LOCATION: Sawmill Trail, Bayfield
Dave Gillians, author of the book, ‘For the Love of Bayfield’ will lead you along the path of the pioneers and share some of the stories about the trail …… The Sawmill Trail features a range of historical and natural points of interest. Naturalists will enjoy the changing terrain, varied plant life and the telltale signs of abundant wildlife. The trail starts out on the first pioneer path east of Lake Huron leading from the first ford or crossing point on the Bayfield River. It is likely that this shallow crossing was used for centuries before European settlers came to this area. In the early 1840’s a dam for the first pioneer grist mill in the area around Bayfield was built. It was also used as the first bridge and you can still see the pattern of stones in the river indicating where it was located. The trail is 2 km long, difficulty is level 2 although there is one large hill and the hike will take approx. two hours. Turn east on Old River Road, proceed ½ km and turn right at Sawmill Road; parking available
LEADERS: Dave Gillians 519-565-5884, Chris and Pam Bowers 519-565-4605