The Governor Knowles State Forest is located on the Wisconsin side of the St. Croix River, less than five miles from Woodland Trails.

For an enjoyable and scenic hike, we have two recommendations.

First, the Sioux Portage Hiking Trail is close by and, for the first couple of miles, offers nice views of the St. Croix River. To get to the trailhead at the Sioux Portage Group Campground:

• From Woodland Trails, go back to Highway 48.
• Turn left and cross over the St. Croix into Wisconsin.
• Run right on St. Croix Trails, which is the first possible turn at the top of the hill.
• At the stop sign, turn right and follow the gravel road to the trailhead.

The second is The Brandt Pines Interpretive Trail.

Brandt Pines is an old-growth stand of large red and white pine growing along the St. Croix River. The trees are estimated to be approximately 110 years old, planted in the 1890s.

This area has a total of 10 miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails and a 2.5 mile interpretive trail. There is a shelter along the way to rest and, perhaps, enjoy a picnic. Pick up a map from the box at the trailhead.

The area is dominated by red pines with smaller numbers of white and jack pines as well as Hill’s oak, basswood, big-toothed aspen and white birch. A dense forest of small oaks is growing on the elevated terrace above the pines. The ravine below the pines features a hardwood forest of oak, black ash and red maple.

Brandt Brook, a steep-sloped, sandy-bottomed stream flows through the site. Fed by numerous seeps, the narrow cold water stream supports native brook trout.

Parts of the trail follow the top of the ravine overlooking the brook while other parts lead down next to the brook. Be watchful for wildlife, particularly at the bottom of the ravine near the brook. Many animal species use the ravine as a travel path and for shelter during inclement weather.

As you walk or ski the trail, stop and listen for birds. Two uncommon species you might see are the Black and White Warbler and the Yellow-Throated Vireo. More common species found in the area include the Brown Creeper, Red-Breasted Nuthatch and Evening Grosbeak.

Since the ravine is sheltered from wind and severe temperatures, unique plants grow here. Look for ferns such as bracken, with its large three-part leaf on a tall stalk, spinulose wood, which is known as the “fern of the oak wood”, ostrich which is found in symmetric clumps that are three to five feet high, and march ferns with each frond rising from nine to 36 inches.

Directions to the Brandt Pines Trail Head:

• From Woodland Trails, go back to Highway 48.
• Turn left and cross over the St. Croix into Wisconsin.
• Run right on St. Croix Trails, which is the first possible turn at the top of the hill.
• At the stop sign, angle right on to County Road F.
• Follow “F” through several turns for about 18 miles to Gile Road.
• Turn right (west) on Gile Road. The trailhead is located at the corner where Gile Road turns south.

Click here for a PDF containing more information on Governor Knowles State Forest, including a map.