Sax-Zim Bog is a lesser-known natural area in Minnesota, near the small community of Meadowlands in the northern part of the state. Lesser-known, that is, if you're not a part of - or know someone in - the birding community. For birders, Sax-Zim Bog is a globally-renowned destination, and folks flock (pardon the pun) here to catch a glimpse of species that found in few other places in the United States. Although popular year-round, the bog is busiest between December and March, when its signature boreal species, like the great gray owl, overwinter here.

As much as I love seeing the birds, flowers, and other animals that live or take up residence in the bog, one of the things I enjoy most about this place is exploring the bog, itself. It's a fascinating ecosystem totally unlike the Northwoods that surround it.

And Friends of the Sax-Zim Bog, an organization dedicated to protecting the greater ecosystem and preserving as much of the habitat as possible, has made exploring this amazing place a little easier with a handful of trails and boardwalks that you can use to delve deeper into the peatlands and forests.

The organization's newest boardwalk is located in an area behind the Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center. It connects the longer Gray Jay Way trail that stretches west of the facility to the nature trail loop in the woods to the south of the welcome center.

The boardwalk winds its way through a true black-spruce and tamarack bog, showcasing the type of habitat that attracts the region's many avian visitors and for which the Sax-Zim Bog is renowned.

Along the way, you should keep your eyes peeled for not only for birds and mammals, but also all the bog specialist plant and flower species. Last time I visited, this colony of carnivorous pitcher plants was growing just a few inches from the edge of the boardwalk. In late spring and early summer, you may also encounter several species of orchids, as well as migrating warblers that nest and breed in the bog.

Although this particular trail is not rated on AllTrails Plus (many others in the Sax-Zim Bog are, though), I would describe it as pretty easy. It's relatively level and easy going for the most part, although it can be narrow and overgrown in spots. Depending on the way you make the loop, the trail comes in at less than a mile. In summer, tick and insect protection is absolutely necessary - these creatures are voracious. And in winter, if the snow is deep, you'll probably want snowshoes. After your adventures, refuel at nearby Wilbert Cafe. It's a classic diner that's a favorite among locals and visitors, alike. I stop in just about any time I visit the bog.

Have you hiked this new boardwalk trail in Minnesota's Sax-Zim Bog? Let us know in the comments.