Newport Conifer-Hardwoods features a mixture of forest types in a parcel embedded within Newport State Park. Put your hiking shoes on because this one will require a bit of a walk from the nearest parking area. Newport State Park is a “wilderness” state park so amenities are limited and the campsite are all a couple of miles or more from the nearest parking area. Park in either of the first two parking areas you come across as you enter the park. I would recommend the second parking area which allows for the shortest trek to the Ridge trail which is the trail that covers the most distance within the SNA.
Continuing with the dreary, overcast, and damp weather, we made our way along the trails of the state park to the SNA. I would recommend a GPS unit as the SNA is not marked within the state park, as is usually the case for such embedded sites. The flower du jour was the bluebead lily while American starflower and violets were quite prevalent as well. Areas of rock outcrops and boulders are found amidst the impressive forest. Along the shoreline of Lake Michigan, very mucky sand resulted in 6″-deep footprints in some spots. I really enjoyed the “feel” of this site and would love a chance to camp at such a state park that is more remote than most.
More of my photos (and full-res) from Newport Conifer-Hardwoods can be viewed here.
Additional Information
| SNA # | 90 |
| County | Door |
| Natural Communities / Geology |
Northern Mesic Forest, Boreal Forest, Sand Dunes |
| Size (Acres) | 143 |
| Parking | Parking Area (paved) |
| Trails | Yes |
| Easy to Find | No |
| Best Seen By | Foot |
| Marked Boundaries | No |
| Ownership | Wisconsin DNR |
| Located Within | Newport State Park |
| Dates Visited | 5.22.10 |
|
|
|---|
State Natural Areas of Wisconsin 
One Comment Add yours