Some of the greatest hiking trails in Wisconsin are all about the journey. There are lots of looped hiking trails that take you back to where you started without retracing a single step - the destination is the same as the departure point. In Franklin, a short little loop takes hikers on a journey around a small lake that offers some expansive scenic views. Here’s what you need to know about the Mallard Lake Trail.
The trail is in a natural area within Whitnall Park, a Milwaukee County Park that also contains a golf course, Wehr Nature Center, and Boerner Botanical Gardens.
The park is a short drive from downtown Milwaukee, but it’s a natural oasis that includes woods, wetlands, prairie, and oak savanna. When exploring this place, you won’t feel like you’re in the Milwaukee suburbs!
The park’s trails meander around the pond. It’s not a long hike but it will take you past some tranquil views. The trails are open all year, although they can get a little icy in the winter, so use caution!
Mallard Lake is a 20-acre human-made lake that was created in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Workers dammed the outlet of a marsh, creating the pond.
The lake is gorgeous and the waterfall is simply incredible, especially after heavy rains or when the snow melts.
You’ll likely encounter some wildlife on the hike; you may see ducks, wading birds, deer – or even a jumping fish!
The trails have a few rules – bikes and pets are not allowed. The trails wind around a bit but they are not terribly difficult to follow and there are lots of little landmarks along the trail. Learn more about the park here. Once you’ve made your way around Mallard Lake, here’s a hike past some Wisconsin sea caves you may want to explore.
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