Excerpts

CARLOS AVERY TRAIL DISTANCE & CONFIGURATION: 8.7-mile loop DIFFICULTY: Easy SCENERY: Classic marshlands with a scattering of trees along perimeter and on "islands" throughout the marsh EXPOSURE: Little shade once out on the marsh TRAIL TRAFFIC: Multiuse trail serves motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Note: There is no access to the wildlife-sanctuary area at any time. TRAIL SURFACE: Packed gravel with some sandy sections HIKING TIME: 3.5-4.5 hours DRIVING DISTANCE: 30 miles from the state capitol ACCESS: Daily, sunrise-sunset; no fees or permits MAPS: An excellent map that I recommend highly is available at both the trailhead at the WMA headquarters and at the entrance to the Old Game Farm complex, 2 miles from the trailhead on County Road 19 FACILITIES: There are no amenities or shelters, so dress and prepare appropriately; be sure to take plenty of water and snacks DOGS: On leash April 16-July 15 to protect nesting birds; allowed off-leash at other times CONTACT: 651-539-3300, dnr.state.mn.us/areas/wildlife/carlos_avery_wma.html LOCATION: Zodiac Street NE at Headquarters Road, Forest Lake, MN 55025 COMMENTS: This is one of the best places close to the Twin Cities to see flora and fauna in an expansive marshland--great for watchers of wildlife and birds! IN BRIEF With more than 50 miles of roads and half as many miles of trails, this hike is the only one that will take you around the edge of the restricted sanctuary portion of the wildlife management area. You'll find fantastic opportunities to view birds and other creatures throughout 6,000 acres of wetlands, contained by more than 26 miles of dikes. DESCRIPTION The 23,000 acres of the Carlos Avery State Wildlife Management Area offer some of the best wetlands viewing of birds and other wildlife close to the Twin Cities. More than 275 species of migratory and resident birds inhabit or visit the area. The land area is made up of about two-thirds marsh and wetland and one-third hardwood trees, oak savannas, and grasslands. This hike is in the southern unit of the Wildlife Management Area and uses the roadway around the protected, restricted area of the wildlife sanctuary. The northern unit, Sunrise, has a few trail spurs off the roadways that run through that unit. More than 26 miles of dikes contain and direct water throughout Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area--connecting pools and water canals that are adjusted to provide life-giving water to the area's flora and fauna. Funding for some of these dikes was provided by Ducks Unlimited and the Minnesota Waterfowl Association. The hike through Carlos Avery's southern unit begins 0.5 mile to the right of the driveway into the headquarters area, down the gravel road to the first parking turnout; there are more turnouts along the roadway where you can pull off and park. Hikers will share the road with those touring by car, so give them plenty of room to pass. The first mile passes through a mixed forest of spruces, maples, oaks, and other deciduous trees. The trees on the left side of the roadway were initially part of an organized plantation planting of pines and cedars. Grassy clearings between rows are used to grow prairie grasses for seed, which is harvested and planted throughout the management area. For the next mile, the road goes through both thick forests and wetlands. In early summer, ferns abound in the shade of the moist understory, and songbirds fill the air with their calls. Expect the ground here to be especially soft and muddy during and after extensive rains. Mature red and white oaks are scattered throughout, primarily on the left side of the trail. At about 2.5 miles, the road swings north, presenting travelers with vistas of the vast wetlands spreading across the southern unit. A drainage ditch just before Pool 10 is a structure used to control the levels of water in surrounding pools and canals. As water levels decrease in some areas, management is encouraging wild rice to grow as a food source for a variety of birds. A bit farther, Pool 9 Road to the right that can be taken to access more pools farther to the northeast. Several trail spurs lead out from various points along those roadways, making for additional hiking opportunities. For this hike, continue along the main road, past Pool 10 on your left. Be on the lookout in early summer for families of geese with growing goslings trailing behind. Also watch for beavers, muskrats, and other small wetlands fur bearers often spotted in this area. The road passes between Pools 9 and 10 as it continues its northerly course. You may notice charring on some of the larger tree trunks, marks of a controlled-burn area. These deliberately set and directionally controlled fires help clear away dead understory and ground litter, helping keep the uplands healthy and lush--a boost to the ecosystem. This area is a key viewing spot for sandhill cranes, egrets, white pelicans, northern harriers, and pond critters as well. Check out the trees above Pool 9 for raptors keeping a keen eye out for a fresh fish dinner. At about mile 3.5, you'll approach Pool 4. Check the shoreline for a variety of wading birds, some very well hidden by the tall, vertical rushes and reeds along the shore. A trail to the left, just as you approach the south end of Pool 4, heads west around the southern end of Pool 4 and leads to Pool 3. Taking either a left or the second right leads you back to the hiking route on the main road. Pool 5 is just across the road and a bit beyond Pool 4. It's much smaller but still provides great habitat for a variety of puddle ducks, including mallards, ringbills, teals, and perhaps even a loon. Trumpeter swans are known to stop at Pool 4 during their seasonal migrations in April and November. You'll start to leave this marsh/wetlands area around mile 4.1, just after crossing over one of several water causeways you've encountered on this hike. Another prominent burn area can be seen at mile 4.3, just before a T-intersection. Stay to the left and continue west now, along the perimeter loop, labeled Wyoming Road in this section. A few hundred yards after this intersection, you'll see a sedge meadow--a wet area "distinguished by many humps," to quote the interpretive map. This area is well suited for frogs and other amphibians and, as such, is a select feeding ground for sandhill cranes. For the next mile, continue to enjoy your surroundings as you come to a fork in the road at about mile 6. Stay to the left (Larsen Road) and continue through more wetlands until, at mile 6.5, you start to rise in elevation and see a field of grass off to the right. These and other grasses are cultivated crops used to produce seed for plantings throughout the area. About 0.5 mile past the fork in the road, cross over a small flowage, which is the south branch of the Sunrise River. Its source is Little Coon Lake, a couple of hundred yards off the road on the left. Within the next mile, you'll approach another intersection on the right. If you continue down this road, you can experience a wonderful interpretive hike featuring some history of the Carlos Avery area. This out-and-back side hike will add 2.5 miles to your outing. Otherwise, the hike turns left here (east) and heads back to the start of the loop, about 1 mile away. One could spend days walking these trails and roads, either in serious observation or casually strolling. The bird-watching is tops, and the expanses of marshland are beautiful and peaceful. Take your time and enjoy this hike. NEARBY ACTIVITIES You're within a half hour's drive of the St. Croix River and several state parks with wonderful hiking trails, including William O'Brien State Park (Hike 59, page 293) and Interstate State Park (both Hike 54 in Minnesota, page 273, and Hike 55 in Wisconsin, page 277). Back toward Anoka County at Bunker Hills Regional Park (see previous hike) are a variety of recreational amenities, such as hiking, camping, and Minnesota's only wave pool. GPS TRAILHEAD COORDINATES N45° 18.042' W93° 06.075' DIRECTIONS From downtown Minneapolis, drive north on I-35W for 14.7 miles; then take Exit 33 left (north) onto MN 17/Lexington Avenue. In 9.4 miles, turn right (east) onto MN 18/West Broadway Avenue. In 2 miles, turn left (north) onto Zodiac Street NE, and drive 1 more mile to the entrance of the Carlos Avery State WMA headquarters. Either park outside the entrance or take the road to the right and park at the first pull-off on the right. Excerpted from 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Minneapolis and St. Paul by Tom Watson All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.