One of the best parts of living in Wisconsin is the numerous trails. You can bike, hike, or ski. On many trails, you can take your dog. And while you’re there, you can kayak, fish, and camp. These trails are great during the summer, but many are also beautiful during the fall and even the winter. So head over to some of these ten trails–you’ll be glad you did!
Please note, Parfrey’s Glen is temporarily closed.
- Devil’s Lake State Park (Baraboo)
Nels Olsen/Flickr
Anna/Flickr You can explore over 29 MILES of trails–several different trails, each one more scenic than the last. There are trails for quick, easy walks and also those for the more experienced hikers. Be sure to exercise caution by the numerous bluffs.
- Glacial Potholes (St. Croix)
Joshua Mayer/Flickr
Joshua Mayer/Flickr Usually I curse potholes, but not here. This trail is 8.9 miles and loops around. You can hike on this trail as well as do some rock climbing. Puppies are welcome.
- Willow River State Park (Hudson)
Wendy Berry/Flickr
Wendy Berry/Flickr You’ll have numerous trails to choose from, including ones with rolling prairie views, forests, and trails that lead right to the waterfalls. People of all fitness levels can enjoy. Besides the stunning waterfalls, you’re likely to see loads of deer.
- Parfrey’s Glen Trail (Merrimac)
benet2006/Flickr
kenneth casper/Flickr Parfrey’s Glen Trail is great because you can see some amazing sights but also bring the kiddos along. You’ll feel like you went on a huge adventure but not have to spend all day. The end of the trail is worth it…with a canyon and a river running through it.
- Nordic Trail (Whitewater)
Michael Pereckas/Flickr
Elizabeth/Flickr Want to be immersed in nature during the winter months? You’re not going to find a more scenic trail than the Nordic Trail. So bring your skis and enjoy this beautiful forest. A warming shelter is open daily.
- Bong State Recreation Area (Kansasville)
Jim Trottier/Flickr
Jim Trottier/Flickr Like most, I’d see the highway sign for “Bong Recreation Area” and LOL. On a whim, I went last week. Wow, I can’t believe I didn’t go sooner. It’s gorgeous. You can walk on relatively short trails, or take ones up to 9 miles. You can even take a dirt bike or ATV on the trails. And horseback riding is permitted on some trails. There are 41 miles of trails packed into this park.
- Eagle Bluff (Fish Creek)
Richie Diesterheft/Flickr
Richie Diesterheft/Flickr This is the place is you want to take a nice bike ride. You’ve got 12 miles of trails. The hiking trails are also great, and you can snowshoe up here in the winter. Note that the observation tower itself is not operational currently due to structural concerns.
- Governor Dodge State Park (Dodgeville)
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr
Joshua Mayer/Flickr Over forty miles of trails await you. If you are able, take the Outer Horse Trail. This trail goes to the most remote parts of the park, but they are the most scenic. A true must-see.
- North Kettle Moraine (Plymouth)
jchapiewsky/Flickr
jchapiewsky/Flickr Here you have over 130 miles of trails to choose from. Fido is welcome to come, too–as long as he’s leashed. You’ll definitely want to check out the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Do note that there are some steep descents and inclines, so make sure to choose your trail wisely and according to fitness level.
- Whitefish Dunes State Park (Sturgeon Bay)
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr
Joshua Mayer/Flickr Michigan might be famous for its dunes, but we give them a good run for their money. The more adventurous will want to try the Red Trail, heading to “Old Baldy,” which is the highest dune in the park. It rises 93 feet above the lake.
What is your favorite trail? Let us know in the comments.
Nels Olsen/Flickr
Anna/Flickr
You can explore over 29 MILES of trails–several different trails, each one more scenic than the last. There are trails for quick, easy walks and also those for the more experienced hikers. Be sure to exercise caution by the numerous bluffs.
Joshua Mayer/Flickr
Usually I curse potholes, but not here. This trail is 8.9 miles and loops around. You can hike on this trail as well as do some rock climbing. Puppies are welcome.
Wendy Berry/Flickr
You’ll have numerous trails to choose from, including ones with rolling prairie views, forests, and trails that lead right to the waterfalls. People of all fitness levels can enjoy. Besides the stunning waterfalls, you’re likely to see loads of deer.
benet2006/Flickr
kenneth casper/Flickr
Parfrey’s Glen Trail is great because you can see some amazing sights but also bring the kiddos along. You’ll feel like you went on a huge adventure but not have to spend all day. The end of the trail is worth it…with a canyon and a river running through it.
Michael Pereckas/Flickr
Elizabeth/Flickr
Want to be immersed in nature during the winter months? You’re not going to find a more scenic trail than the Nordic Trail. So bring your skis and enjoy this beautiful forest. A warming shelter is open daily.
Jim Trottier/Flickr
Like most, I’d see the highway sign for “Bong Recreation Area” and LOL. On a whim, I went last week. Wow, I can’t believe I didn’t go sooner. It’s gorgeous. You can walk on relatively short trails, or take ones up to 9 miles. You can even take a dirt bike or ATV on the trails. And horseback riding is permitted on some trails. There are 41 miles of trails packed into this park.
Richie Diesterheft/Flickr
This is the place is you want to take a nice bike ride. You’ve got 12 miles of trails. The hiking trails are also great, and you can snowshoe up here in the winter. Note that the observation tower itself is not operational currently due to structural concerns.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources/Flickr
Over forty miles of trails await you. If you are able, take the Outer Horse Trail. This trail goes to the most remote parts of the park, but they are the most scenic. A true must-see.
jchapiewsky/Flickr
Here you have over 130 miles of trails to choose from. Fido is welcome to come, too–as long as he’s leashed. You’ll definitely want to check out the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Do note that there are some steep descents and inclines, so make sure to choose your trail wisely and according to fitness level.
Michigan might be famous for its dunes, but we give them a good run for their money. The more adventurous will want to try the Red Trail, heading to “Old Baldy,” which is the highest dune in the park. It rises 93 feet above the lake.
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