|
|
|
Nahma Marsh Trail
|
This easy trail goes through prime wildlife habitat near the Sturgeon River on Hiawatha National Forest land. A boardwalk and hard-surfaced path lead a third of a mile from the parking area alongside the dammed marsh. (Benches are frequent.) They end at a double-decked viewing platform. Herons, muskrats, sandhill cranes, bittern, songbirds, and many waterfowl species are seen over the year.
When the trail was constructed in 1993, "it weaved under a dense, dark cedar forest that concealed from hikers the wildlife of the marsh until they emerged onto the viewing platform," according to Forest Service supervisor Anne Okonek. In 1998 a windstorm with winds over 80 mph passed through the southern Upper Peninsula and flattened the cedars. Now hikers have a much better view of the marsh. The area is slowly revegetating, as maples sprout up from stumps, and balsam and spruce trees take root.
The trailhead is off CR 497 (the very bumpy road near the Sturgeon River) three miles south of U.S. 2 at Nahma Junction. (906) 474-6442. Trail and platform are wheelchair-accessible.
Return to Nahma Peninsula
|
|
