18 Best Hikes in Wisconsin for Scenic Views and Easy Trails

From dramatic bluff-top views to quiet, Northwoods trails, the Badger State is home to some of the best hikes in the Midwest. Whether you're an experienced backpacker looking to log some serious mileage on the Ice Age Trail or a casual walker in search of a breezy lakeside path to enjoy with the family, our state's diverse terrain has something for everyone. In fact, I would argue that the beauty here is completely unmatched, and these trails are what I consider to be some of the best hikes in Wisconsin

The Best Hikes in Wisconsin for Every Skill Level

These top-rated hiking trails in Wisconsin include iconic routes at Devil's Lake State Park, which offer panoramic views, fascinating rock formations, and serious adventure in the great outdoors.

1. Devil's Lake via West Bluff Trail

• Location: Baraboo
• Mileage: 4.8-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Popular hiking area with high foot traffic. Best times to visit: July through November. Leashed dogs welcome. State park permit required.

The most popular hike in the park (and possibly the state) is Devil's Lake via West Bluff Trail. This loop offers views of the glacially carved lake, rocky climbs, and a sandy beach to cool off at the end. You'll feel the burn in your legs as you navigate the uneven quartzite steps, so bring proper footwear with good grip and consider trekking poles for added support. Plan to arrive before 9:00 a.m. on summer and fall weekends, as the parking lots fill up fast.

2. Balanced Rock Trail

• Location: Baraboo
• Mileage: 0.7-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Popular area for hiking and rock climbing. Best times to visit: April through October. Leashed dogs welcome. State park permit required.

If you're up for a challenge, you should check out the Balanced Rock Trail. It's a short but challenging 0.7-mile out-and-back that forces you to scale steep stone steps on the south face of the east bluff. The views along the way are beautiful, especially when you reach Balanced Rock itself. If you're a fan of unique rock formations and our state's glacial geology, you'll also want to add the Kettle View Trail to your Wisconsin hiking list.

3. East Bluff and East Bluff Woods Trail Loop

• Location: Baraboo
• Mileage: 2.6-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Popular for birding, hiking, and running. Open year-round, beautiful anytime. Leashed dogs welcome. State park permit required.

For a shadier hike, you've got to check out the East Bluff and East Bluff Woods Trail Loop at Devil's Lake State Park. It's a gorgeous route that takes you along an asphalt path with stone steps, through the woods, and along the bluff's edge. You'll enjoy some remarkable views and even come across Elephant Cave and Elephant Rock at the north end of the park. The trail is generally well-maintained, but the rock scramble sections keep things interesting.

Best Short and Easy Hikes in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has some great choices of short and easy hikes, including Lion's Den Trail, Tumbled Rock Trail, and Willow Falls Trail to Burkhardt Trail. These scenic routes offer enjoyable walks that are suitable for all skill levels.

4. Lion's Den Trail

• Location: Grafton
• Mileage: 2.1-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Popular for hiking, running, and walking. Best times: April through October. Leashed dogs welcome.

If you're in the Grafton area and looking for a family-friendly hiking spot, you should check out the Lion's Den Trail. It's a 2.1-mile loop known for being well-marked and easy to follow. You'll wander through some beautiful wooded areas before emerging at a gorge overlooking Lake Michigan. There are picnic tables scattered along the way, plus direct access to the beach if you want to search for beach glass and enjoy the scenery.

5. Tumbled Rock Trail

• Location: Baraboo
• Mileage: 2.4-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Popular for hiking, running, and walking. Best times: April through October. Leashed dogs welcome. State park permit required.

Back at Devil's Lake, discover the Tumbled Rock Trail, an accessible 2.4-mile out-and-back pathway offering lakeshore scenery at the base of the bluffs. The trail is paved, making it a smooth walking experience that's great for strollers or folks who want to avoid tripping over tree roots. Water lapping against the boulders will keep time with your steps as you stroll along the shoreline.

6. Willow Falls Trail to Burkhardt Trail

• Location: Hudson
• Mileage: 2.0-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Expect crowds as this hiking spot is highly popular, especially on summer weekends. State park permit required.

You'll definitely want to check out the scenic Willow Falls Trail to Burkhardt Trail tucked within Willow River State Park. The trail is well-groomed and mostly paved throughout, though you should expect a couple of steeper inclines and a set of wooden stairs as you approach the gorge. The multi-tiered falls make the effort worthwhile. For another scenic waterside stroll, we recommend the peaceful Cave Point Lakeside Trail, as well. State park permit required.

Hardest Hikes in Wisconsin

Challenge yourself with the hardest hikes in Wisconsin. These long-distance trails offer adventures for experienced backpackers and show off some of the state's most rugged terrain.

7. Ice Age National Scenic Trail - Devil's Lake to Parfrey's Glen

• Location: Baraboo
• Mileage: 18.1-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Enjoy a popular hiking trail with opportunities for solitude during quieter hours. Open year-round. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. State park permit required.

Take on this demanding segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail from Devil's Lake to Parfrey's Glen, covering 18.1 miles in approximately 8.5 hours. This out-and-back trail winds through wooded forest and treats you to a substantial elevation gain right from the start. You'll want to pack plenty of water and, in warmer months, bug spray for this one, as the dense canopy traps humidity during the summer.

8. Ice Age National Scenic Trail - Devil's Lake Segment

• Location: Merrimac
• Mileage: 14.7-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: A popular trail perfect for backpacking, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you. A state park permit may be required, depending on the trailhead you start from.

The Devil's Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a challenging 14.7-mile loop trail near Merrimac. The journey takes about 6 hours of walking. While the long distance poses a physical challenge, it offers a rewarding experience across diverse terrain, ranging from open meadows to rocky scrambles. It's ideal for those seeking a longer, quieter loop hike beyond the lake's perimeter.

9. Marengo River and Porcupine Lake via North Country Trail

• Location: Marengo
• Mileage: 19.4-mile point-to-point trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Experience a popular trail perfect for backpacking, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Enjoy moments of solitude during quieter hours. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on your adventure.

If you're up for a challenge, the Marengo River and Porcupine Lake Trail via North Country National Scenic Trail is worth checking out. It's a remote 19.4-mile point-to-point hike near Marengo, full of scenic overlooks, river crossings, and quiet forests. If you're a backpacking enthusiast looking for an off-the-grid adventure where you won't see many other people, this trail is perfect. If you're looking for other long-distance adventures but prefer a more level hike, the multi-use Wiouwash State Trail is another fantastic option.

Best Waterfront Hikes in Wisconsin

For views, you can't beat the best waterfront hikes in Wisconsin. These trails offer views of the lakes, sea caves, and waterfalls.

10. Eagle Trail

• Location: Fish Creek
• Mileage: 2.0-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Popular for birding, hiking, and running. Expect crowds. Best time: April to October. Leashed dogs welcome. State park permit required.

If you're in the mood for a rugged waterfront adventure, we recommend checking out the Eagle Trail in Peninsula State Park. It's a 2-mile loop that offers elevated views of the water through cedar trees. Just a heads up, it's not a simple walk in the park. The terrain is rocky, with exposed roots, and there are steep elevation changes in certain spots. For another lesser-known waterfront path, the Lynd Point Trail is a must-do.

11. Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail

• Location: Cornucopia
• Mileage: 4.6-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Popular for birding, hiking, and paddle sports. Crowded at times. Open year-round. Leashed dogs allowed. Parking fee required.

If you're looking for a pretty hike near Bayfield, Wisconsin, you have to hit the Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail. This 4.6-mile out-and-back trail within Apostle Islands National Lakeshore takes you along the sandstone cliffs overlooking the waters of Lake Superior. The hike is moderate, but the trail is known for deep mud puddles after a rainstorm, so wear boots you don't mind getting dirty. Be sure to check recent trail conditions on AllTrails before heading out to hike.

12. North Country National Scenic Trail and Doughboy's Loop

• Location: Mellen
• Mileage: 1.7-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. Quiet during off-peak times. Best in May through October. No dogs allowed. State park permit required.

The North Country Scenic and Doughboy's Loop inside Copper Falls State Park offers an enjoyable hike along a well-marked trail with views of multiple waterfalls and shaded observation decks. However, it's worth noting that the route has several wooden staircases that can become slippery when covered in mist or morning frost.

Best Winter Hikes in Wisconsin

These trails offer enchanting winter scenery, from frozen waterfalls to snow-covered terrain. Strap on your snowshoes and explore the serene beauty of Wisconsin's winter wonderland on these exhilarating hiking adventures.

13. Willow River Falls Snowshoe from Camp 200

• Location: Hudson
• Mileage: 2.0-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Popular snowshoeing trail that offers solitude during quieter hours. State park permit required.

Willow River Falls Snowshoe from Camp 200 is a diverse trail open for hiking in the summer and hiking or snowshoeing in the winter. It offers picturesque views of the falls, which are often frozen in winter, and bluff-top prairie and forests, with varied terrain for a great snowshoeing and hiking experience. The park can be busy thanks to its proximity to the Twin Cities.

14. Deer Run and Wilderness Trails Loop

• Location: Appleton
• Mileage: 3.1-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Ideal for birding, hiking, and running; rarely crowded. Best to visit from April to November. No dogs allowed on the trail.

The Deer Run and Wilderness Trails Loop is a peaceful Deer Run and Wilderness Trails Loop near Appleton, Wisconsin. Deer Run is open year-round, while the Wilderness Trail is closed in summer due to swampy conditions—but it's a great spot for cross-country skiing in the winter. If you do hike the open sections during the summer, you'll prepare for mosquitoes.

15. Birkebeiner Trail

• Location: Hayward
• Mileage: 29.3-mile point-to-point trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Popular for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. Solitude possible during off-peak hours. Best time to visit: May to October.

The Birkebeiner Trail is a 29.3-mile point-to-point trail near Hayward. Generally considered moderately challenging, the trail offers wide, well-maintained paths with rolling inclines. While it's great for hiking in the fall, it's famous as a destination for winter cross-country skiing events.

Best Hikes Near Madison

Madison is a hiker's paradise, home to a variety of trails that you can explore without leaving the metro area. Each local trail offers its own scenery and challenges, making them perfect for hikers of all skill levels.

16. Picnic Point Marsh Loop Trail

• Location: Madison
• Mileage: 2.0-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Popular for birding, hiking, and running. Best time to visit: May to November. Leashed dogs allowed.

The Picnic Point Marsh Loop Trail in Madison offers an accessible hiking experience with its marsh views and flat terrain. Despite being a popular spot near the university, there's ample space on the path for everyone to enjoy. I really appreciate the views of the city skyline from across the water.

17. University of Wisconsin Arboretum

• Location: Madison
• Mileage: 5.3-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Popular for birding, cross-country skiing, and hiking. Open year-round, no dogs allowed.

The University of Wisconsin Arboretum in Madison is home to an easy 5.3-mile loop trail that takes just under 2 hours to complete. The area boasts restored landscapes and well-marked trails that offer a peaceful nature experience in the middle of town. You'll find several diverse environments to explore, from the Curtis Prairie to the pine woods.

18. Lake Monona Bike Loop

• Location: Madison
• Mileage: 12.6-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Best times: March through October. Leashed dogs allowed.

The Lake Monona Bike Loop is a 12.6-mile paved trail that winds through Madison neighborhoods. The route offers beautiful views of the lake and passes through several city parks, which are ideal spots for a picnic or a break. If you enjoy longer, paved trails with lovely scenery, the Green Circle Trail up in Stevens Point will be right up your alley, too.

When planning your Wisconsin hiking adventures, timing and preparation are everything. For trails in state parks, you'll need a vehicle permit if you drive to the trailhead. I think fall is the best season to hit the trails, when the air is crisp, and the autumn foliage explodes with color—plus you won't have to battle summer mosquitoes. No matter when you choose to hike, always pack plenty of water and layers (as well as bug spray in the summer), as Midwest weather can change quickly. With so many diverse ecosystems to discover and sights to see, you'll never run out of trails to explore in the Badger State. So grab your favorite hiking buddy, hit the dirt, and make some memories out on the trails this year.