13 Easy And Beautiful Spring Hikes Everyone In Wisconsin Will Love
The weather has finally warmed up and its rained enough to make sure everything is green and growing, so it’s time to get outside! Go searching for wildflowers, enjoying the budding trees, look for baby animals, and generally celebrate the renewal of life after a very long, very cold, very snowy, and very hard winter. Here are 13 of the best hikes in Wisconsin that will get you into the forest to check out amazing sights. Next time you research “hiking trails near me” in Wisconsin, keep an eye out for these gems!
1. Lime-Kiln Trail at High Cliff State Park — Sherwood
High Cliff State Park Road, High Cliff State Park Rd, Harrison, WI 54952, USA
Photo property of author
If you can handle the hills, you really can't beat the Lime-Kiln trail. The short loop is just 0.9 miles and you get to head into the forest to see the escarpment formations as well as walk along the edge of the lake. It's one of the best hikes in Wisconsin! The Butterfly Pond and Forest Management Trails feature a lot less elevation change.
Located at N7630 State Park Rd., Sherwood, WI 54169
2. Powder Hill Trail at Kettle Moraine Pike Lake Unit — Hartford
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit, 3544 Kettle Moraine Rd, Hartford, WI 53027, USA
Photo property of author
Powder Hill is 0.5 miles from the Nature Trail parking lot or 1.1 miles from the beach/picnic area parking lot. There's an observation tower that is worth the climb as you can see for miles in all directions. Located at 3544 Kettle Moraine Rd., Hartford, WI 53027.
3. Trail Tramper's Delight Trail at Peninsula State Park — Fish Creek
Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
This trail is about 100 years old and connects Nicolet Bay and the Eagle Bluff Lighthouses. The 0.7-mile Minnehaha Trail along the lakeshore is also nice and easy. Located at 9462 Shore Rd., Fish Creek, WI 54212.
4. Bison Nature Trail at New Glarus Woods — New Glarus
New Glarus Woods State Park, W5446 County Highway Nn, New Glarus, WI 53574, USA
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. Located at W5508 CTH NN, New Glarus, WI 53574.
5. Hemlock Nature Trail, Wildcat Mountain State Park — Ontario
Wildcat Mountain State Park, E13660 WI-33, Ontario, WI 54651, USA
This 1.3-mile trail starts down by the Kickapoo River and heads up Mount Pisgah for some spectacular views. Located at E13660 State Hwy. 33, Ontario, WI 54651
There is a paved path that fully circles the lake. According to Visit Lake Geneva, "The path has been preserved by early settlers who said that the '20 feet leading to the shoreline be preserved as public domain.' Property owners were responsible then and still are today to maintain the path through each of their properties, which makes the trail very unique. Each property owner puts their own spin on their part of the shore path, some have placed benches to rest, some have artwork and some even have water stations." The path is 26 miles and can be accessed in a number of public places like the library and Big Food Beach State Park.
7. Riverview Trail at Perrot State Park — Trempealeau
If you can handle the climb, definitely check out any of the Brady's Bluff trails. But since we're talking easy hike here, we'll focus on the Riverview Trail that traverses 2.5 miles along the Mississippi and Trempealeau Rivers. Located at 26247 Sullivan Rd., Trempealeau, WI 54661.
8. Dells of the Eau Claire Loop, Dells of the Eau Claire Park — Aniwa
Dells of the Eau Claire County Park, County Hwy Y, Aniwa, WI 54408, USA
This is a peaceful stroll along the river that goes near the public beach and includes picnicking spots. It's a great little introduction to this beautiful area, and definitely one of the best hikes in Wisconsin. Located at 2150 County Rd. Y, Aniwa, WI 54408.
9. Willow Springs Trail at Blue Mound State Park — Blue Mounds
Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
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. Located at 4350 Mounds Park Rd., Blue Mounds, WI 53517.
10. Ski Trails at Powers Bluff Maple Woods — Aripin
Powers Bluff Maple Woods State Natural Area, 6990 Bluff Dr, Arpin, WI 54410, USA
There are three different half-mile cross-country ski trails that make for great hiking in warmer months. The star here is a 1.6-million-year-old quartzite bluff. Located at 6990 Bluff Dr., Arpin, WI 54410.
11. Haskell Noyes Memorial Woods, Campbellsport — Fond du Lac
Haskell Noyes Memorial Woods State Natural Area, Campbellsport, WI 53010, USA
A part of the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, there aren't really marked paths here, you just head out into the woods and explore. Located at W476 County Rd. SS, Campbellsport, WI 53010.
12. Fox Maple Woods — Florence
Fox Maple Woods State Natural Area, WI-70, Florence, WI 54121, USA
Head into the forest and look for wildflowers in this 41-acre northern forest surrounded on three sides by the Whisker Lake Wilderness Area. The very best part is it is this area is walk-in camping only; no motorized or mechanized vehicles are allowed. It is a place of true natural solitude. Located on State Hwy. 70, Florence, WI 54121.
You can head off on your own, but the guided tour is a relaxed, two-hour walk where you get to see and learn a ton. Entrance here is $5. Located at 8166 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202.
These are just a few of the great places you can see and explore this spring. What are some of the other spots you like to go for those first few breaths of fresh air in months? Let us know in the comments!
Do you have a favorite hike in Washington? Tell us about it on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.
Address: High Cliff State Park Road, High Cliff State Park Rd, Harrison, WI 54952, USA
Address: Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit, 3544 Kettle Moraine Rd, Hartford, WI 53027, USA
Address: Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
Address: New Glarus Woods State Park, W5446 County Highway Nn, New Glarus, WI 53574, USA
Address: Lake Geneva, WI 53147, USA
Address: Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, WI 54661, USA
Address: Dells of the Eau Claire County Park, County Hwy Y, Aniwa, WI 54408, USA
Address: Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Address: Powers Bluff Maple Woods State Natural Area, 6990 Bluff Dr, Arpin, WI 54410, USA
Address: Haskell Noyes Memorial Woods State Natural Area, Campbellsport, WI 53010, USA
Address: Wildcat Mountain State Park, E13660 WI-33, Ontario, WI 54651, USA
Address: Fox Maple Woods State Natural Area, WI-70, Florence, WI 54121, USA
Address: The Ridges Sanctuary, 8166 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Wisconsin
April 22, 2022
Katie Lawrence
Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Wisconsin?
If you have little adventurers in your nest, you’ll be happy to learn there are tons of kid-friendly hikes around Wisconsin perfect for a family outing. One of our favorite spots is Devil’s Lake State Park, located in Baraboo. The park boasts several short and easy trails that, despite not being too difficult, offer breathtaking waterfront views. The Kettle Moraine State Forest – Lapham Peak Unit is also great for family-friendly hiking!
What are some of the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin?
With a variety of different types of natural scenery, Wisconsin is a nature lover’s dream. One of our favorite spots to enjoy the Badger State’s great outdoors is the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which stretches over 1,000 miles from Interstate State Park on the Minnesota border to Potawatomi State Park on Lake Michigan. Created by receding glacial ice over 12,000 years ago, this gem deserves a top spot on your bucket list – no matter which part of the trail you choose to explore. If you aren’t sure where to start, it’s hard to beat the views on the Devil’s Lake Segment!
Where can I find easy hikes in Wisconsin?
If you’re looking to experience the unparalleled beauty of Wisconsin without breaking a sweat, you’ll love all the easy hikes our state has to offer. Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area has some of the best low-key hiking near Madison, with an easy hike that runs parallel to a babbling stream. Devil’s Lake State Park is also a great option because it has trails for all skill levels. From easy hikes along the forested highway to steeper treks leading to the top of rocky bluffs, there’s something for everyone.
Address: High Cliff State Park Road, High Cliff State Park Rd, Harrison, WI 54952, USA
Address: Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit, 3544 Kettle Moraine Rd, Hartford, WI 53027, USA
Address: Peninsula State Park, 9462 Shore Rd, Fish Creek, WI 54212, USA
Address: New Glarus Woods State Park, W5446 County Highway Nn, New Glarus, WI 53574, USA
Address: Lake Geneva, WI 53147, USA
Address: Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, WI 54661, USA
Address: Dells of the Eau Claire County Park, County Hwy Y, Aniwa, WI 54408, USA
Address: Blue Mounds State Park, 1410 161st St, Luverne, MN 56156, USA
Address: Powers Bluff Maple Woods State Natural Area, 6990 Bluff Dr, Arpin, WI 54410, USA
Address: Haskell Noyes Memorial Woods State Natural Area, Campbellsport, WI 53010, USA
Address: Wildcat Mountain State Park, E13660 WI-33, Ontario, WI 54651, USA
Address: Fox Maple Woods State Natural Area, WI-70, Florence, WI 54121, USA
Address: The Ridges Sanctuary, 8166 WI-57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, USA
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