Places to Hike Along the Byway
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Island Trails
Hikers can enjoy more than fifty miles of maintained trails on the islands of the National Lakeshore. These trails provide access to lighthouses, abandoned quarries, old farm sites, historic logging camps, beaches, campsites and scenic overlooks. Besides trails, there are numerous sandy beaches that are great for walking and exploring. Stop at the Apostle Islands Visitors Center (one block off Wisconsin Route 13 in the city of Bayfield) for more info on island hikes and access to islands. Call 715-779-3397 or visit www.nps.gov/apis
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Mainland Trail
This trail extends 4.5 miles, from Meyers Road past the cliffs above the mainland sea caves, and about half-way along the Lakeshore's mainland unit. This trail is a rugged path for use by experienced hikers, with stream crossings and steep slopes along the way. Meyers Beach Road is off Highway 13 about 5 miles east of Cornucopia. Call 715-779-3397 or visit www.nps.gov/apis
Big Ravine Trail
(2 miles round trip) Hike uphill along the steep rim of the big ravine. Enjoy the gorgeous old-growth hemlocks which thrive on the precipitous sides of the ravine, but be sure to take young children by the hand! From downtown Bayfield, follow 4th St uphill to the Bayfield School. Turn left on Sweeny and park at the baseball field. The trail begins behind the outfield fence on your right. Call 800-447-4094 or visit http://www.bayfield.org/
Big Rock County Park
Located on the Sioux River, a first class steelhead trout stream. The park generates heavy bank and stream fishing and offers a spot for picnicking, wildlife viewing, hiking and rugged camping. Take Hwy 13 to County C in Washburn. Go 3 miles on County C to Big Rock Road. The park is 1.5 miles down the road.
Big Sand Bay Walking Trails
Follow Hwy 13 approx. 6 miles west of Red Cliff. Turn right (north) on Old Cty Hwy K 1.5 miles. Trails on the west side of the road.
Birch Grove Campground
The campground is nestled between East Twin Lake and West Twin Lake. The hiking trail is approximately 1 mile and encircles East Twin Lake. Trailhead is accessible at either boat landing. From Washburn, follow Hwy 13 south 1 mile, turn right (west) on Wannebo Road for 8 miles. Turn right (north) on Forest Road 252 for 2 miles and right (east) on Forest Road 435 for 1 mile. Call 715-373-2667 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/
Brownstone Trail
(5 miles round trip) Easy walking and biking on an old railroad bed which skirts the lakeshore just south of Bayfield. The trail begins at the kiosk just kitty-corner from Maggie's Restaurant in Bayfield. The south section of the trail emerges onto Chequamegon Road; it then narrows to a foot path into Waterford Condos, Pike's Bay and Port Superior Marinas. The trail features some beautiful views of Madeline Island, boats crossing the channel and maybe even a black bear in the spring and fall. Segments of the trail cross private property. Please respect owners' privacy by remaining on the trail. Call 800-447-4094 or visit www.bayfield.org/
Fish Hatchery/Pikes Creek
(2 miles round trip) Combine a walk along Pikes Creek with a visit to the state fish hatchery where you'll find two large aquariums with native Lake Superior fish. Trailhead access: Two miles south of Bayfield at the State Fish Hatchery. Park in the lots near Highway 13. Walk between the buildings towards the fish ponds-a good place to view spawning salmon in the late fall. Continue along the creek past the service building to the Red Dam where the trail narrows and takes you to several good fishing/viewing spots. Call 715-779-4021
Henkens Road Walking Trails
Go 7 miles north of Washburn on Hwy 13. Turn left on Hatchery Rd for 1 mile. Turn left on Star Route Road. After 5.5 miles turn right on Henkens Road. Trails are on the west side of the road 1.5 miles north along Henkens Road.
Iron Bridge Nature Trail (aka Gil Larsen Trail)
Short but sweet (3/4 mile), this beautiful trail follows the ravine creek under the old Iron Bridge uphill and across the creek to an overlook. Benches provide good listening points. Trailhead access: Uphill from the ferry-boat landing on Washington Ave. in Bayfield. You'll see the Iron Bridge and parking area on your right. Call 800-447-4094 or visit http://www.bayfield.org/
Iron River National Fish Hatchery Trail
6 ½ miles north of Iron River on Co Rd A, then left on Fairview Rd to Fish Hatchery.
Jerry J Jolly/Pikes Creek Trail
(11 km). In 2005 Jerry Jay Jolly donated 73 acres to the people of Bayfield County. You can now walk 42 km of ski trails crossing from Star Route Road over to Mt. Ashwabay, connecting with the ski resort's trail system. Access is via Highway 13 between Washburn and Bayfield. As soon as you pass the State Fish Hatchery, take a left on Hatchery Road and head up the hill until you come to a 4-way intersection & stop sign. Turn left on Star Route Road and follow for 2.25 miles. The Jerry Jolly Trail parking lot is on the left. Parking, maps and a restroom are provided. Call 800-472-6338 or visit http://www.travelbayfieldcounty.com/
Lost Creek Falls Walking Trail
Take Hwy C south of Cornucopia 1.5 miles and turn right on Trail Drive to trail head parking lot.
Mt Ashwabay Recreation Area
(Distances vary) A range of hiking opportunities on cross-country ski trails - easy to challenging depending on your route. Trails may not be mown. Mountain biking is allowed on specific trails - watch for signs. Trailhead access: Take Highway 13 three miles south of Bayfield to Ski Hill Road. Turn right and continue to the Mt. Ashwabay Recreation Area. The Raven trail winds through stands of birch and balsam, eventually bringing you to the top of the ski hill and a spectacular view of the Apostle Islands - a great place for a picnic. Be warned, The Deer Path Trail veers off to your left and continues around the top of Mt. Ashwabay on a 9 mile loop back to the chalet. To your right, as you face the ski hill, the Sugarbush and Anchor trails offer fairly level terrain out to the Nourse Sugarbush State Natural Area, a beautiful stand of old growth maple and hemlock. Call 715-779-3227 or visit http://www.mtashwabay.org/
Mt Valhalla Recreation Area
This ski trail is centered around the Valhalla chalet located outside of Washburn on County Hwy C. The Teuton Ski Trails are located in an oak forest and have relatively long uphills and downhills. The trails begin at the parking lot and climb with no flats until they reach the top. The Valkyrie Ski Trails are located in an open red pine stand north of Highway C. The Valhalla Chalet provides a place out of the weather and a warming fire. During the snow-free season, mountain biking, hiking and running are allowed on both trail systems. Trail lengths: Teuton Ski Trails: Loop A 3.5 km, Loop B 5.3 km, Loop C 6.6 km, Benchmark Loop 3.5 km. Valkyrie Trails: Loop A 2 km, Loop B 3.5 km, Loop C 9.9 km. Directions to Valhalla Trailhead: From Washburn, drive 8.5 miles west on Hwy C. The parking lot is on the left (south) side of the road. Parking fee required. Call 715-373-2667 or visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/cnnf/
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
The Center's Boardwalk Trail offers great wildlife viewing opportunities of birds, waterfowl, muskrat, frogs and turtles. The trail is open year-round and visitors are welcome to walk, snowshoe or cross-country ski. The trail has two loops; the north loop is 0.5 mile, the south loop 0.5 mile, and the distance around the perimeter is 0.7 mile. The trail is relatively level with a firm surface allowing for easy access for people of all abilities. The trail winds through mature cedar and black ash forests with vistas of sedge meadow and wetland habitats. Benches every 400 feet allow for reflection and relaxed viewing opportunities. Interpretive wayside exhibits tell the story of glacial history, forests, wildlife and wetland habitats. Guided nature walks are offered during the summer months. Directions: From Ashland, drive 2.5 miles west on US Hwy 2 and turn right (east) on county Hwy G. Travel 100 feet and turn right (north) to the Visitor Center parking area. Call 715-685-9983 or visit www.northerngreatlakescenter.org
Raspberry River Walking Trail
Take Hwy 13 west of Red Cliff 3 miles and turn right on Old Cty Hwy K for 3.5 miles. Trail head is the intersection of Old K and Rowley Rd.
Sioux River Flats Beach Trail
(3.8 miles round trip) Take off your shoes and scrunch some sand as you walk the Lake Superior shoreline from Bayview Park Road to the Sioux River. Beach Access: Follow Hwy 13 south from Bayfield five miles. Take a sharp left on Bayview Park Road and park under the pines or on the sandy spur road to the beach. Walk south along this pristine stretch past the wetlands to the Sioux River and back. This is a great place to launch your canoe or kayak; don't forget your swimsuit! Watch out for poison ivy growing along the tops of the dunes. Call 800-447-4094 or visit http://www.bayfield.org/
Spring Creek Walking Trails
Take Hwy C south from Cornucopia 3.5 miles. Trail head is on the east side of the road.
Washburn Lakefront Walking Trail
A 1.34-mile long non-motorized, moderate hiking trail with a packed limestone surface. The trail extends from Thompson West End Park, winding its way through the Washburn Marina, past the ball park on Pumphouse Road and finally through to Memorial Park. The first section of the trail is wheelchair accessible up to Washington Avenue with entrances at both ends. Besides the three alluring, sandy beaches along the way, there are also interesting signs with historical information. Call 800-253-4495 or visit www.cityofwashburn.org/parks.htm
Houghton Falls
The narrow trail is well signed. After a short walk (which may be muddy during rainy periods) you'll come upon an ancient riverbed area called Echo Dells. Take your time exploring the rock formations, pools and gravel beds. Try singing your favorite tune and enjoy the cathedral-like acoustics. Further on you'll cross a bridge and follow a narrow path to Houghton Point. Enjoy the huge old-growth pines and hemlocks, rocky shoreline and views of Lake Superior. Return via the same route. Directions: Drive 2.5 miles north of Washburn on Hwy 13. Turn right on Houghton Falls Road and go 1/2 mile to the Houghton Falls Nature Preserve parking lot.