The Black Creek Trail - 12.29.2011

The Black Creek Trail is a 4.7 mile Copper Country jewel-of-a-trail whose head is located near the end of the Seder Bay Road a few miles from the small town of Calumet, MI. Difficulty is moderate with undulating terrain and trails winding through tall stands of pine and birch forests, marshlands punctuated with active beaver ponds and gathering spots for wildlife. Down a bit, the path gently slices along and cleaves to the side of the steep hill offering panoramic vista views of Hills Creek. At the half-way point, you will find yourself at the mouth of Hills Creek and at the waters of Lake Superior. Throughout the trail wooden split-log benches are strategically scattered along the trail suggesting time should be taken to stop moving and to sit and enjoy the quiet and solitude of this 241 acre Michigan Nature Association Sanctuary. In early September, David and I hiked the trail, later that month I ran it for the first time, on December 29th, Abigail and I ran/walked it. It was a beautiful winter day - the snow on the trail was 2-3" deep, the temperature was in the 30's with a gentle breeze making for slippery spots especially on the steep drop-offs and hills. Two neighboring dogs joined us at the beginning of the run and stayed with us until we were back in eye sight of their house  Near the marsh we met another hiker with a leashed dog, No sign of wildlife this trip - but it was a beautiful day and a run for the books.