Drummond Woods
Drummond Woods contains older growth northern mesic hardwoods with a significant hemlock component, often with diameters up to 40 inches.
On hummocky, rolling terrain is a hemlock-dominated old-growth forest with super-canopy white and red pine, large snags, and coarse woody debris.
Associated hardwoods include sugar maple, yellow birch, paper birch, and basswood. Wet pockets of black ash and red maple are present, as are a few scattered ephemeral ponds.
The understory is sparse with tree saplings and American fly honeysuckle, beaked hazelnut, and leatherwood. Characteristic herbs include Canada mayflower, intermediate wood fern, northern tree club-moss, shining club-moss, and rough leaved rice cut grass. Wetter areas with a hemlock canopy have a ground layer of three-leaved goldthread, mountain wood sorrel, and yellow blue-bead lily.
The site is easily accessible by US Highway 63 and has both an interpretive trail and a portion of the North Country Scenic Trail allowing easy access for the public to view and enjoy old-growth forest. Other important features include hemlock regeneration in early successional forest; ephemeral ponds; and super canopy white pine.
Location
Within the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Bayfield County. T45N-R7W, Sections 23, 25-28, 33-36. 2,361 acres. Drummond Woods was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.
Drummond Woods Trail
This is a short interpretive trail near the village of Drummond. Trail length is 0.75 miles.
The trail is relatively flat and easy to hike. The Drummond Woods trail is used for snowshoeing in winter months.
Directions to Drummond Woods Trailhead
From Drummond drive northeast 1 mile on Highway 63 to Old 63. Turn left (west) and the trailhead is on the right side of Old 63. This trail provides access to the North Country Trail.