Hike Up A Hidden Mountain Then Dine At A Small-Town Cafe On This Delightful Adventure In Wisconsin

Some of the best adventures come with a sweet reward. In Wisconsin, there’s a mountain you might not have heard of that’s a short drive away from one of the best little cafes in the Northwoods. Ready for the tastiest adventure you’ve ever had? Just head to this forested area of Oconto County and enjoy a fun Wisconsin hike followed by a great homestyle meal. Here’s what’s waiting for you at McCaslin Mountain and Karla’s Kitchen, one of Wisconsin's best adventures.

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We’ll start at McCaslin Mountain. It’s a four-mile long ridge of steep quartzite that towers up more than 200 feet from the forest floor. It’s located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, a 1.5-million-acre forest in northern Wisconsin.

When I first arrived at the trail, I was a little confused – the parking area seemed to lead to two trails. It quickly became clear. The trail behind the lot will take you up a steep climb to the location of a former fire tower. It’s a good workout!

To climb up McCaslin Mountain, you’ll need to cross the highway (watch for traffic) and follow the trail leading into the woods. As you continue, the trail will become very clear. You’ll cross a scenic boardwalk and then start climbing a trail known as Quartz Hill Trail.

It’s a bit of a workout to get the the top of McCaslin Mountain, but the view is worth it. By now, you'll probably be a little hungry. Did someone say bacon?

Yes, bacon. A short four-minute drive down the highway will take you to the doorstep of Karla’s Kitchen, a cozy little breakfast and lunch spot in Townsend. It has all the classics, including awesome omelets, French toast, pancakes, hash browns, and more.

The menu is very affordable but you won’t believe the cost of coffee here: it’s just 25 cents!

Lean more about hiking up McCaslin Mountain on the U.S. Forest Service website and see the full menu and latest dining hours on the Karla’s Kitchen website. Hungry for more of Wisconsin's best adventures? Here are some awesome outdoor activities in Wisconsin.