Continuing in the vein of aptly named SNA’s, today’s post is on Giant White Pine Grove in Forest County.  This is a relatively small site in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, located in a part of the forest known as the Headwaters Wilderness.  After driving on gravel forest roads, there is a small gravel parking area off of Giant Pine Rd.  From here there is a stem-loop trail (map, PDF).  Toward the top of the loop, you will enter the SNA boundary, though there is no signage or marking to this effect.  If you want to know that you are in the SNA, I would recommend bringing a handheld GPS unit.  If you don’t, your biggest clue will be, well, the giant white pines.  I am always in awe of trees this large and am grateful that these specimens were able to escape the intense logging that occurred in the state through the early 20th century.  On the trail to reach the pines, there are some soggy areas, with sogginess depending on time of year, so I would also suggest boots for this place.  It also gives you a distinct feeling to always be on the lookout for bears.  Basically, if you are a fan of very large trees, give this site a visit.  It is also uncommon to find an SNA with trails here “up north”, so that certainly makes this site an easier visit.

Giant White Pine Stand

Pines, Pines, Pines

A Break in the Pines

Carpet of Spongy Moss II

Trailhead

Trail

Forest

More of my photos from Giant White Pine Grove can be viewed here.

Additional Information