Brant Brook Pines State Natural Area & Governor Knowles State Forest

A 190-acre stand of old growth red pines along the St. Croix River estimated to have originated in the mid-1890s. The area includes many fine trout streams as well as the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Directions: Brant Brook Pines State Natural Area is located within Governor Knowles State Forest. From Grantsburg, go north on Cty. F 3.7 miles, then west on Bloom Road 2 miles, then north on Gile Road 0.75 mile to the Brant Brook Pines Ski Trail parking area at the rightangle corner. Follow the trail northwest into the site.

Gazetteer: Page 82, B-3.

Activities: Camping, swimming, biking, hiking and fishing in Governor Knowles State Forest.

Notes: The St. Croix River, which forms part of the Wisconsin/Minnesota border, is a National Scenic Riverway; an area of lush vegetation and moving water that represents a diversity of habitat stretching 252 river miles through a narrow corridor of wild land.

Phone: 715/463-2898 (Wisconsin DNR).

Web site: Brant Brook Pines State Natural Area | Governor Knowles State Forest

Rarities: Black and White Warbler, and Yellow-throated Vireo.

Hours: 24/7.

Nearest food & lodging: Grantsburg, 6 miles southeast.