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GEORGE H. CROSBYMANITOU STATE PARK

MILES DESCRIPTION

0.0 Begin by hiking south on the road to Bensen Lake. In 675 feet, pass one end of the Bensen Lake Trail on the left leading to Campsites #20, #21, and #22. Continue along the road, walk through the picnic area, and pick up the trail near the shoreline amongst cedars and balsam firs.

0.5 Bear left passing a spur trail on the right to Campsite #19.

The trail continues along an old beaver dam for about 300 feet before bearing left into the forest.

0.6 Trail intersection; leave the Bensen Lake Trail at this point, which continues to the left, by turning right onto the Matt Willis Trail. This new trail ascends through white birches, balsam firs, and maples.

0.7 Pass a spur trail on the right to Campsite #18.

0.8 Trail intersection; bear left passing the Superior Hiking Trail on the right. The trail descends through a small woodland swamp and ascends again into a birch-maple forest with little understory.

1.3 Intersection with a spur trail on the right in about 125 feet leading to an overlook with limited views. Beyond this point, the main trail enters a cedar-maple forest.

1.8 Cross a small stream. Notice the yellow birches mixed in with the maples.

1.9 The trail skirts an opening in the forest with a beaver pond for about 200 feet before bearing left back into the woods.

2.1 Trail intersection at a trail shelter; continue straight ahead on the Matt Willis Trail passing the Beaver Bog Trail on the left.

2.7 Trail intersection; turn left on an old, wide roadbed.

2.9 Cross a small stream after a short, steep descent. Beyond the stream, the trail continues to descend gradually.

3.2 Trail intersection; continue on the Matt Willis Trail by bearing right, passing the Cedar Ridge Trail on the left. The trail is rocky, crisscrossed with roots, and wet in places. Larger trees become more common.

3.5 Cross a small stream and turn right after climbing the bank on the other side. A spur trail to the left leads to Campsite #12.

3.6 Pass the River Trail going off sharply on the right. Continue ahead to the end of the sharp ridge where there are some very tall white pines. Turn left on the River Trail. The trail to the right at this point leads to Campsites #13-16. Pines, spruces, and cedars are dense along the river from this point on.

4.2 Pass Campsite #10 on the left.

4.6 Pass an unmarked trail on the left. In about 200 feet, bear right passing more unmarked trails on the left.

4.7 Bear right passing a trail on the left. The trail descends a set of wooden steps and rejoins the river.

4.8 Pass Campsite #8 on the left.

4.9 Trail intersection; turn left on the Yellow Birch Trail, leaving the River Trail as it continues upstream. The Yellow Birch Trail ascends steeply after crossing a small stream.

5.1 Continue ascent passing a trail on the right. In about 230 feet, continue straight on the Yellow Birch Trail, passing the Misquah Hill Trail on the right. Very large yellow birches and cedars grow along the trail.

5.5 Pass Cedar Ridge Trail on the left.

5.8 Pass Bensen Lake Trail on the left.

6.1 Trailhead.