South Kettle Moraine and the Scuppernong Springs nature trail

October 26, 5:01 PMChicago Adventure Travel ExaminerTed Nelson

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     Scuppernong Marsh
     original photo by Ted Nelson

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
original photo by Ted Nelson

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
original photo by Ted Nelson

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.