In 2021, Take These 12 Incredible Wisconsin Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
The year 2021 is officially underway. And though it has just begun, it’s never too early to start making some plans. If you agree, you’ll definitely want to check out this list, which includes 12 incredible hikes – one for each month of the year.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate
During the colder months, Fern Dell Gorge is transformed into a true winter wonderland, making it the perfect place for a brisk hike. Easy to navigate, an unofficial trail winds through the gorge, which often features walls of frozen icicles in winter. Accessing the gorge is just as easy, thanks to a small parking lot near the main entrance.
With 3 million visitors per year, Devil’s Lake State Park is Wisconsin’s most popular state park. However, things tend to slow down in the winter, making it a great time to explore the 9,000-acre park. There are 29 miles of trails to meander along. If you want to check out the expansive rock formations the park is known for, you won’t be disappointed with the East Bluff Trail. The Tumbled Rocks and Grottos Trails are the best flat trails in the park, and are perfect for those seeking a more leisurely stroll.
Pattison State Park is most known as the home of Big Manitou Falls, which, at 165 feet, is Wisconsin’s highest waterfall. The park is also home to a scaled-down version of the fall which is fittingly known as Little Manitou Falls. Both waterfalls are stunning in the winter and can be easily accessed via the Big Manitou Falls Trail and Little Manitou Falls Trail – both of which are just 0.5 miles.
Undeniably enchanting, the 26-mile trail (don’t worry, you don’t have to hike the whole thing) boasts expansive estates, colorful gardens, bridges, stepping stones, and other fairytale-like features. Open 365 days a year, it’s the perfect place for a scenic stroll – regardless of the temperature.
Located in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this trail is just 1.5 miles long and features very little elevation gain, making it a great choice for younger and less experienced hikers. Lined by several natural springs, the trail is brimming with beautiful sights – but that’s not all. It’s also loaded with history, leading straight to the ruins of an old marl plant.
Pretty remote (but completely worth the effort it takes to reach), Lost Creek Falls is tucked away in the small community of Cornucopia at the northern end of the Bayfield Peninsula. A short 1.5-mile trail (3 miles round trip) winds through a wooded area and across two bridges, before coming to an end at Lost Creek Falls. The waterfall can be easily accessed for close-up views – you can even walk behind it!
When you’re looking to soak up some scenic beauty AND some sun, you’re sure to be pleased with Willow Falls Trail, which leads straight to Willow Falls, a 3-tiered waterfall. Short and sweet, the Willow Falls Trail is just 0.85 miles. Once at the end of the trail, you can explore the waterfall up close and even splash around in its waters. Be careful, though. The rocks that surround the waterfall can be a bit slippery. And remember, there’s no lifeguard, so you’ll be swimming at your own risk.
Running parallel to Lake Michigan, this unique boardwalk trek is brimming with incredible waterfront vistas. The great views don’t end there, though. As you meander along the trail, you’ll come across sand dunes, wetlands, and forests. The trail is divided into two sections: the north trail, which is 0.5 miles, and the south trail, which is 1.5 miles, for a total of 2 miles.
The highlight of this 10-acre park is a unique geological feature known as a finger. Made of blocked and layered sandstone, the finger is 0.5 miles long and stands nearly 60 feet above the flood plain of two merging valleys. The best way to see the huge rock formation is to walk right through it – and thanks to a man-made tunnel and a 1-mile loop trail, you can do just that.
At 1,565 feet in height, St. Peter’s Dome offers expansive vistas, which are especially stunning in the fall. So, when you’re ready to soak in some seasonal beauty, the St. Peter’s Dome Trail is an obvious choice. It’s important to remember that the 4.2-mile trail (round trip) is a bit rugged and includes a 500-foot climb to the top of the dome. Though the hike requires some effort, the views at the top make it completely worth it.
You may have thought summer was the best time to visit the sea caves on Mawikwe Bay; however, a visit during the colder months is a real treat – and that’s because you can hike across the frozen surface of Lake Superior to the ice-covered cliffs. The National Park Service monitors weather conditions to ensure the lake is frozen enough for hikers, so make sure to call (715) 779-3397 (extension 3) before you visit.
Proof that good things really do come in small packages, Fonferek’s Glen is a 74-acre park with several perks, including dolomite cliffs, a natural bridge, and a waterfall, which is particularly striking in the winter. A 0.5-mile loop trail makes it easy to take in all the park has to offer.
So, ever trekked along any of the trails mentioned? Did we include your favorite? Or leave out your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.
These aren’t the only hikes worthy of a place on your bucket list. Read about another here.
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