Underrated National Forest Hikes in Wisconsin That Rival the Jordan Pond Trail

I’m a firm believer that Wisconsin is one of the most underrated states in the nation. Between its unbeatable cheese curds, vibrant football culture, and lake access, the Badger State has been a longstanding summer vacation spot in my family. One of the best elements of this green state is its hikes. If you can’t make it to a national park like Acadia to hike the Jordan Pond Trail, check out some of these excellent national forest hikes in Wisconsin.

1. Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center Boardwalk

Located within Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center Boardwalk is an accessible, family-friendly trail. The short and sweet loop is less than a mile long. The route features a few wooden benches for taking a break, as well as informational signs that educate hikers on the local ecosystem and wildlife. The trailhead is just steps away from the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, where guests can explore the archives, an art gallery, and other exhibits. 

2. Mount Valhalla and Twin Lakes Loop

Also a part of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, the Mount Valhalla and Twin Lakes Loop is an 8.8-mile route that offers great views of, you guessed it, Twin Lakes. If you’re camping at Birch Grove Campground, you can easily hop on the trail just a stone’s throw away from your campsite. The trail has an elevation gain of more than 670 feet, which has led many hikers to consider this a moderate route. Adventurers will come across a variety of terrain that includes shady forests and waterfront views.

3. North Country National Scenic Trail

If you’re looking to do more serious hiking in Wisconsin, nearly 54 miles of the 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail wind through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. This point-to-point hike generally takes hikers a few days to complete. As a result, you’ll likely want to plan a camping route or decide on hotels along the way. In addition to hiking, the route is also popular with cyclists and, in the winter, snowshoers. The area is known for its birding, so keep your eyes peeled for some fun feathered friends. While tackling this moderately challenging route, you’ll go across bridges, forests, and plains.

4. Ice Age Trail to Lake Eleven

One of the most popular trail segments in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is the Ice Age Trail to Lake Eleven. The 10.3-mile segment is just a portion of the 1,200-mile trail. Along this section of the trail, hikers will encounter lakes, bridges, boardwalks, and two primitive campsites. If you’re not quite ready to take on the massive full hike, this segment is a great way to get a taste of all the Ice Age Trail has to offer. 

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just someone looking to enjoy nature, these national forest hikes in Wisconsin are sure to please. With a variety of accessibility and length scattered throughout the state, these hikes offer something for every experience level. From easy, family-friendly treks to more challenging routes for experienced hikers, these trails showcase the true beauty of Wisconsin's national forests. What other national forest hikes should we check off our bucket list? Let us know by filling out our nomination form.