Grab the Neck Gaiter That Makes This Hike in Wisconsin 100% Worth Braving the Cold

One of my favorite places in all of Wisconsin is High Cliff State Park, and my favorite hike in the park is the Lime Kiln Trail. Not only do I think the history - natural and manmade - revealed along the trail is fascinating, but I love the west-facing views of Lake Winnebago that the trail offers. They're simply stunning - especially at sunset, making this a beautiful hike in spring, summer, and fall. But I'll let you in on a little secret about this trail: It's at its best in the wintertime. It's definitely a Wisconsin hike worth braving the cold for - as long as you dress appropriately (three cheers for the humble neck gaitor!) and bring the right cold weather gear.

The Lime Kiln Trail is a moderately-challenging, two-mile loop trail that skirts the eastern shoreline of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest inland lake. There are some rocky spots and steep climbs on the trail (just shy of 300 feet of elevation gain), and on days that are above freezing, the path can be muddy in spots.

But it's a wonderful winter hike in the woods, and past the fascinating ruins of an old lime kiln that was perched on the shore above Lake Winnebago. The "high cliff" referred to in the park's name is part of the Niagara Escarpment, a geological anomaly that stretches from Wisconsin to New York, the limestone of which was once prized for brick-making, explaining the presence of the kiln. It also explains the sweeping views out over the lake.

In the wintertime, the sun and the frozen lake combine for light that feels magical, even as the air feels cool on your face. And the silence of the woods, broken only by birds and the crunch of your boots in the snow, stirs the soul.

I'm sure you'll agree with me that this Wisconsin hike is worth braving the cold for - especially if you layer up and dress appropriately. One thing that I always wear in cold weather is a merino wool neck gaiter, like this one from REI.

It keeps my neck warm, and I can pull it up over my face and ears when the wind starts whipping off the lake - and since the trail is on the east side of the lake, those wintry west winds tend to be pretty frequent!

Have you hiked the Lime Kiln Trail in the winter? We'd love to hear about some of your favorite winter hikes in Wisconsin, so be sure to share them with us at our nomination page.