Sentinel Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Sentinel Loop can be done as a 2-mile lollipop loop or as the start of a much longer hike around the north end of Peninsula State Park: the choice is yours. While the trail starts from the Eagle Tower parking lot (the tower was torn down in 2016 after almost 100 years in service. The state has committed to rebuilding the structure but a new tower is unlikely before 2021) there are limited spots so you may have to start from one of two nearby lots and take the Eagle Trail as a connector. No matter where you park the biggest challenge this hike will give you is just crossing Shore Road; during peak season (June-Sept) the roadway is very busy with inattentive drivers.

From there, just head straight back into the woods, the trail is well marked even if the tress have begun to grow around the markers, and the few trail junctions all have details maps. From the Eagle Trail junction the next half mile is a mostly straight hike through birches, oaks, and pines. Songbirds are plentiful and while there aren't as many eagles as the name "Eagle Bluff" implies you might get lucky and see one.

Shortly before Highland Road, the trail splits. Take either path, neither way is harder or better than the other. Once again careful crossing the road; never assume a driver sees you. From the road to the next junction is about 0.5 miles either way you take, finally meeting at a four way intersection with Lone Pine Trail and a connector to the Nicolet Bay Trail. If you don't take either of those to extend your outing just continue the loop back to Highland Road and eventually your car.

Birch, oak and pine trees. Songbirds, woodpeckers, hawks, rarely an eagle. Deer, coyote, porcupines, and raccoons.