year’s summer period.

​To maintain these special features, Landmark Conservancy holds and monitors a conservation easement on the Preserve lands. A portion of the Preserve is also a State Natural Area. The Town of Bayview owns the Preserve and manages access to the area.

Thank you to the crew!
​
Don Jenicek – Town of Bayview Board Chair
Mike Yonan, Town of Bayview Road Crew
Dave Armbrust
Don Benson
Mike Bunch
Bob Durfey
Bob Feyen
Neil Howk
John Ipsen
Kate Kitchell
Ted May
Noah Michaelsen
Gerry Miller
Mic Pelech
Mark Peterson
Kris Wegerson

The new section with fall leaves.