Hiking the Drifted - IAT Segments Near Aniwa (WI)

During the week following Memorial Day, I spent some quality time with hiking buddies from WI, exploring three segments of the Ice Age Trail in northern WI's Marathon and Langlade counties near Aniwa and Summit Lake. The Ice Age Trail (IAT) is a 1200 trail through WI's glaciated area that hugs the edges of the WI areas where the glaciers stopped. We left cars at both ends of the trails so all our hikes were one way.

Head nets and a rustic river crossing

As I mentioned in a previous post, hiking in the "drifted" area of WI and MN is quite different than the Driftless area. Our unglaciated high bluffs scream "Climb high on me!" The Ice Age Trail on the other hand is land that was ground down by the glacier and runs along its terminal moraine. This makes for rocky trails (or boulder-y as the case may be) and roller-coaster-y hiking. 

With their boggy sections and the ticks and mosquitoes out in force, head nets and/or a lot of DEET were a must. Actually, they kind of saved us - we were able to hike at a leisurely pace with no bloodletting.

A rock river crossing with perfectly placed
rocks that were "rock steady"

Plover River Segment (3 mile portion - Sportsma's Trailhead to Hwy 52 Trailhead)

We started at at the north end of the segment and worked our way south along the Plover River. We had some welcome boardwalks to get over the very wet boggy area and some river crossing as we hiked  The wildflowers were profuse - trillium, Canada mayflower, starflower, blue-bead lily and wild sarsaparilla were the thematic flowers for all three hikes. 

From its's boggy portions, the trail climbed up and down and included a great rock river crossing. The rocks were well-placed for hopping and steady as...a rock - no tipping. We were all impressed with the work of the IAT volunteers who maintain this trail. Their care and detailed building work made the trail a joy to hike!

The hike wound through fields of trillium in the hardwood forest - and fields of huge boulders left by the glaciers. The views of the river peeked in and out all along the trail. After crossing one final bridge at woods' end, we hiked through open grasslands to trailend. It is a delightful trail and I would highly recommend it for all hikers.

Nearing the end of the Plover River trail.
Image - Susan Knorr

Dells of the Eau Claire Segment (2.6 mile portion - Dells of the Eau Claire County Park to Hwy Z Trailhead)

Eau Claire River along the trail

This segment was far and away the most picturesque of the three IAT hikes we did in the area.  The Dells are truly magical. 

Mylonite bedrock boulders

We started at the south end of the segment in open fields and prairies and headed north. At the start, the young, sun-lit forest and grassy areas were again full of wild flowers. Soon we hit the Eau Claire River and followed it's swiftly flowing waters for the rest of the hike though huge boulder fields and mature forests.  

Near Sandberg Island at the southern boundary of the county park we passed the 45th parallel, halfway between the equator and the north pole. Stairs led down to the river and at low river levels, it looked like hikers could rock hop over to the island.

Hanging out in the dells
Image - Michele Besant

The reminder of the hike closely hugged the river and brought us to the main area of the dells, huge mylonite rock formations rising along the river banks. There were multiple places to head down to the banks and admire the rocks. Near hike's end, we crossed a massive old CCC constructed stone bridge with great views of the river. The hike ended in the county park. The trail is very easy, fairly short and connected to the county park trail system so it can be busy. We lucked out and had the trail to ourselves!

Highland Lakes Eastern Segment (2.8 mile portion, Deep Wood Rest Stop to Hwy B Trailhead)

This was our least favorite trail of the week, not least because we played Pied Piper to swarms of mosquitoes along the whole length of the hike. While no blood was spilled, it was an unceasing and annoying accompaniment to a ho-hum trail.

Open boggy area near Lake Susan

The first part of the hike went through a lovely wooded area along eskers and kettles and up and along a ridge to excellent views of Lake Susan. From the woods, the trail came out onto a gravel road that descended into an open boggy area. 

From there we followed the wide, graveled entrance road of Camp Susan through hardwoods, large swaths of firs and hummocky scenery. It was bird heaven on this hike. We heard and saw a fine variety of songbirds and waterfowl. 

While the scenery was nice, the wide road took away some of what we love about trail-hiking - narrow trails that bring you right into the topography and flora and busy life of the woods. Except for the slight elevation in the trail to the ridge, this is a hike that is quite easy for all levels of hikers. 

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

I Spy on the Trails - Week of June 4, 2023

The weather in the 80's and 90's accompanied by Canadian wildfire haze were hallmarks of the first part of the week. Milder and more seasonal weather during the rest of the week was truly June-worthy although still no rain. On Monday, the haze was extreme so I hiked with a KN95 mask. I was glad I did. Facebook hiking groups were full of reports from people who developed sore throats and coughs while hiking and camping over the weekend in MN. Ugh.  The Mississippi river and its flow are back to normal. We are moving from ephemerals season into the first flush of summer flowers. 

Wildflowers

• Large beardtongue

  

  Spiderwort & bee with "pollen pants"
  
  

  
  
• Prairie rose
• Wild lupine 
• Yarrow
• Hoary puccoon
• Bird's-foot trefoil
• Smooth horsetail
• Hoary verbena
• Leafy verbena
• Yellow goat's beard
• Canada frostweed
• Canadian anemone
• Golden Alexander
• Prairie ragwort
• Meadow hawkweed
• Hairy vetsch
• Yellow salsify
• Spiderwort
• Leafy spurge
• Hoary verbena
• White wild indigo
• Rattlesnake master
• Wild chervil (aka Canadian honewort)
• Compass plant
• Horse gentian
• Tick trefoil
• Violet wood sorrel
• Pale spiked lobelia
• Quinine
• Bird's-foot violet
• Cream baptisia
• Prairie willow
• Bastard toadflax
• Leadplant
• Little bluestem

Wildlife (seen/heard)

• Little wood satyr butterfly

  

  Blanding's turtle toes
  
  

  
  
• Common yellowthroat
• Indigo bunting
• Rose-breasted grosbeak
• Yellow warbler
• Song sparrow
• Eastern Wood-Pewee
• House Sparrow
• American redstart
• Widow skimmer dragonfly
• Eastern pondhawk dragonfly (female)
• Common whitetail dragonfly
• Twelve-spotted skipper dragonfly
• White-throated sparrow
• Field sparrow
• Cowbird
• Bell's vireo
• Silver-spotted skipper butterfly
• Tiger Swallowtail butterfly
• Blanding's turtle
• Dickcissel
• Brewers blackbird
• Red-winged blackbird

What are YOU noticing on your hikes?

This week's hikes: Trempeleau Wildlife Refuge, Trempeleau (WI); Apple Blossom Overlook Park, Winona (MN); Norwegian Ridge Bird and Nature Tail, Spring Grove (MN); Borah Creek Prairie State Natural Area, Fennimore (WI)

Borah Creek Prairie SNA

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

The "I Spy on the Trails" column is a phenology (the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals) journal to chronicle year-round the weather, plant life and wildlife I observe while hiking. It is very useful in helping me compare observations from year-to-year. The column is published monthly from September through April and then twice-a-month from May through August when warm weather brings the natural world back to vibrant life.   

Trempeleau Wildlife Refuge (WI) Hike

If you're looking for a flat hike with a large bit of everything related to the Mississippi and Trempeleau  rivers, TWR is a great destination. We have hiked various trails with our local hiking club and on our own over the last year. It's mostly flat trails are family-friendly, Amble-friendly and also great for people who want to put miles on the trails and roads in the 6200 acre refuge.

Sand dunes create rolling prairie terrain

Did I say flat? Actually there are a number of ancient sand dunes in the prairie portions of the refuge that create beautiful rolling terrain with lovely views. 

One of the first hikes you come to on entering the Refuge, which is particularly beautiful in late spring, is the Prairie Edge loop trail that winds around these old sand dunes. The bike/hike (next to a road) trail that lies between the prairie and wetlands is a riot of lupines in late May and early June. But not just the lupines dazzle. Significant patches of hoary puccoons, beardtongue, prairie, horsetail are evident. Successive seasons see butterfly weed, blazing star, yellow coneflowers and more. 

Looking out over the Mississippi River sloughs

The trail joins the road where it continues towards a bench overlooking the Mississippi River sloughs. Additional trailheads bringing you to the bench from the south and a River overlook platform are at the Visitor's Center. 

Rose-breasted grosbeak on Kiep's dike

Birding is outstanding here at the refuge. It on the Mississippi flyway so spring and fall migrations bring flocks of different diving and dabbling ducks, swans (trumpeter, tundra) and tons of migrating warblers and other birds through the hardwood and floodplain forests of the refuge. 

Additional hikes that bring you up close to the rivers and sloughs include Pine Creek Dike Trail, Woods Trail, Pine Creek Pass Trail, and part of the Marshland Road Trail. Kiep's Island dike is also a great trail especially for migrating songbirds.

THE HIKES
These beautiful trails are mostly flat on grass, gravel and dirt. Views of the Mississippi and Trempeleau rivers, wetlands, prairies, floodplain forests and abundant wildlife are easily navigated by any age. It can be buggy in summer. Try the hike/bike prairie loop trail as you enter for an out-and-back 3 mile easy Amble through the rolling prairie. And then come back many times to explore all the rest.

Location: W28488 Refuge Road, Trempeleau WI
The main entrance is located off of West Prairie Road which can be reached via Hwy 53 from Winona; Hwy 35 from the La Crosse area or via backroads from the town of Trempeleau. Follow the road straight to the Visitor Center parking lot, pick up a map and start your exploration. Pit toilets are available at that parking lot.

Enjoying the birding and the bottomlands
Image - Kris Lawson

Additional posts describing Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge trails:

• Three Fine Ambles/Hikes
• Two Bottomland trails
• Two Dike trails
• Grand Old Eagle's Nest

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Sugar Loaf Bluff (MN) Hike

One of the most iconic sights in the Winona area is the distinctive shape of the quarried top of Sugar Loaf Bluff. It is also a favorite destination hike for both Winona residents and out-of-towners. I first hiked this trail with the Driftless Drifters hiking club, based in La Crescent MN.

The trailhead

The bluff rises over 500 feet above the city and it's 2.2-3 miles of trails are part of the City of Winona Park and Rec Department. The trailhead is located just behind the Edina Realty on East Lake Blvd. The trail immediately starts with a steep climb up a grassy area and into the woods. 

Trillium on the trail

There are abundant wildflowers in this hardwood forest. The elevation gain is swift with few switchbacks to give respite to the relentless elevation gain. Luckily, those flowers and insect life let you rest and observe along the way.

The final part of the trail narrows and is extremely sandy. It makes for a good challenge (imagine walking up a sand dune). Before you know it, you are up to the 85 foot "loaf" at the top.

Sugar Loaf

Once up around the base of the loaf, you can explore multiple small trails with spectacular views of the city and countryside surrounding Winona. 

Winona through a peephole

As you descend, take a left on the fork in the trail and follow that trail to another quarry wall that is flooded to create an ice-climbing park in the winter. There is yet another trail spur that takes you on top of that quarry until you reach the park limits and head back.

Ice Park signage

THE HIKE
If you don't mind a crowd during any day of the week (but especially on weekends), this is a great hike to do for the reward of the top and the beautiful flora along the trails. The fairly constant elevation gain of just under 400 feet to the top, makes this a challenging hike for those in good shape. The trails at the top afford spectacular views of the city and surrounding bluffs. Weekends and summer weekdays bring rock climbers up to climb the "loaf". Winter means lots of ice climbers on the trails.

Location - 825 E. Lake Blvd, Winona, MN
The trailhead begins from the Edina Realty parking lot (park by the stone wall only). Additional parking is along the street.

The trail back

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Get in Gear - Mosquito/Tick Attack!

As I mentioned in yesterday's "I Spy on the Trails" post, we had some mighty fierce mosquito and tick action on our hikes in northern WI this past week. While on the trails, we were prepared and so came out at the end of each hike in pretty good shape with few to no bites and only a tick or two on our clothes.

Everyone has a formula for success here - from drenching ourselves in bug spray to eschewing sprays and simply picking off ticks as we hike and after and not itching any mosquito bites gotten during the hike.

I'm a bit of a middle-roader here. Some chemicals, some clothes choices and always a post-hike body check. I'm a peace-of-mind kind of gal so prevention is high on my list of hiking comforts!

Here's the gear I rely on to keep me worry (and tick and mosquito)-free. 

First, the non-chemical

Head net over my hat. Newer nets almost make you forget you have a fine mesh in front of your face. My go to is a Sea to Summit bug net that is compact and can be carried in a pocket. With a cord at the bottom, it easily keeps bugs off you face and neck. It's a great non-chemical way to hike through clouds of skeeters.

Full gear both chemical and non-chemical
Image - Michele Besant

Rynoskin long- sleeve shirts, pants and socks - I heard about these from a Canadian canoeist who did alot of spring canoe trips. You wear them under your clothes - the pants are more like light, long-undies. So no chemicals needed against your skin.  They are very lightweight and have reinforced elbows and knees and have a tight band at wrists and ankles to prevent crawlers.

I rely on these in particular from March to mid-June when ticks are at their most active and I am apt to be on grassy trails or bushwhacking off trail. I will also wear them during summer evening/early morning hikes when mosquitoes are at their most active. My Rynoskins are light and white so the shirt gives me protection from the sun - and I can skip sun screen on my arms (for the win)!  While pricey, I haven't had ticks on my skin or mosquito bites through my shirt after a year of hiking with them.

Chemical Means to an End

Permethrin Spray - in March, we spray a lightweight & light colored t-shirt, hiking pants, long sleeve weight & light colored shirt and grey sweatshirt. Those clothes we use only for hiking. The soaking lasts for about 6 weeks or 6 washes. We re-spray again after that. We also wash these in separate loads from our regular wash. The spray is very effective at deterring ticks and dampening the enthusiasm of mosquitoes. I do appreciate that I wear the permethrin clothes over my Rynoskin so no chemicals next to my skin.  You can also use the spray on your gear. 

Tick gaiters - my pair is permethrin-protected from Outdoor Research and I will use this ankle-height pair in short grass in high tick season especially if I plan to step off the trail (hello morels!). There are also knee high gators which are pricey but I am temped since I do some tall grass hiking in prairie areas.

Bug Sprays - Bug sprays containing DEET or picaridin are my go-to. Picaridin is less smelly and oily but I find either effective. I always spray my boots pre-hike during tick season (March-Oct). When it's too hot for the Rynoskin shirt and long-undies, I use sprays on my arms and face and hat and tuck my socks into my pants and give them a spritz too. On the trail, I carry a small bottle of bug dope in case I manage to sweat it all off .

In an April post I shared some pre- and post- hike tips that are less gear involved to help you prevent bug-latching.  Between preparation and prevention, you can almost hike worry-free!

What is your gear of choice or strategy that helps you avoid insect bites or at least grin and bear it? Share in the comments!

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

I Spy on the Trails - Week of May 28, 2023

The temps this past week reached into the high 80s and low 90's. Combined with the lack of rain over the past week and the haze from the continuing Canadian wildfires, hiking has been somewhat uncomfortable.  Water levels are going down although the Mississippi River continues at a slightly higher level and flow rate than usual at this time of year. 

All my week's hikes were in the north central region of WI and most were on Ice Age Trail segments - hardwoood forests, eskers and kettles and plenty of wet boggy areas. And rocks, many many rocks since these trails are along the terminal moraine of the glaciers.. Both mosquitoes and ticks were fierce. The full strawberry moon was a highlight as it waxed through the week. I also got to stand on the 45th parallel, north latitude (halfway between the equator and the north pole), on a hike which was fun!

Wildflowers

Wild sarsaparilla and trillium

• Trillium
• Wild Sarsaparilla
• Bunchberry
• Dryad's saddle
• Swamp saxifrage
• Wild geranium
• Red baneberry
• Wild blue phlox
• Two-leaf miterwort
• Blue cohosh
• Meadow rue
• Downy yellow violet
• Eastern waterleaf
• Blue-bead lily
• Canada mayflower
• Meadow buttercup
• Water avens
• Starflower
• False Solomon's seal
• Horse tails
• Ferns (Ostrich, maidenhair, sensitive, interrupted)
• Pussytoes

Wildlife (Seen, Heard)

Well camouflaged toad

• Common loon
• Barred owl
• American Redstart
• Red-eyed vireo
• Ovenbird
• American toad
• Black-throated green warbler
• Indigo bunting
• Common yellowthroat
• Veery
• Wood thrush
• Canada warbler
• Catbird
• Least flycatcher
• Hermit thrush
• Great crested flycatcher
• Rose breasted grosbeak
• Eastern phoebe
• Eastern wood pewee
• Mourning warbler

What are YOU noticing on your hikes?

This week's hike's: Erbach Park Trails, Athens (WI), IAT* Dells of the Eau Claire Segment Trail, Aniwa (WI), IAT* Plover River Trail Segment, Aniwa (WI), IAT* Highland Lakes Eastern Segment Trail, Langlade Co. (WI)

*IAT - Ice Age Trail

View of the Eau Claire River

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

The "I Spy on the Trails" column is a phenology (the study of seasonal changes in plants and animals) journal to chronicle year-round the weather, plant life and wildlife I observe while hiking. It is very useful in helping me compare observations from year-to-year. The column is published monthly from September through April and then twice-a-month from May through August when warm weather brings the natural world back to vibrant life.   

Family-Friendly Driftless Trails - Further Afield Trails

In this series of posts, I am sharing some easy trails that are perfect for families who want to get out in the woods. I developed these lists as part of my MN Master Naturalist capstone project in April 2022. I love connecting people to lots of trail options to explore!

The hikes below are the last in the series. The links at the bottom of this post go to lists of additional hikes in nearby areas.  I continue to add new destinations, so if you know of any hikes in this area, let me know in the comments!

Happy summer hiking!

Image - Gregory Watson

FURTHER AFIELD
Genoa National Fish Hatchery and Great River Road Interpretive Center, S5631 State Highway 35, Genoa, WI
The Great River Road Interpretive Center and hatchery is a must stop. Free admission Find out about the work of the hatchery and see live fish in the aquariums. There is also self-guided walking tour of the hatchery, a nature and wetlands boardwalk trail behind the interpretive center. The Visitor Center is open 9-3 weekdays, closed weekends so plan accordingly. The staff is always super helpful. Restrooms at Visitor Center. Trails are easy.

Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center, 1944 Columbus Rd, Lansing Iowa
Another outstandingfree resource that focuses on cultural, historical and natural history of the Driftless area and Mississippi River. While there are no trails, head down the road and up the bluff in Lansing to…

…Mt Hosmer Park, 271 Main St, Lansing, IA
Drive up to the top and walk along the safety fence for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs. Restrooms, shelter and picnic areas available. Walk along the quiet park road to see huge pines and beautiful views. https://www.mylansingiowa.com/mt-hosmer-lookout-and-park/

Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area, N. Buck Creek Road Ferryville - Head south on Hwy 35 to Ferryville until about 1 mile south of town and turn left on N. Buck Road. Drive up about a mile until you see a Mississippi Valley Conservancy kiosk on the left.
You’re almost on the top of this beautiful mixed savannah/oak prairie and mixed hardwood trail (1.5 miles out and back) that leads out to a great high view of the Mississippi River and MN/IA bluffs. There are slight elevation gains on this grass and dirt trail.

Fish Farm Mounds State Preserve, 3 miles south of New Albin IA on Hwy 26
Climb 50 stone steps to this hidden gem with a series of 30 conical burial mounds of indigenous peoples built between 100 BC-650 AD. There are also some short trails behind the mounds. You can read about the fascinating history in this 2020 Big River Magazine article.

For more destinations in this series, check out these blog posts:

Family-Friendly Driftless Trails - La Crescent and Nearby MN Trails

Family-Friendly Driftless Trails - La Crosse/Town of Shelby (WI) Trails

Family-Friendly Driftless Trails - Onalaska/Holmen (WI) Trails

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!