Wisconsin is home to some of the most spectacular natural sites in the US, including breathtaking hiking trails. From rolling hills and lush forests to babbling brooks and majestic waterfalls, Wisconsin has a lot to offer hikers looking for an outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting started, here is a guide in which experts like Vikki Gerrard Of La Crosse, consider the top 12 hikes in Wisconsin.
Hiking in Wisconsin – Top 12 Hikes in Wisconsin
Ice Age Trail
Stretching across 1,000 miles of terrain throughout Wisconsin, this trail offers hikers incredible views of glacial valleys and other natural wonders. The trail winds through forests, meadows, wetlands, and even past an extinct volcano!
Devil’s Lake State Park
This popular state park offers plenty of options for beginner-level hikes. Explore 500 acres of lake shores and bluffs lined with pines and oaks among other trees.
Devil’s Lake State Park – Baraboo Hills Trail System: Devil’s Lake State Park spans over 9,000 acres of breathtaking terrain and offers some of the most beautiful views in the state. The Baraboo Hills Trail System features 11 miles of hiking trails that wind their way through lush forests and past majestic bluffs. Along the way, hikers have the opportunity to spot local wildlife like deer and bald eagles.
Copper Falls State Park
This park features over 20 miles of hiking trails that traverse rugged gorges and lead to beautiful waterfalls, offering stunning views of cascading waters against a backdrop of lush greenery.
Potawatomi State Park
Located on Sturgeon Bay along Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline, this park offers miles of shoreline trails as well as wooded paths perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. With its stunning views of the bay and surrounding forestland, it’s no wonder why this park is so popular!
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Sand Island Loop Trail: Just off the coast of Bayfield lies Apostle Islands National Lakeshore which features 21 islands spanning 672 square miles along Lake Superior’s shoreline. The Sand Island Loop Trail provides hikers with stunning views of remote beaches and rocky cliffs as they make their way around this 13-mile loop trail on Sand Island. This trail also offers great opportunities for spotting dolphins and other marine life near its shores.
This collection of islands off Wisconsin’s northernmost coast offers plenty of opportunities for exploration by foot or kayak. Visit historic lighthouses perched atop rocky cliffs overlooking Lake Superior’s blue waters!
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
Ice Age National Scenic Trail: Spanning nearly 1,200 miles from Door County in northern Wisconsin to St. Croix County in central Wisconsin, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is one of the longest trails in the entire country. This trail takes visitors on an adventure through glacial valleys, wetlands, and hardwood forests that were formed thousands of years ago during the last ice age. This national forest features thousands of miles of trails surrounded by pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife such as elk, bears, wolves, and more!
Kohler Andrae State Park
Located in Sheboygan County near Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline, this park provides a wide variety of trails ranging from easy strolls along sandy beaches to more challenging hikes up dunes overlooking the lake below!
Willow River State Park
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Experience one of western Wisconsin’s most scenic parks featuring incredible rock formations carved out by glaciers over 12 thousand years ago! Enjoy breathtaking views from high above an 80-foot waterfall as you explore this park’s many trails!
Perrot State Park
Journey along the Mississippi River as you hike through this stunning state park featuring towering bluffs rising up from deep ravines filled with native plants like wildflowers and ferns!
Wyalusing State Park
Explore dozens of riverside trails winding their way through sprawling grasslands surrounded by limestone cliffs towering above the Mississippi & Wisconsin Rivers below!
Blue Mound State Park
Military Ridge State Trail: Located just west of Madison lies Blue Mound State Park which contains some of southwest Wisconsin’s most picturesque rolling hills covered with lush green grasses and wildflowers. The Military Ridge State Trail runs right through Blue Mound State Park along an old railway line that was converted into a biking/hiking path in 1988. This 40-mile-long pathway offers terrific views throughout most of its length as it passes by a variety of local landmarks such as Wind Cave Nature Preserve and Tower Hill Wildlife Area.
Kettle Moraine State Forest
John Muir Nature Trail: Located just south of Milwaukee, Kettle Moraine State Forrest encompasses 17,000 acres of rolling hills and pristine lakes. One popular destination within this forest is the John Muir Nature Trail which leads hikers through a variety of landscapes including prairies and wetlands. Along this 4-mile loop trail, you can expect to find plenty of wildflowers as well as other flora and fauna native to the area.
Conclusion:
Vikki Gerrard Of La Crosse considers that there are so many amazing places to explore in Wisconsin that it can be hard to decide where to start your next adventure! Whether you’re looking for an easy walk through rolling hills or a daring trek up towering limestone cliffs overlooking rushing rivers below—Wisconsin has something for everyone who loves being outdoors! So get out there and discover Nature’s hidden gems around every corner within our great state!
