The Iconic Trail in Wisconsin Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin, although a national scenic trail since 1980, is one of the newest National Park Service units in the country, receiving its official designation in December 2023. And Lapham Peak, located within the Kettle Moraine State Forest, is the highest point in Waukesha County, rising more than 200 feet above the surrounding landscape. So, I think taking the Ice Age Trail to Lapham Peak really is one of the most iconic hikes in Wisconsin. And anyone in the Badger State who loves hiking owes it to themselves to lace up their boots and take this hike.

You'll find this segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, unsurprisingly, in the Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. This is one of the forest's smaller units, as well as one of its most urban. But you can't tell that from the heavily forested landscape. The best clue you'll find about its proximity to Waukesha and the Milwaukee metropolitan area is the number of people you may find yourself sharing the trail with. But that's alright—there's plenty of room for everyone.

The hike is a 3.1-mile loop over well-maintained trails and varying surfaces, ranging from boardwalk to grass and packed dirt. It's considered moderately challenging, however, due to its nearly 400-foot elevation gain. Along the way, you'll find overlooks and platforms to help you enjoy the views from the trail, as well as plenty of forested sections to give you a respite from the sun.

As much as this hike is about the journey—through lowlands and forest—don't forget to stop and savor the destination. At the top of Lapham Peak, you'll find a 45-foot observation tower, and the sweeping views from the tower's deck are breathtaking.

Even the relatively low 250 feet of extra elevation offers miles of extra perspective over this fairly low-lying part of the Badger State. Don't forget to take a moment and soak it all in while hydrating for the journey back down to the trailhead.

As a segment of the state's most storied trail—now a unit of the National Park Service—and one of the best viewpoints in the Badger State, I really do think this is one of the most iconic hikes in Wisconsin, and you should definitely consider getting out and doing it. Bring the AllTrails Plus app along with you to trace your path, count your steps and calories, and preview the hike. You'll probably be hungry after you finish your hike, and that's a good thing: The incredible Belfrē Kitchen, a fantastic locavore eatery in a former church, is located just minutes away in the community of Delafield.

Do you agree that this is one of the Badger State's most iconic hikes? We'd love to hear about your favorite trails in Wisconsin over on our Nomination page. If you're ready to start mapping out your next Badger State hiking adventure, pay a visit to Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner and see where it leads you.