The Trails Less Traveled

Everyone who comes to Volo Bog has seen the interpretive boardwalk, but what about our other 3 trails?

While the interpretive boardwalk is the best way to appreciate the bog itself, Volo Bog State Natural Area also protects the surrounding hills and woods. Keeping these areas wild is integral to the health of the bog, but they also provide valuable wildlife habitat. Three trails - Tamarack View, Deerpath, and Prairie Ridge - offer a look at the lesser-known parts of this site.

Tamarack View is a 2.75 mile loop going through the hills that ring the bog. Hikers can enjoy traveling through deciduous forest, prairie, and marsh, and catch glimpses of tamarack trees in the distance. This is also where you’ll find our observation blinds & tower, which offer an even better overview of the site.

Deerpath and Prairie Ridge are 1.16 and 1.14 miles respectively and located on the other side of Brandenburg Road. These trails showcase young woodlands, shrublands, and an area of restored tallgrass prairie. Deerpath is a good trail to find shrubland birds that may not be common elsewhere on the property.

Another fun feature of these three trails is they allow dog-walking and wintertime cross-country skiing, neither of which are available on the interpretive boardwalk. Next time you come by Volo Bog, consider visiting one of our lesser-known trails to see more of our site!