North Country Trail Hardwoods

State Natural Area (No. 422)

Location: Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Bayfield County. T44N-R5W, Sections 1, 2, 3, 9-12, 15. 371 acres.

Access: The site is located 12 miles west of Mellen, Wisconsin. Access is via Forest Roads 198 and 383. From the intersection of Highway 13 and County GG in Mellen, go west on GG 7.5 miles, then north and west on FR 187 3 miles, then continue west on FR 198 5 miles to the junction of FR 383. Go north on FR 383 0.5 mile. The site lies east and west of the road.

Description: North Country Trail includes good examples of most of the major community types known from the Penokee/Gogebic Iron Range Landtype. In particular, there are several significant pockets of older sugar maple-basswood forest with a rich, mesic understory. One of these stands had a large component of American elm which died in the late 1970's and was not salvaged, making it a unique site with large amounts of coarse woody debris and standing snags. This site also contains two high quality hemlock hardwood stands, which is a relatively uncommon on this landtype. Another important ecological feature is a steep sided ravine containing Hawkin's Creek, a small cold water trout stream. This ravine includes vertical shaded cliffs, upland hemlock and white cedar, Canada yew and Braun's holly fern (Polystichium braunii). Other unnamed streams run through small bedrock ravines and contain uncommon/rare plants. The Marengo River with its associated steep cliffs, dry talus, and open bedrock glades runs through the westernmost portion of the site. Of note are the ruins from The Swedish Settlement, a well known historical site. North Country Trail Hardwoods is owned by the US Forest Service and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.