Volo Bog State Natural Area is home to 4 walking trails: the Interpretive Boardwalk Trail, Tamarack View Trail, Deerpath Trail, and Prairie Ridge Trail. The Interpretive Boardwalk Trail takes you down into the bog itself, while Tamarack View circles it and Deerpath & Prairie Ridge are across the street.
All trails are open to hikers year-round from dawn to dusk.
Cross-country skiing and dog-walking are allowed on Tamarack View, Deerpath, and Prairie Ridge, but not on the boardwalk.
Interpretive Boardwalk Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles
Floating boardwalk
Hiking only, no pets
Interpretive Boardwalk Trail is the best way to explore Volo Bog's unique ecosystem, as it loops to the Eye of the Bog and out again. Interpretive signs teach you about the various zones of vegetation; there's also trail-specific brochures available in the visitor center. Guided tours are available most weekends.
No dogs, please, to protect the fragile and unique ecosystem.
Tamarack View Trail
Distance: 2.75 miles
Bare ground
Hiking, XC skiing
Tamarack View Trail provides a good look at the site's upland woods habitat and distant views of bog tamaracks. You'll pass through areas of deciduous forest, prairie restoration, and marsh. This trail also provides access to an observation blind, tower, and platform, all of which give good views of the site.
Some benches along the way offer places to rest and observe nature.
Deerpath Trail
Distance: 1.16 miles
Mowed grass
Hiking, XC skiing
Deerpath Trail loops through shrubland and young, regenerating deciduous woodland. This and Prairie Ridge are located on the other side of Brandenburg Road. You may catch a glimpse of distant tamaracks at Pistakee Bog, our neighboring bog that's closed to visitors.
Prairie Ridge Trail
Distance: 1.14 miles
Mowed grass
Hiking, XC skiing
Prairie Ridge Trail loops around an area of restored tallgrass prairie. This and Deerpath are located on the other side of Brandenburg Road. You may catch a glimpse of distant tamaracks at Pistakee Bog, our neighboring bog that's closed to visitors. The tallgrass prairie is a good spot to look for grassland birds that may not be seen elsewhere on the property.