11 Amazing Wisconsin Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love
While the diverse terrain of Wisconsin is absolutely beautiful, it’s also a bit intimidating. But just because you’re not ready to set out on a multi-day hike doesn’t mean you can’t get out to explore and enjoy the gorgeous hiking to be found here in the Dairy State. In fact, there are many trails that don’t require hours upon hours of vigorous hiking Whether you’re short on time, working your way up to bigger hikes, or just looking for a leisurely stroll, here are 11 of the best short hikes in Wisconsin that clock in at three miles or less. So lace up those hiking boots and prepare to be enchanted by this following list of best short hikes in Wisconsin:
1. Ancient Shore Trail at Potawatomi State Park - Sturgeon Bay
Our list of the best short hikes in Wisconsin starts in Sturgeon Bay. The Ancient Shore Trail at this park in Door County is just a half-mile long. Perfect for the less experienced folks looking to get out into nature.
2. Three Bridges Trail at Copper Falls State Park - Mellen
Big Bay State Park is positively picturesque. All but one of the trails here are under three miles - and that last one is a four-mile loop. There are views of the bay, a boardwalk and so much more. It's a beautiful way to see Madeline Island.
This park that surrounds Grandad Bluff features seven trails through the woods and bluffs that are three miles or fewer. You'll see all kinds of awesome vegetation and animal life.
5. Tamarack Loop at the Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit - Campbellsport
Not only do you get to see the Wisconsin tamarack tree, but this is an easy, two-mile walk that includes a boardwalk, circles Mauthe Lake, and travels through the Milwaukee River and Swamp State Natural Area. It's truly one of the loveliest hiking trails in Wisconsin.
The full circle is around two miles, but if you just head to Holy Hill and then hit the Ice Age Trail to the east, it's a short two-mile hike through the foliage - this one is especially awesome in the fall. Holy Hill is located at 1525 Carmel Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033.
7. Cordwalk at Kohler-Andrae State Park - Sheboygan
This cordwalk protects the natural dune habitat while still giving you access to the area and the beach and providing awesome viewing for so many of the birds that use this area as part of their migration. At just two miles, it's the perfect length.
8. Willow Springs Trail at Blue Mound State Park - Blue Mounds
There are a handful of short trails in Blue Mounds, but this two-mile trail goes through the forest, past a stand of willows and to a natural spring that flows year-round and provided water for the first settlers to the area.
9. Lost Canyon Trail at Governor Dodge State Park - Dodgeville
This one can get steep, but it takes you down into the canyon that's fed by Stephen's Falls. The views are breathtaking and it's just three miles long.
10. Bison Nature Trail in New Glarus Woods - New Glarus
One of the best short hikes in Wisconsin, this park has several trails that are less than a mile, making it a good beginner stop. It's also an easy little side trip when you're spending a weekend in quaint New Glarus. This path is all about the prairie.
There are approximately five miles of Ice Age trail in and around this area, but it's broken up into smaller, more manageable bits. The Gibraltar segment is 2.4 miles and does climb in elevation, but the views are so, so worth it. With views like this, you'll quickly understand why it's considered among the best short hikes in Wisconsin.
Do you agree that these are some of the best short hikes in Wisconsin? Are there any that you would add to the list? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below! Ready to take on a few more miles? Check out 11 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Wisconsin Should Take.
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Address: Park Dr, Nasewaupee, WI 54235, USA
Address: 36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546, USA
Address: 2402 Hagen Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850, USA
Address: 800 Milson Ct, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA
Address: Co Rd G, Wisconsin, USA
Address: 1525 Carmel Rd, Hubertus, WI 53033, USA
Address: 1020 Beach Park Ln, Sheboygan, WI 53081, USA
Address: 4350 Mounds Park Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517, USA
Address: 4175 WI-23, Dodgeville, WI 53533, USA
Address: County Highway Nn, New Glarus, WI 53574, USA
Address: N1497 Lovering Rd, Lodi, WI 53555, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best short hikes in Wisconsin
March 31, 2021
Beth C.
What are the most beautiful hiking trails in Wisconsin?
Now that we've covered some of the best short hikes in Wisconsin, it's time to focus even more on scenery. Wisconsin has seemingly endless trails, and each of them will showcase a different side of the state's picturesque landscape. Pinpointing the most beautiful hiking trail in Wisconsin is a matter of preference; however, many folks agree that it doesn't get much better than Grandad Bluff. Residing at 600 feet above the city of La Crosse, this destination offers breathtaking views of the Mississippi River Valley as well as Minnesota and Iowa. If you're up for a lengthy hike, start your adventure in Hixon Forest and look for the Oak Trail.
What are the most popular Wisconsin state parks?
There are hardly better ways to enjoy Wisconsin's beauty than visiting a state park. These protected areas offer education about the landscape and ways to engage with it in fun and memorable ways. Wondering where to start? The following is a list of some of the most popular Wisconsin state parks: Mirror Lake State Park in Baraboo, Devils Lake State Park in Baraboo, Council Grounds State Park in Merrill, Governor Dodge State Park in Dodgeville, Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, Newport State Park in Ellison Bay, Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau, Perrot State Park in Trempealeau, Lakeshore State Park in Milwaukee, Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan, and Brunet Island State Park in Cornell. How many of these beautiful Wisconsin state parks have you visited?
Does Wisconsin have any natural wonders?
Yes! You'll be delighted to learn that there are many natural wonders in Wisconsin. Perhaps the most famous of them all would be the Apostle Islands Sea Caves. If you can, try to visit the caves during the winter, when they are filled with remarkable ice formations. Other incredible natural wonders in Wisconsin include the Cave of the Mounds, Niagara Escarpment, Horicon Marsh, Big Manitou Falls, Natural Bridge, and Interstate State Park. In fact, Interstate State Park is the oldest state park in Wisconsin, and it features the breathtaking Dalles of the St. Croix River. This stunning natural landmark formed due to melted glacier water. How fascinating is that?
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