Hartman Creek State Park – Dike Trail and Pope Lake Trail

Hartman Creek State Park - Colorful leaves across Hartman Lake along the Dike Trail

A quick lunch and a peek at the afternoon’s forecast had me moving again in short order. Midday weather was beautiful but it wasn’t going to last. So once again, I struck out from camp and hit the trails. This time I am heading east alongside Hartman Lake and connecting to the Dike Trail and … Read more

Birch Creek Falls

Keil Birch Creek Preserve - Cascade style falls along Birch Creek

After visiting many falls across the state it isn’t often I get to see a new place without much detail about it found on the internet. Thanks to a tip from Bob at waterfallswisconsin.com I found myself at Kiel Birch Creek Nature Preserve & State Natural Area in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Supposedly there are some nice … Read more

2021 WI Turkey Hunting (Yellowstone Wildlife Area)

Turkeys on a private farm area while road scouting

After a long winter lockdown courtesy of COVID-19, I was able to awake from hibernation, get fully vaccinated, and go hunting for turkey in late April. Based on last year I headed right back to Yellowstone Lake State Park / Yellowstone Wildlife Area in the southwestern region of the state known as the Driftless Area. … Read more

Little Bull Falls (Shawano)

Little Bull Falls (Shawano) - Aerial photo with Mavic 2 Zoom

Spring was turning to summer and the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing. Decided to make my way into the woods and away from people…or so I thought? Parking lot at Gilmer Falls was nearly full, tons of people taking advantage of the good weather and swimming & picnicking at the river today. Not surprising … Read more

Governor Thompson State Park

Governor Thompson State Park – Woods Lake

Northern Wisconsin fall colors were calling my name.  It has been too long since my last camping trip and I aimed to remedy that.  Aided by a long 3-day weekend I packed the car and headed for the forests.  Quick pitstop on the way at Titletown Brewing Company in Green Bay for an elk burger … Read more

Council Grounds State Park

Council Grounds State Park - Sunset across the Wisconsin River

After another hour driving, home for tonight is Council Grounds State Park.  Thankfully this park is smaller and can be done in about an afternoon.  I wasted no time setting up camp before setting out on the trails. Big Pines Nature Trail -> Unmarked Trail -> Red Trail Right from the campgrounds you can hop … Read more

Interstate State Park – Part 2

Interstate State Park - Horizon Rock Trail / Ice Age Trail segment

Midday detours were complete and I was back at Interstate State Park for part 2 of my visit.  Goal for the afternoon was to hike all the remaining trails which I was able to complete minus one or two small connecting paths. Eagle Peak Trail Starting from my campsite, I walked through the parking area … Read more

Shale Falls [Failed]

Shale Falls (Failed) - Drew's Landing sign

Amongst the many successful journeys I have taken, none come without at least a little work.  This one was different.  My attempt to reach Shale Falls in the Brule River State Forest was a failure, but I still feel successful in that nobody else (to my knowledge) has posted online with even this many details … Read more

Kohler Andrae State Park

Kohler-Andrae State Park - Sandhill Crane on Cordwalk south section

Had to work late Friday which bombed my plans to camp for the first time of the year.  Instead, took a day trip to Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.  Located directly on the Lake Michigan shoreline, this is actually two parks managed as one unit with portions protected as State Natural Areas.  With only … Read more