Brandt Pines Interpretive Trail

Brandt Pines is an old-growth stand of large red and white pine along the St. Croix River estimated to have originated in the mid- 1890s. It was established as a State Natural Area in 1979. There are a total of 10 miles of cross-country skiing and hiking trails and a 2.5 mile interpretive trail. See a map. [PDF] A shelter is available along the trail to rest at and to enjoy a picnic.

The area is dominated by red pine with white and jack pines, Hill’s oak, basswood, large-toothed aspen, and white birch. On the elevated terrace above the pines is a dense forest of small oaks while a more mature swamp hardwood forest of oak, black ash, and red maple occurs on the ravine below the pines. There are two groups of oaks -- red oak (sharply pointed lobes on the leaves) and the white oak (leaves with rounded lobes).

Brandt Brook, a steep, sandy-bottomed stream deeply cut into the ravine, flows through the site. Fed by numerous seeps, the narrow cold-water stream supports native book trout.

Throughout much of the trail, you will either be on the top overlooking the ravine, or right down in it. Be watchful! This area is very active with many different types of wildlife. Animals use the ravine as a pah to travel to find food and mates; its shelter provides a safer trip than open areas.

As you walk or ski the trail, stop and listen to the beautiful birdsongs. Two uncommon birds you might see are the black and white warbler and yellowthroated vireo. More common species include the Brown Creeper, Red Breasted Nuthatch, and Evening Grosbeak.

The ravine is also very important for certain plants. Since the ravine is sheltered from wind and severe temperatures, it can be considered a “microclimate.” During a good breeze, a dancing mass of fernery may be seen. Look for these ferns: bracken (large three-part leaf on tall stalk), spinulose wood (“fern of the oak wood”), ostrich (symmetric clumps that are 3-5 feet in height), and marsh ferns (each frond rises individually 9”-36” tall).