Directions
Take highway M-77 north from US-2 at Blaney Park or south from M-28 at Seney. Turn west at Robinson Road in Germfask across from Big Cedar Campground. About one mile off the road you will come to a refuge gate. Park in the parking lot and grab a trail brochure from the kiosk. There are approximately 10 miles of primitive trails located from this trailhead.
Northern Hardwoods Trails
Seney Area
Birding Information
The Northern Hardwoods Trails are a great place to visit any time of the year. These dirt trails are infrequently used during the summer months and are often shrouded by ferns so hikers will need to pay close attention to stay on the trails. The trails have been marked by plastic markers on trees, however a few have fallen off over the years. These trails meander through hardwood forest dominated by maple, birch, and stunted American beech trees. Many of our beech died off after beech bark disease struck in 2008-2009. A few scattered nut bearing beech trees are still hanging on. The trails tend to be hilly so be prepared for a hike. The trails also run along refuge pools, old fields, streams, hemlock stands, vernal pools, and mixed forests. These trails are home to many species of birds including veery, wood thrush, broad-winged hawks, Cooper's hawks, evening grosbeak, rose-breasted grosbeaks, ruffed grouse and various warbler, vireo and woodpecker species.
Area Information
The Northern Hardwoods Trails are a beautiful place to visit year-round. In the winter these trails are groomed for cross-country skiers, snowshoers commonly use the trails as well, but we ask that they refrain from stepping in the groomed ski tracks as this makes it difficult for our skiers. Spring brings a chance to see the beautiful and delicate spring wildflowers that proliferate in this area including yellow trout lilies, Dutchman's breeches, spring beauties and marsh marigolds. Summer you can see the forest in all of its glory. There is a profusion of different types of mosses, clubmosses, ferns and other plants scattered throughout the forest floor. In the fall the trails are scattered with a whole host of mushroom species of all shapes and colors including puffballs, birds nest fungi, wax caps, fairy fans, lion's mane, artist bracken, jelly fungi, fly agaric, eyelash cups, white saddle, dead man's fingers, yellow fairy cups, golden spindles and many other varieties of fungi. An organism called a slime mold is also commonly found along the trail in the fall.
Bathrooms
No
Parking
Yes, at the trailhead
Road Birding
No
Hiking Trails
Yes, primitive
Viewing Platform
No
Winter Access
Yes