3 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Wisconsin for a Spring Hike

The cheerful chirp of chicadees, calls from robins, and so many birds rise in a chorus to greet you. After a long winter, mild or not, spring hikes in Wisconsin are life-giving. Warm sun beaming on your face as the world comes back to life. Some of my fondest memories of being outside are from visiting some of Wisconsin's trails in the springtime. If you're a fan of nature, particularly wildlife, you will understand why.

3 Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Wisconsin for a Spring Hike

1. Red Granite Falls Trail - Copper Falls State Park

An easy, 2.5-mile trail inside Copper Falls State Park, the Red Granite Falls Trail is ideal for fellow wildlife lovers. This trail takes you up to the waterfall itself as well as around Loon Lake. Spend some time admiring the Bad River, where you'll find river rapids racing along red granite rocks—hence the name. Animals who call the park home may be returning or coming out for the spring weather. So you could spot deer, porcupines, all kinds of squirrels and chipmunks, or dozens of bird species.

2. Big Spring Hike - UW Arboretum

When I lived in Madison, I loved spending time along the Big Spring Hike at the UW Arboretum. Just shy of 2.4 miles, this loop is easy and takes you through a variety of ecosystems. See thickets of trees, prairies, savannas, and even the ponds. The ponds are my favorite, especially if some of the resident turtles are out and about. Watching them sunbathing on the logs or rocks is enough to make any day a good one. This is also an easy trail, though some paths can be slippery after recent rain.

3. Meadow Trail Loop - Lapham Peak

I cannot even count how many times I've been to Lapham Peak Park or walked the 2-mile-long Meadow Trail Loop. Not far from my hometown of Dousman, this trail birthed my love of nature and wildlife. The meadow section is my favorite. Checking out myriad wildflowers is definitely one of the best spring activities in Wisconsin. Awash in the majesty of spring wildflowers, this area blooms, beckoning the new season and new horizons. Deer, squirrels, and tons of birds will more than likely be your hiking companions if you visit this trail.

What Makes These Trails Perfect for Spring

All three of these trails are filled with marvelous sights and abundant ecosystems. They provide visitors with glimpses at wildlife of all kinds as well as fresh wildflowers as they pop up in the warming months. Each is also easy, so they make for a terrific foray back into the outdoors after a winter of being cooped up inside. On top of that, they are all between two and three miles long. They aren't too long or too short, giving you the perfect amount of time out in nature to shake off the cabin fever—which I always get.

Tips for Planning a Spring Hike in Wisconsin

Springtime in Wisconsin can be heavenly, but it can also be fickle. That's why it is important to plan ahead, even if the weather seems pretty stable. Having a chilly morning in the 40s, followed by an afternoon in the 60s or 70s, is not uncommon. Dress in layers so you can stay comfortable, especially if you plan to be out for most of the day.

Here are other tips to keep in mind:

• Wear waterproof shoes: Spring showers are prevelant which means mud is too.
• Wear long pants: Tick season in Wisconsin is no joke and it starts in the spring. Be sure to wear long pants to protect yourself and look yourself over after the hike.
• Don't pick the flowers: I know it's tempting, but it's best to leave nature in nature.

Spring is, honestly, the best time to explore nature trails in Wisconsin. The weather is still mild, mosquitos haven't risen from the depths yet, and you get to see the world come back from its long winter nap. Get out there while the trails are still fairly empty and the oppressive Midwestern summer humidity is still at bay.