Iron Bridge Hiking & Nature Trail

If you park, as we did during the apple festival, near the cemetary at the top of Washington avenue you earn an enthusiastic street hike to and from downtown Bayfield. On the way however you can take a short detour and enjoy a secluded hike up a wooded ravine that seems like it is far from civilization. Most people hike up the ravine till it gets too steep and then return the same route. Total distance is 1/2 or three quarters of a mile. While not a difficult hike, watch out for slippery stairs and rocks. The thick forest canopy and creek lend a rainforest like feel.

bayfield iron bridge
Bayfield's historic Iron Bridge

Iron Bridge Hiking Trail

The Iron Bridge Trail is a pretty little trail that starts under the Iron Bridge and runs along a creek at the bottom of the big ravine that runs through Bayfield. It is a short walk from the lakeshore and can be combined with a walk around downtown Bayfield.

iron bridge creek

In the spring time this little creek can turn into a bridge washing monster.

iron bridge hiking trail

Hans takes a break to get a drink from the creek.

More Bayfield Area Hiking Trails

Bayfield offers two other hiking trails. The Brownstone Trail runs along the lakeshore on an old railroad bed south of Bayfield. The Big Ravine Hiking Trail runs north of the school baseball field along the rim of a ravine. More info on Bayfield Hiking Trails. These two trails are also open in the winter for snowshoe hiking. See snowshoe maps here.

Enthusiastic hikers will enjoy the Meyers Beach - Apostle Islands LakeShore Hiking Trail located northwest of Bayfield near the village of Cornucopia. This trail takes you to the top of the popular Bayfield Sea Caves.