Embrace the Cold and Venture Out on This Scenic Winter Hike in Wisconsin

The Badger State is blessed with incredible natural wonders and beautiful outdoor spaces that simply beg to be enjoyed all year long. That said, some spots in our state really just pop in the winter, and one of my favorites for cold weather recreation in Wisconsin is Governor Dodge State Park near (you guessed it) Dodgeville. There, you'll find one of the best winter hikes in Wisconsin: Stephens Falls and Lost Canyon Short Loop. At just 1.2 miles, this easy loop trail makes a perfect winter outing for the whole family.

While not super hilly, this hike does see about 150 feet in elevation gain, which can be a bit more challenging on slick winter surfaces. You'll want to make sure you wear appropriate footwear - warm socks and boots with good tread; if the trails are packed or icy, you'll also want to consider traction devices and/or trekking poles.

The trail is also great for cross-county skiers and snowshoeing enthusiasts. With the proper outer and base layers, the whole family could happily spend a winter afternoon gliding or hiking on this trail, taking in the deep, wooded bluffs.

As wonderful as this trail is, make sure you save some time to explore the rest of the park, as well. At more than 5,000 acres, the park is one of the largest in the system and showcases the incredible natural beauty of Wisconsin's Driftless Area. Some of the rocks and cliffs in the park are as old as 450 million years, so a visit is like stepping back in time.

The highlight of the hike, of course (well, in my opinion anyway), is Stephens Falls in all its dramatic winter glory. The ice fall looks like it was sculpted in place for our delight, but frequently, water is still flowing beneath the frosty cascade -- in the quietude of the park, you can hear it tinkling downward between the ice and the rocks. When it's cold enough, you can walk over the ice and right up to the frozen falls. Just be sure to test the ice as you go, and make sure you've got the appropriate footwear (warm and grippy) for venturing over to the waterfall.

For a family-friendly outdoor adventure, I don't think there's much better in the Badger State than this winter hike in Governor Dodge State Park. Fuel up beforehand with warm beverages and tasty pastries from Quality Bakery in Dodgeville - you won't be disappointed with the goods from this century-old local stalwart.

What's your favorite winter hike in Wisconsin? We'd love to hear about it! And if you want to discover some new Wisconsin hikes of your own, give our new Travel Planner a try!