Guided Nature Walk with John Bates

Deepen your connection to the Northwoods by joining local naturalist and author John Bates for a guided nature walk on the Franklin Lake Nature Trail. John will share information and his insights about old growth forests and why they matter to us all.

The walk will proceed slowly with time for conversation and reflection but is an uneven walking surface, with rocks and branches.

Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring bug spray and water.

Distance: 1.0 miles

Exertion/Intensity: Easy

Terrain: Mostly flat Elevation

Gain: > 100 feet

Trail Surface: Dirt path

Rocks & Roots: Occasional

Trail Review: The Franklin Nature Trail features a wonderful variety of scenery over gentle terrain. The trail passes through a lush forest of mixed hardwoods, towering white pines, stands of large hemlocks, scenic views of Butternut Lake, a winding 400′ long boardwalk through a tamarack bog, and several historical sites. The forest understory is home to a wide diversity of plant life. Species include: Bluebead Lilly, Bunchberry, Lilly-of-the-Valley, Starflower, Jack-in-the-Pulpit, and dense patches of ferns. When you walk along the boardwalk through the tamarack bog, you’ll often find yourself surrounded by a dense carpet of spongy, sphagnum moss beneath a canopy of tamarack and spruce. Other plants in the acidic swamp include: Leatherleaf, Bog Laurel, Bog Rosemary, Pitcher Plant, and Rosemary Tea. This area has a rich cultural history. Indians have camped, hunted, and fished here periodically since about 8,000 BC. Archeologists have discovered several ancient sites scattered around Butternut Lake. The Franklin Nature Trail is an interpretive trail. There is a free 16-page booklet at the trailhead information-kiosk that gives a narrative of 21 numbered “stations” on the trail. The booklet provides excellent descriptions of the surrounding habitat and of the cultural history of the area. Overall, this is a short, fun and relaxing hike, suitable for almost anyone.

 

Route from 107 S Railroad St Eagle River, WI 54521

Head south on S Railroad St toward W Wall St 0.2 mi

Turn left onto US-45 S/E Pine St 1.2 mi

Continue straight onto WI-70 E/WI-70 Trunk E 7.6 mi

Turn right onto Military Rd 2.5 mi

Turn left onto Butternut Lake Rd 4.4 mi