Scuppernong Marsh
South Kettle Moraine’s Scuppernong Springs nature trail is the exception to the rule for nature trails. It seems that most self guided nature trails are really lame. They usually consist of half mile loops from a crowded visitor center with signs erected in front of some sort of vegetation that say “tree” or “plant” or “shrub.”
The Scuppernong Springs Self-Guiding Nature Trail is different. The trail is a 1.5 mile loop in the north side of the South Kettle Moraine State Forest located off the scenic route on county road ZZ right adjacent to Ottawa Lake recreation area. This is not to be confused with the cross country ski and hiking trails of the same name on the scenic route on the north side state highway 67 also on ZZ. There is a parking lot and a box that distributes pamphlets describing the flora and fauna of the trail and the history. The sign asks for a .25 donation for the pamphlets. The other option is to just return the guide back to the box when done.
Scuppernong River
Scuppernong is a Ho Chunk word meaning “sweet scented land.” In the summer months the mosquitoes would agree with this assessment when short wearing tourists walk the trail. Be sure to bring repellent in the warm months as the marsh land is a haven for the blood sucking demons.
The trail follows the Scuppernong River as it flows into the Scuppernong Marsh. Elevated boardwalks follow the river and provide excellent viewing areas to spot great blue heron, kingfisher, and sandhill cranes. The river is very scenic as it is crystal clear thanks to several springs upstream. The marsh is even prettier as it has many wide open spaces looking out on a field of cattails and reeds.
Interesting tidbits are found throughout the trail. The guide touches on the Native American history as well as more recent history as the sight used to be home to a hotel, railroad, sawmill, marl works, and trout farm at some point in its history. Now only the ruins of these places remain as the area is now home to fox, beaver, trout, and a few wandering deer. It is nice to know that some places are being reclaimed by nature instead of the other way around.
Scuppernong Springs
When driving through South Kettle Moraine do not pass up the Scuppernong Spring Nature Trail thinking it is another waste of time boring trail. There is a lot to see on this 1.5 mile loop.
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Comments
The springs look very cool!
Fascinating story, Ted. GREAT photos. Makes me wanna go! Hey, that's the whole point -- isn't it?
Ted, great description of the trail. Those local names are tongue twisters! Who knew there was a road named ZZ somewhere in the USA?
More unusual names... I like the idea of places being reclaimed by nature instead of "paving paradise to put up a parking lot." (Any Joni Mitchell fans out there?)
a beautiful walk, and not too far, @ 1.5 miles. very do-able.
Great story, and awesome photos!
Loved your moody photos..good work!
You bring us the best articles on Midwest hiking trails. I enjoy them so much, and the slide show is beautiful. The mosquitoes would eat me alive in the summer, no matter how much repellent I lather on. Have you tried the new high tech mosquito device that you clip on to your clothing? It's made by S. C. Johnson of Racine, WI, a name that you can trust. I wonder how well it works?
Thank you SO MUCH for including the meaning of Scuppernong here. Cool word and even COOLER pix. Gonna check out the slideshow now...
Are you ever home?
Scuppernong is the name of an American wine grape, isn't it? Did you find any?
Ted:
Again, an excellent group of descriptive photos. Well done...
*scratches wildly*
Cheers...
Very inviting. Love the pix!
Great photos and article, but boy the names are a mouthful! Top photo is awesome.
I've been on the trail dozens of times, and it truely is great. I have never actually seen any sandhill cranes on the trail, however across the street is ottawa lake campground and they are always around the lake. it is a great place to be for nature lovers because the best places to find wildlife is near water, and there is plenty of it there!
JB, thanks for reading. Yes, the trail is really scenic and the wildlife is great. I was there after the cranes and herons had already gone south. Will have to return soon to see what bird species can be found during spring and summer.
I've been there countless times. In my experiences i've never seen blue heron, kingfishers, or sandhill cranes while on the trail, though i've often seen herons and cranes in the area (often at Ottawa Lake across the street). I have however, seen frogs, turtles, snakes, turkey vultures, hawks, geese, ducks, shrimp, small fish, squirrels, butterflies, wolf spiders, caterpillars & more. It very unique to see the crystal clear spring water wind throughout the trail and eventually lead into the river. It also leads to an old native american campsite, which is now a sandy field on top of a hill with a great view of the scuppernong wildlife area. Their are also some small side trails that lead to smaller creeks. It's my favorite trail, and you never know what you may see, though my best advice is to not rush it. If you stay quiet and in one place for a long time, you may see things you didnt expect to see! (some of my images from the trail are on flickr, type in scuppernong trail and look for user producerjb)
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