I've hiked the section from County Road 6 to Silver Bay in both '95 and '96. The '95 trip was a boys trip, me, Kevin & Eric. The '96 trip was just Melinda and I. The trail from Cty Rd 6 to Silver Bay (Penn Ave) is about 19 miles.

Sawmill Dome

In any case, the view from the top is spectacular. The trail ascends the inland side of the Dome, then curves around to the Superior side, offering glimpses of both the inland terrain and Lake Superior. Its definately worth the effort of the climb. About a mile in from trailhead, there's a great overlook, complete with rocks to sit on and take the pack weight off yer tired bod. The view is towards the West, North and NorthEast. There are a couple remote houses, Cty Rd 6 and a lot of trees. Trees & hills & blue skies (at least when I was there). Both my trips were in early summer, I can't imagine what it would look like in October; the variety of colors must be fantastic.

For two or three miles following the climb, the trail winds through a mixed forest along the top of the 'range'. There are several Superior-side overlooks which are certainly nice, but I prefer the inland views, which vary a bit more (a lake is a lake, after all). The trail follows quite a few ups & downs, making this section a strenuous one. Its a great section getting the 'wilderness feel'. For nearly seven miles, you don't cross a road, and for most of that you don't see any roads or houses, or hear cars. In some of the muddy spots we saw signs of both deer and moose. Dan, driver of the Superior Shuttle, indicated that he's also seen moose scrapings on trees in the area.

After descending again, there are two campsites, both on Kennedy Creek. In '96, Melinda and I stopped at one for lunch. Mmmmm, Ramen... OK, maybe its not chock full of nutrients, but that MSG sure makes it taste good. I think that later we paid a bit for the lack of energy in the stuff.

The campsite's not far from the trail, and right next to the creek. This part of the trail is near the Wolf Research Environment Learning Center (I think thats what its called), so there are a couple other trails winding around the SHT. We had no trouble finding our way, but confusion may be possible. In these lower spots, the bugs can get a bit annoying, but if you keep moving, they're less of a problem. I don't really remember what they were like in '95, but we definately noticed them during lunch in '96.

Other wildlife 'encounters' were with a grouse, I think. I've never seen one, but both years we've heard them. You'll be walking along, listening to the wind in the trees and/or various songbirds doing their thing when you'll hear it... A rock thump-thumping down a hill, or an outboard motor being started in the distance. Shhh what wuz that? You may ask. It stopped. Walk a little farther, There it is again. Well, Kevin enlightened me to this one in '95. Its a grouse (I think thats what he said), looking for some action. They'll sit on a log, 'drumming' their wings. The first time you hear it, you won't believe me; and sometimes I don't believe it either, 'cause its not a bird noise. But it is. Ask Kevin.

To be Continued...