Old Koschak Farm Wildlife Management Trails

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Ample parking spaces.

Flat wide running terrain. Can combine it with the nearby Trezona trail for a longer run.

The Old Koschak Farm Wildlife Management Area offers approximately 2.5 miles of quiet, lightly traveled trails just northeast of Ely. The interconnected grassy paths wind through mixed forest, old field edges, and open wetland habitat surrounding several marshy ponds. The combination of woods, brush, pasture, and water makes this an especially good destination for birdwatching and wildlife observation, with opportunities to see waterfowl, songbirds, grouse, and other Northwoods wildlife.

The terrain is generally gentle, making Old Koschak a pleasant option for families, casual hikers, dog walkers, and anyone looking for a short nature walk close to town. These are primitive hunter-walking trails rather than developed recreation paths, so expect tall grass, uneven footing, mud, standing water, and seasonally overgrown or less-obvious sections. Waterproof footwear and insect repellent are helpful during wetter months.

Multiple paths allow hikers to create outings of different lengths, although the trail network is not always consistently marked. Carrying a map or GPS track is recommended. Because this is an active Wildlife Management Area and public hunting property, hikers should remain aware of hunting seasons and wear blaze orange or another highly visible color during the fall.