Beaver Creek Hemlock Conservation Area

TRAILS: Nearly 3 miles of natural surface hiking trails loop through the property. From the parking area follow a ridgeline bordering the cattail marsh surrounding Beaver Creek. After crossing a small wetland via 100 feet of boardwalk, begin exploring the old-growth hemlock-hardwoods. Take the short loop (~1 mile) or make the trip around the long loop (~2.5 miles).

NATURAL FEATURES : This conservation area features a trail for hiking and snowshoeing. The upland areas contain pockets of old-growth hemlock-hardwoods, so visitors can walk under canopies of large trees. The cattail marsh can be a great place to view wildlife during spring. A small bog pond along the north boundary of the property contains interesting plant life.

HISTORY: In May of 2021, the majority of the property was purchased from the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands through a land exchange transaction. Prior to that, a roadside parcel was purchased from a private landowner for access purposes.  Today the conservation area is a primary location for NWLT’s public educational and recreational programming. In September of 2023, the property was officially inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network in recognition of the outstanding old-growth forest features found throughout the property.

GETTING THERE: From the intersection of Hwy 51 and Hwy 47 in Manitowish, drive south on Hwy 47 for 3.7 miles. Turn right on Hwy 182 and continue for 13.5 miles. A gravel parking lot is on the east side of Hwy 182.

Click here for a map of the trails  BCHTrailM