Walking and Hiking Your Way Through Door County – 3: Eagle Trail at Peninsula State Park

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012  |   Posted by :  marybeth

Peering over rich summer green treetops to the blue waters below, a flock of bleach white gulls wing along the shoreline. I soak in one of my favorite iconic Door County landscapes; Eagle Harbor. From this solid rock perch, carved into the Niagara Escarpment, is a view known to bald eagles and peregrine falcons for thousands of years before becoming a State Park. Even though the access trail to this site is short, the reward to the hiker is no short of awesome.

Eagle Trail at Peninsula State Park. Contrast hiking on the Lakeside with a two-mile escarpment and Eagle Harbor shoreline adventure. Walk along old rocky shorelines of thousand years past, through cool, white cedar shaded forests, upon the rocky shore of Eagle Harbor with views of 'quaint' Ephraim and of course walk through the sea caves – a great photo op. Please stay on the trail for these delicate environments are sensitive to even minor disturbances. Portions of the trail are considered difficult. Trail head at Eagle Terrace. For more information visit www.dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/peninsula/

A few hints on hiking. Take your time. Like a delicious dessert, savor the flavor of the site. Dress appropriately. Comfort means pleasure, so match your footwear and clothing to the site and weather. Take no hostages, meaning 'treasures' from your hike, living or non-living – except for an edible berry or two. Make an effort to leave it better than you found it. And last but not least, please support the organizations that make these natural areas possible.

With five State Parks, 19 County Parks and 1000s of acres of land preserved by land trusts and private conservation organizations, Door County offers walkers and hikers a full spectrum of hiking experiences. The County is rich with natural and cultural history, geographic and geologic features and more. For the first time visitor check out the State Parks, for the seasoned Door County walker, do a little research into County's parks and non-profit conservation organizations for newly protected areas open to the public. See you on the trail!

Paul Regnier is an avid hiker and leads hiking classes and tours. Contact him at doorcountypaul@gmail.com and visit doorcountynatureandtravel.com for nature tours and more.