Hike the Fallison Lake Nature Trail

Reachable by car or along the Heart of Vilas paved bike trail, start your trip by filling up your water bottle at the old manual well pump (if you forget there's another at the halfway point!). Turn right to start down the rolling 2.5 mile Red trail. If you're short on time, you can cut off some of the trip using the shorter 2 mile Blue, 1 mile Green and 0.5 mile yellow trail. 

Bring your camera and take your time to notice how the forest changes along the way - the area's logging history lends distinct transitions between the balsam, red pine, white pine, sugar maple, white birch, aspen and hemlock glades. As the trail loops around Fallison lake you will cross bogs and bridges - and if you're lucky may see some lake trout swim through the shallows. Look up and around for signs of wildlife - numerous beaver-felled trees line the trail, and loons, osprey and eagles call the lake home. 

Be sure to wear sturdy shoes - the trail can be steep and narrow in some parts, and they're especially helpful for climbing the seemingly random rocks left behind by glaciers.