The Parking Lot for This Waterfall Hike in Wisconsin Fills up Fast on Weekends

With so many incredible hiking destinations in Wisconsin to choose from, it's kind of amazing that any of them are particularly crowded - I mean, there's room for everybody, right? Unfortunately that's not always the case, and some places, like Devil's Lake State Park, are particularly notorious for their parking boondoggles, with hikers and other visitors battling for spots in lots that can be full as early as 9 a.m. Another place where the parking lot can feel more like Costco at Christmas than a peaceful nature getaway is Willow River State Park, near Hudson, WI - especially on weekends. Even so, it's beautiful and absolutely worth visiting - you just need to know when to go.

I think Willow River is one of the most beautiful state parks in Wisconsin - and we have a lot of gorgeous parks. That's certainly one reason for its popularity. With more than 2,800 acres of mixed terrain, from forest to rushing river, folks flock to this park for outdoor fun

It's close proximity to the Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota is another factor. On a good traffic day, you can get to Willow River State Park from St. Paul, MN in half an hour. The eastern suburbs are even closer. So, on summer weekend days, you can expect to see plenty of people in the parking lots and on the trails.

The parking lots and trails closest to Willow Falls tend to be the busiest.

So, if you go on a weekend, you should try and arrive as early as possible, or park far away from the falls. Otherwise, plan on visiting during the week or the shoulder seasons - although autumn is busy, as well, because of leaf peeping. The park is also lovely in the winter, when snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular. Come at one of these times, and you may just have the trails - and the falls - to yourself.

If you haven't made it over to Willow River State Park, I highly recommend doing so - especially if you can get there on a weekday. Otherwise, pack some patience; it's worth it. There's a lot more to this wonderful park than just its waterfall, though. With 13 miles of trails across terrain ranging from prairie to forest, as well as rock climbing routes and the Willow River Water Trail, this park is a hot spot for outdoor adventure in Wisconsin. Camping is available in the park, with more than 150 sites across three different campgrounds. Visit the Willow River State Park website for camping information or to make reservations. AllTrails Plus is a great resource for trail maps and to preview the best hikes in the park.

Have you hiked in Willow River State Park near Hudson, WI? Tell us about your experience, and be sure to clue us in on your favorite tips and tricks for avoiding crowds in the parking lots or on trail.