The Forked Aster Hiking Trail Perimeter Loop Is A Wisconsin Cliff Hike Hidden In the City

There’s a trail near Oak Creek, Wisconsin that will make you feel like you are nowhere near Milwaukee County. The Forked Aster Hiking Trail Perimeter Loop skirts the shore of Lake Michigan, traces some lakeside bluffs and will take you to some wild and beautiful views. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and it’s worth seeking out. Here’s why.

You can pick the trail up in Oak Creek’s Bender Park. It’s a nice little park with a beautiful and protected beach.

There are sections of the trail that are not very well marked but it’s relatively easy to follow the trail without getting lost.

The trails are natural and unplanned, which is unique for a park in the area. Just go with the flow and enjoy this little slice of the natural world!

The trail will take you to some cliffs with some expansive views of Lake Michigan. You’ll also encounter sections with forest, boardwalk and prairie.

You may encounter some wildlife on the hike, even though the parkland is surrounded by urban areas. Deer are sometimes spotted and many migratory birds pass through the area.

The park is never crowded, which adds to the tranquil feel of the hike. If you do the whole loop you’ll cover 3.7 miles. There’s a bit of elevation gain but it’s not a terribly strenuous hike.

You’ll want to dress appropriately for the hike - the wind off Lake Michigan can be a little brisk and you may encounter some muddy sections. Hikers report that the trail is beautiful in any season so it’s worth the effort to explore. You can find more sections of the Forked Aster Trails in other sections of the county park system and for some more Milwaukee area adventures, check out these stunning hiking spots

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