Brule-St. Croix Chapter, Northwest Wisconsin
Brule Valley - Big Lake
Overlooks
Samples Road to Gaylord Nelson Portal
Brule Valley - Big Lake
Overlooks
Samples Road to Gaylord Nelson Portal
Length of Segment: 8.3 miles
North Trailhead: Where the trail crosses Samples Road. To reach this location, take Troy Pit Road off Wisconsin Highway 27, about 2 miles south of Brule. After turning off 27, immediately take the right fork, which is Samples Road. The trailhead is marked with an entry sign. A map kiosk and signs direct you down a short spur to the trail.
South Trailhead: Gaylord Nelson Portal off Wisconsin Highway 27, about 8 miles south of Brule. Walk west along the marked spur to the trail.
Alternate Access: Rush Lake Road, about 6 miles south of Brule. Off-road parking for one or two cars near the NCT sign on the south side of the road.
Campsites: Winneboujou Bluff campsite, 4 miles north of Rush Lake Road and 1.1 mile south of Samples Road, has five tent sites and latrine. A 1/3 mile trail leads to the base of the bluff and along the South Shore Grade to the Little Brule River. Filter or boil water from this source. Paul Schoch campsite, 1 mile south of Rush Lake Road, three tent sites and latrine. Water available from a small dammed spring pool below the campsite. Filter or boil.
In this trail section, you'll hike along the eastern rim of the Brule River Valley, overlooking the glacial channel of a once-mighty river which drained the Great Lakes area. You'll pass through open forests of stately red pine and crooked scrub oak.
About two miles south of the campsite, the trail approaches the edge of the bluff where you'll find several overlooks. Great views across the valley, and glimpses of Big Lake on the Brule River. Rest at the benches which Atley Oswald has placed along the trail for your comfort while enjoying the overlooks.
After crossing Rush Lake Road, you'll pass through a large frost pocket. This glacial pit once held ice, and now holds colder air which prevents growth of brush and larger trees. You'll then cross two cutover areas. These were logged after insects killed the dominant trees in the area. The Paul Schoch Campsite is on a small ridge overlooking a ravine between the two cutover areas. The campsite is named for a longtime Brule-St. Croix Chapter member from Lake Nebagamon who disappeared while camping and hiking in Alaska.
After crossing Highway 27, you pass through a red pine plantation before reaching the spur trail to the portal. The portal honors Senator Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day and the creator of the North Country National Scenic Trail through the National Trails System Act.
Next Trail Segment West: Jackpine Barrens
Next Trail Segment East: South Shore Grade