I Spy on the Trail - December 2024

European cranberry
Image - Doreen Hegy

We finally got snow during this month - as well as wildly fluctuating temperatures  (47F on one Sunday and then 2F with -20 windchill by the following  Thursday). These see-sawing temperatures continued for most of the month - although we lucked out with a little snow before the December holidays (whew). 

Of course, with the fluctuating weather, we also had rain, icy drizzle, fog and some wicked winds. Getting outdoors was a matter of threading the needle. Combine that with the busy holly-day season and maybe it was lucky I found hiking time at all! Despite that, I managed two quick snowshoe tramps in the brief perfect snow conditions and was able to hike pretty continuously throughout the month. 

Sadly, all the snow melted by month’s end with temps in the mid 40s and mid 30s. In the final week of December, the rain and high temps forced us out of the woods and onto paved or gravel surfaces to prevent damage to thawing trails, my least favorite type of hiking of the year. Sigh. But hey, some seriously cold temps are predicted to start January so trails will firm up again.

However, during the colder days this past month, the bluff tops and bluffsides were particularly beautiful. Referred to by Emily M. Stone in her Nature Connections blog as the "see-through season", the leafless trees allow hikers to see vistas and rock formations more clearly. There is always something interesting along the trailsides to explore - or deer paths to follow off-trail in the snow!

One of my fun, kismet hiking adventures this month happened on December 21 at noon during Winter Solstice. The sun broke through the cloudy day right at noon just in time to capture me casting my longest noon shadow of the whole year! It was truly a special science moment. You can read more about it here thanks to the US National Weather Service in La Crosse WI.

I'm being followed by a Solstice noon shadow,
noon shadow, noon shadow...

5:00 pm daylight on Christmas Day.
Welcome oncoming spring!

I also celebrate the Winter Solstice as it heralds the beginning of longer sunlit hours. By tomorrow, New Year's Day, we will have gained a precious four minutes more of daylight - and an hour by the end of January. While it doesn't seem like much, I appreciate having lighted skies again at 5pm like we had on Christmas day. 

What are YOU noticing on your hikes?

Bottlebrush grass on a goat prairie

A month of hikes/snowshoeing

Hikes below in bold color or underlined have links to previous posts OR descriptions/location of the trails found online. 

Stoney Point, La Crescent MN; MacGilvray 7 Bridges, New Amsterdam, WI; Pickwick Quarry, LaMoille, MN; Hixon Forest, La Crosse WI; La Crosse River Landfill Trails, Onalaska WI; Riverside Park Rotary Lights, La Crosse WI (2); Bluffside Park, Winona MN (3); Apple Blossom Overlook Park, Winona MN (2); Dresbach MN Rest Stop Infrastructure Hike; La Crosse Marsh Trails, La Crosse WI

Off-trailing to an overlook on the season's first snowshoe.

                                                All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Bluffside Park (MN) - Quarry/Cistern Trails

On Cistern trail

I recently had the pleasure of hiking some of the higher bluffside and rim trails at the top of Bluffside Park in Winona. These trails are sometimes referred to as the Holzinger Lodge trails since a number of the trails start low on the bluff by the old lodge. These fifteen miles of trails (or more with recently opened trails) are shared bike/hike trails in this city park overlooking Winona and the Mississippi River. They vary between older, narrow trails, logging and access roads and newer trails that are slightly wider.

Heading up Quarry trail

The crisp snowless December weather made for excellent footing on the higher, rocky trails we were hiking on. And because we were hiking in December, the vistas were spectacular and clear. 

We started from the Wincrest Dr. East trailhead. To get to the Quarry Trail, stay to the right on the trail past  the map kiosk. It's a bit confusing at the beginning of the hike since multiple trails are designated with the name Wildwood. By staying to the right as you head into the trail system here, you easily hit the Upper Connector trail and continuing on the right leads you to the Quarry Trail.

Looking at the map, we dropped down from red Wildwood and followed the hilly orange Upper Connector trail to maintain more of our elevation. We again stayed on the right to catch the purple Quarry trail. 

Click here to see the full map with trail names and mileage for each.

Quarry image - Diane Palm

Once on the Quarry trail, you gradually ascend on the bluffsides and narrow, rocky ridge trails to the old quarry. There is plenty of room to explore the rocks, some of which sport the usual grafftti  - and some rather more artful images. You'll see great rocks and views as well.

The cistern

Past the quarry, you head quickly downward until you are quite near the Woodlawn Cemetery, where you will see additional lower trails. Stay on the Quarry trail until you spot the old cistern to your left. Take a steep left onto this gorgeous bluffside trail that ascends gradually as it takes you back to the trail junctions of Quarry and the Upper and Lower Connectors and head back to the trailhead. 

THE HIKE

This 3.3 mile loop hike features rolling ups and downs through mature hardwood forests along the bluffsides and rim trails of the southeastern portion of the Bluffside Park trail system. The elevation gain is 470 feet so it is a great aerobic climb. While you see neighboring houses above you and the cemetery below you on some portions, you also see lovely vistas, rock formations and forested bluffsides. Many of the higher trails are quite rocky so hiking sticks can definitely help. 

Location

From Hwy 14/61, turn south on Huff Rd (toward the bluff). Take an immediate left onto W. Lake Blvd, then an immediate right onto Garvin Heights Rd. Follow that road to the top of the bluff; turn right on Conrad Dr. Stay on Conrad (it goes left at the T) to Wincrest Dr- take a right and park at cul de sac by trailhead.

Additional posts describing Bluffside Park trails:

• Wildwood Trail Loop Amble

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

It's Snowtime Showtime!

Each season's first snow storm is always exciting for me (if I don't have to drive too far in it!). It kicks off one of my favorite outdoor recreation seasons - winter. 

Living in Wisconsin and Minnesota almost all my life, I have always embraced the season  - from sledding, ice skating and hockey, building snowmen and snow forts and having snowball fights as a kid to ice fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing as much as possible as a grown-up, snow and cold are my pals. I love when my friends post about downhill skiing, fat tire biking, tubing, ice climbing and snowboarding. In my world, any outdoor winter recreation is great recreation.

Snowshoeing is my favorite snow play and I am out most days when the snow is on the ground. I love that snowshoes let you go off trail and really explore, bug-free! I also like helping winter fat tire bikers by hitting shared hiking and biking trails and tramping down the trail to make it more welcoming for the bikes. Meanwhile, I get to enjoy trails that are often too busy with bikes in warmer temps that are much quieter in winter time.

If you do use the wide, groomed cross-country ski trails this winter for walking, hiking or biking, please keep in mind that the groomed ski trails are set for skiers and be mindful of how to use them to keep the groomed tracks in good shape for our skiing friends. Here is a recent message shared by ORA Trails on that: 

Snow is Here!!!

This is your friendly reminder that as snow groomers gear up to lay down some tracks, there is an intended way to use them!

• Traditional skiing stays on the right (You'll see the straight tracks)
• Skate skiers use the center lane (groomed like corduroy)
• ALL OTHER USERS stay left (walkers, bikers, snowshoers)

This will allow everyone to #getoutside and enjoy this wintery weather!

Happy Winter Solstice and see you on the snowy trails!

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - January 2025

First off - SNOW!!!!!!!!!!

We received a solid 6" here in La Crescent on December 19. Let's get out and play!

For more information on the trips, where available, please click on the brown event titles for a link to the program or hike.

I will be updating this post periodically during December and January as new events are announced, so feel free to stop back!

Whitewater River Valley Annual Christmas Bird Count
- Wednesday, January 1           8am- noon

 -Whitewater State Park

Kick off the New Year at Whitewater State Park by helping with the Annual Whitewater River Valley Christmas Bird Count! Birders of all skill levels are welcome. Work in small groups to survey locations within our count circle. Reservations are required. To sign up, email jeremy.darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Image -Kris Lawson

First Day Hikes
 - Wednesday, January 1, 2025

 - State Parks - or any trail near you!

Start your year off right with a First Day Hike. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America's State Parks to get people outdoors, with over 400 hikes scheduled this year in all 50 states. Kids and adults all across America will be participating in First Day Hikes, getting their hearts pumping and enjoying the beauty of a state park. 

But don't forget you can also hit the trails at any nearby spot!

Nearby MN First Day Hikes 

 - Whitewater State Park - Visitor Center

 - Wed, Jan 1      2-3:00pm

Start the New Year right! Come out and explore the great outdoors with our park naturalist. We will take a peaceful 1 mile walk along the Whitewater River and look for hints of the old as we celebrate the new. If there is enough snow, we will snowshoe. Bring your own snowshoes or borrow some from the park. To sign up, email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301.

Frontenac State Park

You are invited to join the Frontenac State Park Association for their annual First Day Walk. FSPA members will provide warm fires and treats at the main picnic shelter for folks beginning their new year in the fresh, bracing air.

Click here for a listing of all MN First Day Hikes

Nearby WI First Day Hikes 

 - Roche-a-Cri, Friendship WI

 - 1-2:30pm

Meet at the winter lot on Czech Avenue (Lat: 43.9962° N, Lon: 89.8170° W, a 1/4-mile west of Highway 13, north of Friendship, WI) to hike through the prairie to the petroglyph viewing platform and back through the woods for a 1.2-mile hike. The Friends of Roche-A-Cri will provide hot chocolate and treats after the hike. Pets on leashes are allowed. The trail is hilly by the bridge but level the rest of the way. You’re free to hike more in the park afterwards, but the Mound Trail and stairway remain closed due to fire damage.

Click here for a listing of all WI First Day Hikes

Nearby IA First Day Hikes

 - Yellow River State Forest

 - 9:00 am

Meeting Location: Firetower Cabin.  Park Address: 729 State Forest Rd., Harpers Ferry, IA 52146 Description: This two-mile hike will start by going up White Pine Trail and circle Camp Glen Wendel, and head back on the Forester Trail to the hike's beginning at the Firetower Cabin. Contact: (563) 586-2254

International Owl Center Minnesota Neighbor Weekends 

 - January 4-5

 - International Owl Center, Houston MN

Residents of local MN counties (Winona, Fillmore, and Houston counties) , including college students, are specially invited to visit the International Owl Center for FREE on Neighbor Weekends. Come see live owls in person, check out our hands-on displays, and stay for our live programs at 11 and 2 each day. Please bring a driver license, student ID or other form of identification to verify your place of residence. Visitors from elsewhere are also welcome, but will be required to pay the regular admission fee of $9 for adults, $8 for seniors/veterans/military and $6 for children aged 4-17. Sponsor: International Owl Center 

Wintering Golden Eagle Survey

Registration deadline is January 10

 - Saturday January 18         10am-noon

Whitewater State Park

Join other trained survey volunteers to patrol the Whitewater State Park survey area and document observations of wintering golden eagles. Participants must complete identification training before taking part in the survey. To sign up, email jeremy.darst@state.mn.us.  Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Winter Festival

 - Saturday, January 11    Beginning at 10 am

 - Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor's Center, S3661 WI 131, La Farge WI

Kick off to the 25th anniversary of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. This is one event that's not to be missed! Winter Festival is a wonderful family event that highlights outdoor winter activities. Activities include sledding, skiing, snow sculpture, ice hikes, wildlife talks & hikes, face painting, horse-drawn bobsled rides, snowshoe exhibit, sled dog demonstrations. La Farge Lions host Chili and Bread Contest! Bring your child and your dog and try out the Mutt Fun dogsled run. Conquer the snow mountain & snow tunnel. Test your skills at the Traditional Snow Snake Competition or Smoosh Races. Night winter activities can include star gazing and candlelight snowshoe hike. Admission to Winter Festival is free and open to the public! Friendly dogs are welcome on leash. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Activities subject to change due to weather conditions. Find more information on our website or on our Facebook page. Sponsor: Kickapoo Valley Reserve.

Winter Bird Walk

 - Saturday, January 11      9:30am

 - Frontenac State Park ranger station parking lot 

What birds can you see in January? We will take a short prairie loop to look for year-round residents such as Pileated Woodpeckers, identify some of the over-wintering sparrows, such as White-throated Sparrows as well as, possibly, Eastern Bluebirds, and perhaps see some early raptors such as an American Kestrel. Sometimes it's mostly just beauty. Bummer. ❄️ If you have any questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. This event is free. Vehicles entering the park are required to have a State Park vehicle permit. Permits are $7 per day or $35 for an annual sticker. Sponsors: Frontenac State Park Association and Frontenac State Park

After the Hunt: Cooking with Venison

 - Saturday, January 11     10am - 1:30pm

 - Iowisota Retreat and Education Center, 2472 IA-26, Lansing IA

We welcome guest expert Chris Gavin back to Iowisota on Saturday January 11th, 2025, to teach us how to prepare a variety of cuts of venison into tasty dishes, which we will taste-test at the end of the session. Cost per person is $50. Registration required.

Hidden History Snowshoe

 - Saturday, January 11      Noon-2:00pm

 - Whitewater State Park Visitor Center

When the leaves are gone and the snow is falling, nature reveals her hidden secrets. Come join us for an afternoon on snowshoes as we find some of these historic relics only visible this time of year. Bring your own snowshoes or use the park's. If there is no snow, we'll hike through the woods! Distance: 1 Mile. Contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Candlelight Walk, Ski or Snowshoe

 - Saturday, January 11      5:00-9:00pm

 - Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park

Hike, snowshoe or ski a 1.5-mile torchlit trail, warm up around a roaring campfire, and gaze up at the stars. Refreshments will be available. 5-7 p.m. John Heasley of Driftless Stargazing, LLC will be hosting a stargazing activity, weather permitting. Four planets and an almost full moon will be lighting up the night sky. Bring binoculars and learn to use them for stargazing. Trail is relatively flat with a few short hills that can be slippery when snow or ice covered. Pets are not allowed on packed or groomed ski trails, this includes the trail used for the candlelight event. Programs may be canceled due to inclement weather. Contact: Emily.Alf@wisconsin.gov, 608-337-4775. Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park.

Owl Prowl

 - Saturday, January 11      5:00 -7:30 pm

 - International Owl Center, Houston MN

We start with a 30-minute program indoors to teach you how to identify owls by sound and the ethics of calling owls. Then you hop in your vehicle and follow the Owlmobile to about three different locations in rural Houston where Jo, our resident expert owl caller, will imitate owl calls in hopes of getting some responses. The program is capped at 30 participants, and these always sell out in advance. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Due to the need to stand perfectly still for 10 minutes or more at a time, these owl prowls are not recommended for children under age 12. No pets, smoking or vaping allowed either indoors or outdoors. Registration required. Registration opens December 13.  [Note: Registration for the February 8, 2025 Owl Prowl begins January 12]. Sponsor: International Owl Center 

Moonlight Hike/Snowshoe

 -  Sunday, January 12     6:00 pm

 - 2345 Power Plant Dr, Lansing, IA

Join the Allamakee County Conservation Board for a Moonlight Snowshoe Hike. The hike will take place just south of Lansing on County Road 527. The route will be approximately 4 miles on mostly flat ground with views of the Mississippi River. County Road 527 is located 4 miles south of Lansing on Power Plant Drive. Participants are asked to park near the Rural Recycling drop off location. The Moonlight Snowshoe will be a guided trail hike taking place after dark to enable the participants to see the stars and moon like they have never seen before. The event requires preregistration for those wishing to use snowshoes provided by the ACCB and is open to all ages. However, anyone under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The event will take place as a regular hike if there is minimal or no snow cover. In the case of inclement weather or poor snow conditions the Moonlight Snowshoe may be postponed or cancelled and will be announced via the ACCB’s Facebook page. Appropriate sized snowshoes and trekking poles will be provided to individuals who do not have their own equipment with preregistration. Participants should dress for the weather with appropriate layers including outerwear, winter hats, gloves, and waterproof boots. A headlamp or small flashlight is also recommended, but not required. Any dogs must be on leash at all times. A full schedule of upcoming events hosted by the Allamakee County Conservation Board is available by following the ACCB on Facebook. To register or to receive more information on this event or any event you can call the ACCB at (563)538-0403. Sponsors: Allamakee County Conservation Board and the Driftless Area Education and Visitors Center.

Full Moon Candlelit Walk

 - Thursday, January 16        5 - 7:00pm

 - Chad Erickson Park, 3601 Park Lane, La Crosse

A crowd favorite! ORA will again host a series of candlelit walks when the moon is fullest each month. These are free, all-ages events that begin at 5pm, and last until 7pm, or until we run out of fire wood!
Additional hikes: February 12, 2025 - Lower Hixon Park and March 13, 2025 - Gateway Trails, Grandad Bluff Park. Each location chosen utilizes a path that is considered "easy to moderate" to navigate by foot, stroller or wheelchair. Candles will light the route, but if you'd like to see clearly where you're stepping, consider wearing a headlamp or bringing a flashlight. Snacks and beverages will be on site, including fire pits with s'mores! Consider volunteering for this event here: https://signup.com/go/atqotKm   Sponsor: ORA Trails (Outdoor Recreation Alliance)

Winter Walk and Bonfire

 - Saturday, January 18        3-5:30pm

 - Sidie Hollow County Park -  E6051 CR-XX, Viroqua, WI Map to Sidie Hollow Park Pavilion 

The Friends of Vernon County Parks and Forests will be hosting this special guided Winter Walk (as well as one in February) exploring two Vernon County parks! These winter walks bring awareness to our county parks in the winter season as well as allow the greater community to come together! The winter walks and bonfire are for friends and families of all ages and will take place at Sidie Hollow January 18 and Lower Duck Egg Feb 22. Walkers are to meet in the park parking lot. All walks will begin promptly at 3pm and will be approximately 1 hour long, with a bonfire and beverages to immediately follow. We encourage walkers to always dress appropriately for the walk and the weather and invite your family and friends! Sponsor: The Friends of Vernon County Parks 

Free Park Day
 - Monday, January 20 (Martin Luther King Day)

 - All MN State Parks
On four days each year, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone - no vehicle permits needed. Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new - or visit an old favorite at a new time of year! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. The goal is to encourage families and friends to spend time together in nature. Research shows many health and wellness benefits to spending time in nature. According to ParkRx, contact with nature improves one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. Getting outdoors makes exercise more fun and can boost mood and immunity. The American Psychological Association shares that exposure to nature is linked to benefits including improved attention, lower stress, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even increases in empathy and cooperation. Additional dates for free park days in 2025: Saturday, April 26; Saturday, June 14; and Friday, November 28, 2025. Sponsor: MN DNR

Registration Open: Prairie Enthusiasts Online Conference

Finding Your Place in the Prairie

 - February 12-15, 2025

Our annual virtual conference brings together people of various prairie and savanna knowledge-levels. Whether they’re just discovering prairies or are looking to deepen their skillset, we strive to provide opportunities for all to connect and learn. The 2024 conference had 568 attendees come together to learn, share and find a prairie community. Our 2025 “Finding Your Place in the Prairie” conference will focus on:

• Examining individual species examinations, connections, dependence
• Engaging volunteers and supporters to partake in land stewardship
• Showcasing the uniqueness of prairie ecosystems
• Providing opportunities to connect with fellow Prairie Enthusiasts

Registration Link. Sponsor: The Prairie Enthusiasts

To find additional events, check often during the month with local hiking groups, universities, naturalist-interest groups, nature conservancies, nature centers and their Friends groups, state parks, US Fish and Wildlife centers and others in your area to see what's new to help you understand the natural world around you better. 

Do you know of other January events I should include?  Just drop me a line in comments or the contact box on my website. Happy holly-days!

 

Holiday Colors in the Woods

It's easy, in late fall and winter, to think there are only browns, buffs and gray on the landscape. 

However, there are surprising pops of color to be found along the trails as well as outside our windows. Many of these bright spots remind me of upcoming December holidays.

So here are a few photos, with colors associated with each holiday, from my November/December hikes and home bird feeder to get you in the holiday mood!

CHRISTMAS
Red and green

HANUKKAH

Blue and silver

KWANZAA

Red, black and green

WINTER SOLSTICE

In addition to red, green and black, gold is a color associated with this holiday

Happy Holidays and see you on the trails!

All images - Marge Loch-Wouters

Naturalist's Corner - Winter’s Hidden Ecosystems

I recently started following another hiking and nature enthusiast, Gary Kurtz, on Facebook. He posts at Wildflowers Wisconsin. He is a  lyrical writer who opens up the world of nature to readers with keen insights and deep knowledge. His Facebook posts are perfect tidbits of information on flora, fauna, fungi and observations on what we can observe and understand  in nature. Gary also has an Etsy shop where he sells his ebooks of seasonal wildflowers. You can download them to your device and use them as you are walking in spring and summer to help with field identification. Gary graciously agreed to be our guest columnist this month and shared this Facebook post with us from November 28, 2024.  

Winter, a season of profound stillness, casts a serene yet formidable spell over the landscape. In this time of frost and scarcity, both plants and animals reveal their remarkable strategies for survival. 

Many plants retreat into dormancy. Deciduous trees—oaks, maples, and birches—surrender their leaves to conserve precious water and shield themselves from the weight of snow and ice. Their skeletal branches etch stark silhouettes against the winter sky.  In contrast, the evergreens—pines, spruces, and firs—retain their needles. These needles, cloaked in a protective wax, guard against desiccation and the biting cold. Their deep green hue allows for a small amount photosynthesis even in the heart of winter.

Beneath the snow, the forest floor holds a different kind of life. Perennial plants and bulbs lie dormant, insulated by the snow, which acts as a blanket, protecting them from the extreme cold. This layer of snow also traps heat from the ground, preventing frost from penetrating too deeply and damaging the roots.

Animals exhibit a range of behaviors and physiological changes to cope with winter. Squirrels and chipmunks busily gather and store nuts and seeds, creating caches that will sustain them when food is scarce. Birds like sandhill cranes and Canada geese skip out on long migrations to warmer climates, while monarch butterflies undertake an incredible journey to Mexico. Black bears retreat into hibernation, their metabolic rates dropping as they live off stored fat, and groundhogs enter deep hibernation, their body temperatures plummeting to conserve energy. Bats find shelter in caves, slowing their metabolism to survive on minimal energy. Coyotes, ever adaptable, remain active, hunting and scavenging with their thick fur providing insulation. White-tailed deer grow thicker coats and seek shelter in dense forests, reducing their activity to conserve energy. Remarkably, wood frogs produce a natural antifreeze, allowing them to survive being frozen.

Social behaviors also play a crucial role in winter survival. Birds like chickadees and titmice huddle together for warmth, while others roost in tree cavities. Badgers dig extensive networks of burrows, entering a state of torpor to conserve energy, while turtles and frogs burrow into mud and sand to hibernate. Even the elusive snowshoe hare changes its fur color to white, blending into the snowy landscape for camouflage. These strategies showcase the incredible adaptability of Wisconsin’s wildlife, ensuring their survival through the harsh winter.

Snow plays a crucial role in the winter ecosystem. As it accumulates, it provides insulation for plants and small animals, creating subnivean spaces (the area between the ground and the bottom of the snowpack) where creatures like mice and voles can move about safely, protected from predators and harsh weather. These small mammals remain active, foraging for seeds and roots, which helps maintain the food web.

Aquatic life also adapts to the winter conditions. Ponds and lakes may freeze over, but below the ice, water temperatures remain relatively stable. Fish, such as trout and bass, enter a state of reduced activity, slowing their metabolism to conserve energy. Some amphibians and reptiles, like frogs and turtles, burrow into the mud at the bottom of ponds, where they remain dormant until the spring thaw.

Winter is a harsh season requiring adaptation. Plants and animals employ a variety of strategies to survive the cold, and these adaptations highlight the intricate and dynamic nature of ecosystems. The stillness of winter belies the subtle and continuous interactions that sustain life, setting the stage for the renewal and growth that come with the arrival of spring.

Images - Marge Loch-Wouters

I Spy on the Trails - November 2024

Hoar frost
on the forest floor

It felt like a tropical heat wave during the first half of this month with decidedly un-November-like weather. My coldest morning hikes started in the high 30s and most days I hiked in warmish 40s and 50s temps. We had some fog, some sun, some rain and an actual snowfall on November 20 (lots, lots earlier than in recent years!). We ended in the 30s (with a nip of 20s at the last) this past week, a much more seasonal temp.

As I hoped, the temps were still cool enough and the leafless trees bare enough to make for some of my favorite fall hiking. Clear views, no sweat and no bugs! Well, low bugs. Like last year, the unseasonably warm temps at month’s beginning kept ticks active. With my Premethrin-sprayed clothes, Rynoskin and 10-minutes-in-the-dryer routine, I was comfortable and tick-free. But really?!?!  

A view of the Mississippi in Iowa
Image -Kris Lawson

The hunting seasons in MN and WI kept me hopping in the tri-state area and revisiting favorite trails and parks from state-to-state. A lot of these trails, with their stunning geology and expansive river views, I save especially for the snowless late fall/early winter hikes.

I find November hiking beautiful, full of surprises and prime hiking time. Last year I made some observations and they remain just as true. This year, my eyes were again dazzled by flashes of green, incredible rock formations, migratory birds and vistas that went on forever.

Here are a few of my favorite sights over the November weeks. 

Tundra swans and ducks finally arrived
in great numbers in November's last week

Great rocks in fog and, on another day, in sun
at Levis Trow Mounds 

Post-warm rain forest floor

A lovely log full of turkey-tail fungi

Now let's start thinking and wishing hard for some crispy cold and luscious snow to play in!

What are YOU noticing on your hikes?

A month of hikes:

Hikes below in bold color or underlined have links to previous posts OR descriptions/location of the trails found online

Levis Trow Mounds, Black River Falls WI (2); Iowisota Retreat Center bluff trails, Lansing IA; Lytle’s Landing, Brice Prairie WI; Camel Hump trails, Onalaska WI; Goose Island County Park, La Crosse WI; Reno Quarry, Brownsville MN; Fish Farm Mounds, Lansing IA (2);  Red Oak Road Dike and Lookout, Harper's Ferry IA; Yellow River Forest, Luster Heights Unit, Harper's Ferry IA

At Yellow River Forest Luster Heights
North Overlook
Image -Kris Lawson

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Levis Trow Mounds (WI) - Levis Rim Trails

The last time I posted about Levis Mounds, we were on a short out-and back-hike of 2.5 miles with a friend who was testing a rehabbed knee on the elevation and rolling terrain. There was more to explore so I headed back to check out a few more of the amazing rim and upper bluffside trails and a different trailhead during a few 4-mile hikes up and around some of the rim's features.

There are two trailheads on this part of the recreation area to access the Levis Mound rim trails: 

The trailhead sign by the main parking lot
Image - Steve Dawson

The first is the main trailhead that has a number of amenities and a sign marking the hiking trail's start. 

This is my favorite way up by far. From this trailhead, it's a quick 20 minute or so hike up Dump and Bear Den trails. These narrow trails run through lovely forests and beside rock faces and take you quickly up to Northface trail. From Northface you can begin to explore the multiple routes.

There are also other routes from this trailhead to get up to the rim that you can can explore, especially if you want to add additional miles to your hike. Many  feature wide, grassy old logging roads. The trails are shared biking and hiking trails but on weekdays the bike traffic is light and bikers and hikers accommodating for each other.

The second trailhead is just south and around the corner on WI Hwy 95. For me, this is a slightly less interesting trailhead. The first half mile of so is through a low logged out area (with newer tree growth) quite near the highway that looks pretty rough before you finally start climbing towards the wooded hillsides of the Levis Mound.

The rock that beckoned us!

Our hike from this second trailhead took us along Warmup trail to a left on Switchback. After we wound through the first scrubbier area, we finally starting to ascend the mound with its huge hardwood forested slopes. Aaaaah. One of the first rock formations we came to begged us to scramble around on it. We spotted a small trail upwards from the rock top and, after a steep quick climb, emerged at the Troll rock at the rim. Keeping on the other trail would have made for a longer hike so we were glad we explored! 

The rim trails can be narrow and rocky but changes in elevation are fairly slight or rolling at most. Up here, there are plenty  of incredible overlooks and amazing rock formations to explore. The views at the top overlook vast forests below, as well as the slopes of Levis Mound. You can glimpse Black River Falls in the near distance and other mounds and small bluffs, part of the ancient ocean floor farther away.

Some of my favorite features besides the Troll Rock include:

South Point Overlook - South Point trail heads off Clarence to the right and leads to a huge area of rocks and stellar views.

High Rock Overlook - From Northface, take Clarence Trail to access High Rock overlook as well as a couple other unnamed overlooks along the trail.  

Plummer's Crack - From Northface trail, take Corkscrew for a hot minute to Toad Road trail and you are treated to a boardwalk between two huge rock formations. It's great fun!

Toad Road's Rock Faces - Continue along this trail and soon you will be treated to a huge stretch of towering sandstone features along the left-hand side of this upper bluffside trail. For me, this is one of the more breathtaking features of the Levis Mound hikes I did. You will once again run into Northface if you want to return to the main trailhead or for the Hwy 95 trailhead, follow Switchback to West Levis (logging road) or Select Cut (narrow woods trail) back to your start.

THE HIKE
Hardwood forests, multiple trails (that can be confusing - an app like AllTrails can be very helpful), gorgeous rock formations and overlooks that show endless forest lands are all in store on this 41 mile hiking/biking/skiing trail system. You can tailor your hiking explorations to do the mileage you prefer. Your elevation gain will be in the 380-400 foot range (the mounds are shorter than the Mississippi River bluffs). This is a great area to visit multiple times. Once up on the rim, there are multiple trails and rock formations to explore in any season.

The Locations: 

The trailheads are located just about 17 miles out of Black River Falls. There are groomed ski trails in the winter. Bikers and skiers pay a small usage fee; hikers can use the trails for free.

• Main Trailhead: N1589 Fisher Ave, Neilsville WI   44.47676, -90.72377 (bathrooms/shower/campsites/covered picnic area)

• Hwy 95 trailhead: from Black River Falls, take a right on Hwy 95  44.46646N, 90.72404W.  (pit toilet) 

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Additional posts describing Levis Trow Mounds Recreation Area trails:

• Troll Rock Trail 
• Levis Trow Recreation area general trail description

 

Let's Get Hiking and Learning - December 2024

For more information on the trips, where available, please click on the brown event titles for a link to the program or hike.

I will be updating this post periodically during December as new events are announced, so feel free to stop back!. De

Late November Events

 Naturalist at the Brownsville Overlook

 - Saturday Nov 23.   10am-2pm

 - Brownsville (MN) Overlook

With such a gradual migration this fall, and Thanksgiving falling later this year, we're extending our naturalist season by one additional date, Saturday November 23! If you haven't been to the Brownsville Overlook yet, there's still time!  There are currently about 3,000 - 4,000 swans on Lower Pool 8, however, they've been more hit and miss at Brownsville this year. There were about 40 swans in front of the overlook this morning, with 150-200 north of the overlook and about 400-500 ducks. The Hwy 26 Overlook about two miles south of the Brownsville Overlook has been seeing higher numbers of swans, around 1500-2000. The Shady Maple Overlook about 1 mile south Goose Island County Park on Hwy 35 near Stoddard, WI has been a good spot too. BUT, we are hoping the colder weather will bring more swans in to Brownsville this weekend. Recent sightings and estimates of bird numbers are posted here : https://www.fws.gov/refuge/upper-mississippi-river

A Refuge naturalist will be stationed at the Brownsville Overlook on Saturday, November 23, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., to help visitors identify birds and share information about the refuge and migration. Please note that naturalists’ shifts may be cancelled or end early without warning in inclement or extremely cold weather. This event is part of our 100th Anniversary Interpretive Series! The Brownsville Overlook is located about three miles south of Brownsville, Minnesota along Minnesota Highway 26. A portable restroom will be available on-site. We recommend wearing lots of warm layers! Though peak migration is difficult to predict, the best time to see the tundra swan migration is usually the second or third week in November. The swans will typically stay until the water freezes over – if temperatures stay below freezing at night, the peak of migration will be earlier in November. Warmer weather extends their stay. For more information, please call the La Crosse District Visitor Center at 608-779-2399. The Visitor Center will be open for winter hours Tuesday – Friday, 9am – 3pm starting in November. Sponsor: Upper Mississippi River National Fish & Wildlife Refuge

Hike Up to Eagle Point

 - Saturday, November 23   1-2:30 pm

 - Whitewater State Park

Are you looking to get out and stretch your legs without worrying about deer hunters? Then you should join us for a hike up to Eagle Point! During our hike we'll see great views and learn a lot about this amazing park. We'll investigate the parks origins, geology, and ecology during this fun 1 mile trip. Elevation Gain - 300ft. Meet at the Visitor's Center.  Contact Jeremy Darst at 507-312-2301 or by email at Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us. Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Free State Parks Day
- Friday Nov 29   

 - All MN State Parks

On four days each year, all Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offer free admission to everyone - no vehicle permits needed! Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new - or visit an old favorite at a new time of year! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping, rentals, or special tours. The goal is to encourage families and friends to spend time together in nature. Research shows many health and wellness benefits to spending time in nature. According to ParkRx, contact with nature improves one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health. Getting outdoors makes exercise more fun and can boost mood and immunity. The American Psychological Association shares that exposure to nature is linked to benefits including improved attention, lower stress, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even increases in empathy and cooperation. Sponsor: MN DNR.

 

December Events

Advent Candlelight Walk
- Monday, December 2              6:30-8:00pm
- W2658 WI-33, La Crosse, WI 54601
All are invited to join us for a peaceful mile-long hike filled with Advent-themed prayers and candle luminaires. All ages are welcome and winter attire is encouraged. Snacks and refreshments will be provided! Those unable to hike are still welcome to join us for snacks and conversation around a fire. No pets, please. Sponsor: Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

Adventures in Bird Banding

 - Wednesday December 11      10am - noon

 - Whitewater State Park

Join us a look behind the scenes at how birds are caught, who bands which birds, how, and why. Terry and Joyce Grier have almost 20 years? experience capturing and banding songbirds and saw-whet owls. They will share their adventures and maybe a few misadventures. This is a monthly H.O.P. into the Park program (Healthy Older People). Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park!

Hike into the Whitewater Wilds
 - Saturday, December 14        Noon-2:30 pm

 - Whitewater State Park

Ever want to get out and explore? This hike will take us off the beaten path into a little used part of the park with some great views. Along the way we will search for clues to a hidden geocache somewhere along the route. So dress warm, grab your hiking boots, and let's go on an adventure! With adequate snow we will use snowshoes during this program. You can bring your own or borrow a pair of the parks. (Distance: 2 Miles, Elevation Gain: 300ft). To register call 507-312-2301 or email Jeremy.Darst@state.mn.us Sponsor: Whitewater State Park

Guided Hike to Hanging Rock

 - Saturday, December 14     12:30-4:30pm

 - Effigy Mounds National Monument

Join a ranger for a hike to the iconic Hanging Rock overlook and catch the full-moon rise over the river on the hike back!  This strenuous seven-mile round-trip hike starts from the visitor center and quickly climbs 350 feet to the top of the bluff. The walk passes a variety of mound groups and takes between three to four hours to complete. Please come dressed for the weather and bring extra water/snacks along for this adventure. Sponsor: Effigy Mounds National Monument

Owl Prowl
- Saturday, December 14      5:00 -7:30 pm

 - International Owl Center, Houston MN

We start with a 30-minute program indoors to teach you how to identify owls by sound and the ethics of calling owls. Then you hop in your vehicle and follow the Owlmobile to about three different locations in rural Houston where Jo, our resident expert owl caller, will imitate owl calls in hopes of getting some responses. The program is capped at 30 participants, and these always sell out in advance. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Due to the need to stand perfectly still for 10 minutes or more at a time, these owl prowls are not recommended for children under age 12. No pets, smoking or vaping allowed either indoors or outdoors. Registration required. Registration opens November 17.  [Note: Registration for the January 11, 2025 Owl Prowl begins December 13]. Sponsor: International Owl Center 

Iowa (Allamakee and Winneshiek County residents) Neighbor Weekends

 - December 21-22

 - International Owl Center, Houston MN
Residents of local IA counties (Allamakee and Winneshiek counties), including college students, are specially invited to visit the International Owl Center for FREE on Neighbor Weekends. Come see live owls in person, check out our hands-on displays, and stay for our live programs at 11 and 2 each day. Please bring a driver license, student ID or other form of identification to verify your place of residence. Visitors from elsewhere are also welcome, but will be required to pay the regular admission fee of $9 for adults, $8 for seniors/veterans/military and $6 for children aged 4-17. Sponsor: International Owl Center

To find additional events, check often during the month with local hiking groups, universities, naturalist-interest groups, nature conservancies, nature centers and their Friends groups, state parks, US Fish and Wildlife centers and others in your area to see what's new to help you understand the natural world around you better.