Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge (WI) - Three Fine Ambles

I recently had the opportunity to re-visit three very easy - and quite contrasting - trails at the Refuge near Trempealeau WI. The two trails that start at the Visitor's Center are short one-mile trails that pack alot of interest and can be done in any season. The third trail begins just past the main gate entrance of the refuge and can be as long or short as you want. It's glory time is late spring/ summer. Perhaps nicest of all, these mostly flat trails are accessible for almost any age and ability.

Pine Creek Dike Trail- from the observation platform across from the Visitor's Center, head right into the woods on a mowed trail. You quickly come to a trail junction; take a left and head out onto the Pine Creek Dike. This low-lying trail is often damp and downright muddy. The water surrounds you as you head out a half-mile to it's end.

Along the way, you pass through hardwoods and numerous wetland and prairie plants. You also get to see some invasives like purple loosestrife and broadleaf bittersweet (formerly oriental bittersweett) that are taking over in many spots. In summer you will see some wonderful native plants still holing their place like swamp milkweed; marsh and sensitive ferns; hoary vervain; yellow toadflax; great blue lobelia; white meadowsweet, partridge pea; tall boneset and prairie ironweed.

Swamp Milkweed

This is an especially lovely hike during spring and fall migrations when vegetation has died back and clear views of the sloughs and ponds bring you plenty of waterfowl action. At the the end of the hike there is a bench to sit and watch before heading back to the hike's beginning for a one-mile out and back.

I also appreciate this hike in summer because of the flower variety that comes up in the sandy and wet soils. The trail is probably at its driest during the summer although late fall if it's dry is also a bit drier.

Woods Loop Trail  - this trail begins at the Pike Creek trailhead by the Visitor's Center. When the trail splits, follow the "Nature Loop" sign that sends you straight ahead on the mowed grass trail. You will be in a hardwood forest with the water to your left as you follow the mostly flat, and occasional rolling trail. 

Small blind overlooking the water

About .4 of a mile down the trail there is a short spur to the left. Follow it to find a blind you can use to observe and photograph waterfowl. Continuing on another .1 mile, you come to a bench where you can sit and and rest or observe what is happening around you. You can continue on to make it a longer hike or use this as your turn around point to make it a one-mile amble.

Follow the trail back for about.15 of a mile and you'll come to a fork in the trail. Stay left and follow it back to complete the loop where you first started.

Spring and fall are my favorite times to hike this trail. There are some lovely ephemerals along this path along with migrating songbirds in spring and fall. With fewer leaves during those shoulder seasons, it is easier to see the water. Summer tends to have far more mosquitoes, gnats and biting flies and far fewer flowers along the way. 

Lupines everywhere

Prairie's Edge Tour Loop - while this is primarily a "car tour" route, there is a hiking/biking trail next to it that let's you really enjoy this fabulous dry sand prairie. While the drive/hike clocks in at 4 miles, I usually just go through the prairie and then turn  around to make it an out-and-back of whatever length I choose (usually a total of 2-3 miles but you can do more or less).

This prairie is justly celebrated as one of the premier locations to see the late spring blooms of the wild lupine. If you go in late May and early June, you will be treated to carpets of these beauties. You will also find a plethora of other prairie plants like hoary puccoons, poppy mallows, bergamot, spotted bee balm, blazing stars, bluebells , asters, coneflowers, cup plants and so much more. The rolling sand dunes are alive with native plants from May through fall. 

The trail is almost completely flat except for one rolling hill. Across from the sand dunes you can also see ponds and wetlands. Bike traffic is light and there is no problem sharing the trail.

Pine Creek trail view of river and bluffs

THE HIKES
The two hikes from the Visitor's center are a short one-mile each on mostly flat trails. Pine Creek Dike is an out-and-back and the Woods Loop which splits off from the dike trail contains a loop in the middle. Summer is great for the Pine Creek portion while fall and spring with migrating songbirds and waterfowl are great times for the Woods Loop which contains a viewing blind. The Prairie's Edge Loop has it's own hike/bike trial and is best as an out-and-back. Pick your length and enjoy an amazing dry sand prairie with successions of native wildflowers from May through fall. These trails are great for families and accessible for hikers of almost any ability.

Woods Loop trail

The Location

W228488 Refuge Road, Trempealeau WI

The Refuge lies just south of WI Hwy 35/54 between Centerville and the bridge to Winona. Turn south on West Prairie Rd and continue until you see the Trempealeau Wildlife sign where you turn right on Refuge Rd. Drive until you go through n open low gate. There is a parking lot just beyond it for the Prairie's Edge Loop Trail. For the other two trails, continue on and park by the Visitor's Center. The Pine Creek Dike Trail and Woods Loop Trail start to the right of the observation deck.

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Along the Pine Creek trail