Exploring the Hemlock Ravine in Carlton

CARLTON - The Hemlock Ravine is just 2 miles away from Jay Cooke State Park and this weekend nature enthusiast got a closer look at its beauty."We are taking a walk in Hemlock Ravine Scientific and Natural Area also called an SNA,” Jay Cooke State Park, Park Naturalist Kristine Hiller said. Scientific and Natural Areas are open to the public. A purposely small group hiked 3/4 of a mile through the Hemlock Ravine SNA in Carlton, learning what’s so special about its wild nature. "They're not off limits for you, they're fun places to visit, they're beautiful places to visit,” said Hiller. “So we wanna get the word out that people should be visiting them and caring about them." The Hemlock Ravine SNA is state land set aside for scientific and educational value as well as to preserve rare resources. Whether it be flowers, habitat or the endangered Hemlock trees that grow there deep down in the ravine."They were logged during the 1800s early 1900s along with the white pine trees,” said Hiller. “So the few that we had in the state were logged for its tannins for leather preservation as well as for its lumber.” There are no camping, hiking trails or picnic spots, but it's definitely offers a lot of adventure."So if you like to get off the beaten path those are good places to go,” said Hiller. The program will kick off again in February. Anyone who is interested can call Jay Cooke State Park at 218-384-4610 x. 227. There are 159 scientific and natural areas throughout Minnesota.