Northern Paddle and Trail

Hike the Black River Harbor Trails, Saturday, June 28, 1:00 - 5:00 pm, meet at the Pavilion .
Let's get together and head up to Michigan (U.P.) for a waterfall hike along the Black River. The Black River Recreation Area is known for its spectacular waterfalls, idyllic beaches, scenic hiking trails and tranquil campground. Originating in Wisconsin, the Black River flows through forested areas of large pine, hemlock and hardwoods trees. The River has a series of five scenic waterfalls as it cascades in elevation to meet Lake Superior. Tannin (tannic acids) from hemlock trees is what gives it its unique color. We will meet at the pavilion in the picnic area. The pavilion parking lot is at the very end of the Black River Scenic Byway (Hwy 513) at 1:00 pm and then decide on how we want to do the hike. Referencing the attached map, you can see that there are several options which could include shuttling of vehicles. Four legged leashed friends are also welcomed on the hike. If you have a federal recreation pass you could bring it along for parking. Directions from Rhinelander (2 hours): Starting at the intersection of Hwy K and Hwy 47 travel north to Woodruff. Turn right on Hwy 51 to Hwy W to Manitowish Waters. Turn left on Hwy O (entering Michigan) and turn left on US-2W. Turn right onto N. Moore St, then left onto Black River Rd to the Black River Harbor Pavilion. (N15727 County Rd 513, Ironwood, MI 49938) New for 2025 - A donation of $5.00 per event is requested for non-NPT members which can be paid at the event. Membership for NPT is $10.00/year. To become a NPT member go to NorthernPaddleTrail.org and click on membership. Please contact Jay if you have any questions. We hope you can join us on this NPT adventure.

Bike the Hiawatha State Trail, Sunday, July 13th from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m., Bearskin Trailhead parking lot Hwy K
You don't want to miss this one!! Mark your calendar and join other Northern Paddle & Trail (NPT) members on the Hiawatha Bicycle Trail for a Sunday afternoon bike ride that includes your favorite flavor of refreshing ice cream.
The Hiawatha trail starts in the city of Tomahawk and goes north to meet up with the Bearskin state trail on Hwy K. We will be biking only the northern segment. The former railroad corridor is surfaced with compact granite. It is a level trail suitable for all levels of bikers. A short distance of the trail will take us on some paved back roads with limited vehicle traffic. You have two options in biking distance. For some participants who want to bike half the distance (app. 9 miles) we will have a shuttle which means your vehicle will be waiting for you at the Windmill Ice Cream shoppe. Then there will be those who choose to bike to the ice cream shop and bike back to their vehicles, which would be app 18 miles round trip. Those wishing to have their vehicle waiting for them at the ice cream shoppe need to meet at the Bearskin parking lot on Hwy K at 1:30 pm. to start the shuttle. The two way bikers should meet at the parking lot at 2:00 pm. Wearing a cycling helmet is strongly encouraged for your safety. Directions from Rhinelander (13 min., 12 miles) At the intersection of Hwy 47 and Hwy K, travel west on Hwy K past the Cassian-Woodboro Elementary School and turn right into the Bearskin trailhead parking lot immediately after crossing the Bearskin Creek. New for 2025 - A donation of $5.00 per event is requested for non-NPT members which can be paid at the event. Membership for NPT is $10.00/year. To become a NPT member go to NorthernPaddleTrail.org and click on membership. Please contact Jay if you have any questions. We hope you can join us on this NPT adventure.

Join in on the fun as we venture to the Willow Flowage north of Tomahawk for a day or two of paddling, pot luck picnicking, and if you want, island camping. The Willow Flowage is a 6,392 acre island studded reservoir located in Oneida County. The DNR property includes 73 miles of shoreline (95% undeveloped), 106 islands and 37 rustic campsites. This true adventure will cover two days, one overnight. You can choose to join in for a day trip or make it an overnight camping trip on an island or possibly a peninsula.
Explore the Willow Flowage, Thursday July 31- Friday August 1, 10:00 am, put-in at the "Sandy Landing"
Doug and Berta Michie, along with Cindy Skinner will have their pontoon boats which will tow your boat and haul your gear, if you want, to the picnic site. Jay will also have his fishing boat to assist. You need to be at the put-in (Sandy Landing) at 10:00 am on Thursday or Friday to take advantage of the tow. Will bring paddlers back to their vehicles at prearranged times with Jay. The "Sandy Landy" is just north of the dam landing about 1/2 mile. Some things that you may want to participate in are picnicking, paddling, observing wildlife, evening sightseeing from a pontoon, fishing, tent camping, photo taking, star gazing, relaxing, etc.. What to bring: PFD (required), your own beverages, snacks, potluck picnic item, binoculars, personal items. Campers need to bring all their own meals and gear. Propane cooking stoves will be available to use. Coolers with ice will be available on the pontoon boats. A small donation toward boat gas would be appreciated. Directions from Rhinelander: (22 miles, 40 min) Starting at the intersection of Hwy K and 47 travel west on Hwy K to the intersection with Hwy 51. Cross Hwy 51 to Swamp Lake Rd.. Follow Swamp Lake Rd. to Hwy Y and turn right. From Hwy Y make a left turn on Willow Dam Rd. to the "sand boat landing", up the road about 1/2 mile from the dam boat landing. New for 2025 - A donation of $5.00 per event is requested for non-NPT members which can be paid at the event. Membership for NPT is $10.00/year. To become a NPT member go to NorthernPaddleTrail.org and click on membership. Doug and Berta Michie and Jay are co-hosting this event. Please contact Jay if you have any questions. jayjoppa1950@gmail.com We hope you can join us on this NPT adventure.