Pileated Woodpecker Trail Workday

The crew was all smiles working on the Pileated Woodpecker Trail in less-than-beautiful weather! Left to right - Janel Ryan, John Ipsen, Kris Wegerson, Chris Vaudreuil, Dee Johnson, Jim Bryan

​Author: Liz Fentress

A group of ten Bayfield Area Trails volunteers were all smiles Saturday morning, November 1, as they worked on the recently re-opened Pileated Woodpecker Trail along Pike’s Creek. John Ipsen summed it up best: “It’s been amazing to see all these volunteers come out in less-than-beautiful weather. Just as we started working there was a ray of sunshine and I thought it seemed very appropriate for the event! An unexpected ray of sunshine because the weather was so wet and chilly!”

The signs are back up!

Take the Pileated Woodpecker Trail over the bridge.

Crew members divided into two groups and worked with loppers, tree pruners, rakes, brooms, rogue hoes, post-hole diggers, and chainsaws. One group worked on the Anglers’ Access Trail along Pike’s Creek installing trail signs, cutting back brush, and lopping off overhanging branches. “It’s wonderful to be doing this work,” Jim Bryan said. “And, after two years, to be open to the public.”

​Another group crossed the bridge over Pike’s Creek and cleaned off boardwalks, leveled sloping trails, cut back brush, and removed a couple of trees from the trail. The work took them up to Chickadee Point overlooking Pike’s Creek, and along the ridge to the Jerry Jolly Trail and Mt. Ashwabayl. “We’re mostly fine-tuning it,” crew leader Ted May said, “getting it ready for public use. And it should be easier for snowshoeing and hiking in the winter.”

Special thanks to Darren Miller and the staff at Les Voigt State Fish Hatchery for mowing the Anglers’ Access Trail, and clearing large, fallen trees.

As the crew finished work and packed up, the public was coming in! A birder with field glasses at Chickadee Point, a Washburn woman working her way up some switchbacks, and a gentleman walking along the Anglers’ Access Trail for the very first time. All three remarked that they were extremely grateful for this first-class asset to our community. Thank-you, Bayfield Area Trails!

On their way up to Chickadee Point are Kate Kitchell, Jeff Nelson, Tina Martin, and Ted May with special guest Holly!

The trail awaits!

Trail Distances from the hatchery parking lot:

• 0.7 miles to the Pikes Creek bridge
• 1.3 miles to Chickadee Point
• 1.9 miles to the Jolly Long Loop Trail
• 2.9 miles to the Mt. Ashwabay trailhead
• 4.2 miles to the Jerry Jay Jolly trailhead on Star Route

Map of full Pileated Woodpecker Trail. Click to enlarge image.