Wetmore Pond

Short, unimproved paths lead from the parking area through old-growth forest to a sphagnum bog and observation platform. Or, if you choose, you can go to the left up into nearby red rocks. They offer a wonderful view of the entire scene: the bog below and Hogback Mountain in the near distance, across an abandoned rail bed now used as a non-motorized ski and bike trail. In spring and fall, migrating ducks and geese gather on the bog, making the rocks a grand vantage point for birding.

Acidic bogs like this develop when wetlands receive little fresh water. Decaying plant materials make them acidic, so that they support only specially adapted acid-loving plants like sphagnum. Thick mats of floating sphagnum look solid but aren't. Carnivorous pitcher plants supplement the bog's low level of nutrients by attracting and digesting insects. For a virtual bog walk with illustrated plant identification, visit www.moosewood.org. These rugged granite boulders and rock outcrops are southern manifestations of the Canadian Shield. These are popular places to picnic or even study. The rocks absorb heat and pleasantly radiate it in the cool spring air.

The trailhead by the parking area shows how to find the 1-mile trail west up Hogback Mountain, which offers yet another grand view of the lake and forest below.

On Mead Paper Co. land. West off CR 550, about 5 miles north of Wright St. in Marquette. (906) 485-1031. No admission fee. Handicap accessible: no.
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ON THE WAY TO BIG BAY
POINTS OF INTEREST

Points of interest along CR 550 are arranged from Marquette and the south to Big Bay and the north.
How to get to CR 550 from downtown Marquette: Go north on Front St. until it dead ends at Fair. Go left on Fair. In two blocks, turn right onto Presque Isle Ave. At the third blinking light turn left onto Wright St. Look for Sugar Loaf Ave./CR 550 on the right.

Phil's 550 Store. An old-timey convenience store run by a blacksmith, with a good wine selection, smoked fish, a free maps for bike trails and area waterfalls ... more

Sugarloaf Mountain. A 20-minute walk up to the summit of this cherished local landmark gains grand vistas of Lake Superior, Marquette, and surrounding forests. Especially spectacular near dawn or dusk ... more

Wetmore Pond. Walk through an old-growth forest to a platform for viewing a sphagnum bog with carnivorous pitcher plants. Hike up to red rocks, nice for picnics and contemplation, with another great view. Hogback Mountain offers a third. ... more

Little Presque Isle, Wetmore Landing & North Country Trail Segment. Along this beautiful shore are rocky and sandy beaches, coves, sandstone cliffs, and an island for kayaks to explore. Nearby pines, berries put favorite northwoods habitats in one hikeable area. Get map of trail network for skiing and hiking. ... more

Songbird Trail. A 1.1-mile loop has 10 stops with signs about songbirds you're likely to see and hear along the way ... more

Harlow Pathway/Cross-Country Ski Trail. Two ungroomed trails-5.6 miles in all-with easy to intermediate skiing are near remote, rustic state forest cabins one can rent for the night ... more

Granot Loma. Banker Louis Kaufman's remarkable log lodge, built for $2 million in the early 1920s, is off limits unless you rent it for $10,000 a day. The public can see the show barns of Loma Farms and the colorful postmodern gates made ... more

Little Garlic Falls. Formed by a productive trout stream, this secluded falls are a 2-mile hike from the road ... more

County Road 510 to Big Bay. Crisscrossing the Yellow Dog River and its tributaries, this road is the gateway to several beautiful waterfalls ... more

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