If you’re looking to incorporate more exercise into your life, we’ve lined up 12 of the best hikes in Wisconsin that take you all over the state. One for each month of the year, they give you great options to explore in all different seasons. None of these hikes are too long or strenuous, though they’re almost all in spots with multiple trails, so you can add these to your hiking list according to your ability level. You’ll see all kinds of gorgeous views of the Wisconsin countryside if you follow this handy guide. So get your boots on and go! We wish you some happy hiking!

  1. January - Whitetail Meadows Trail - Wyalusing State Park

Flickr/WIDNR With 1.7 and 3.1 mile options, and the ability to hike or ski, this trail located in Wyalusing State Park has lots about it to recommend. Parts of the park offer Mississippi River views, while others are well known for the wildlife they support. Located at State Park Ln, Bagley, WI 53801 Wyalusing Hardwood Forest, 13295 State Park Ln, Bagley, WI 53801, USA

  1. February - Kangaroo Lake State Natural Area - Sister Bay

Flickr/ElvisKennedy There’s just one trail here and it’s a pretty 1.5-mile loop that will take you along the spring-fed Kangaroo Lake. You’ll see outcrops of the Niagara Escarpment and even some fossil remains. Many birds and animals call this place home. You’ll never feel crowded here - it’s the perfect winter escape. Trailhead parking is at approximately 3000 County Rd E, Bailey’s Harbor, WI 54202. Kangaroo Lake State Natural Area, 8574 Bues Point Rd, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, USA

  1. March - Bison Nature Trail - New Glarus Woods

Flickr/BenMiller This park has several trails that are less than a mile, making it a good beginner stop. As one of the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin, it’s a pretty spot as the thaw happens. 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 and you’ll love it! Located at W5508 CTH NN, New Glarus, WI 53574. New Glarus Woods State Park, W5446 County Highway Nn, New Glarus, WI 53574, USA

  1. April - Riverview Trail - Perrot State Park

Flickr/AaronCarlsen 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 at Perrot State Park, which traverses 2.5 miles along the Mississippi and Trempealeau Rivers. Located at 26247 Sullivan Rd., Trempealeau, WI 54661. Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, WI 54661, USA

  1. May - Lime Kiln Trail - High Cliff State Park

Cody Schneider/AllTrails.com May is a great time to visit High Cliff State Park, as the trees aren’t fully filled out and you can get awesome views out to Lake Winnebago. If you can handle the hills, you are in for a wonderful treat. This 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. You might also note that the Butterfly Pond and Forest Management Trails feature a lot less elevation change. Located at N7630 State Park Rd., Sherwood, WI 54169. High Cliff State Park Road, High Cliff State Park Rd, Harrison, WI 54952, USA

  1. June - Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Facebook/FriendsofPheasantBranchConservancy This gorgeous spot has more than 500 acres that protect the Pheasant Branch Conservancy and the creek, which supplies Lake Mendota with 1,800 gallons of water every minute. You’ll also find rolling prairies as well as hills that provide a panoramic view of the Capitol Building, the downtown Madison skyline, and Lake Mendota. There are tons of trails to choose from, but the outer loop is just 3.1 miles, doesn’t have a lot of elevation change, and is great for hikers of all ages and abilities. Access the trail from Orchard Heights Park, 3960 Valley Ridge Rd., Middleton WI 53562 Pheasant Branch Conservancy, 4864 Pheasant Branch Rd, Middleton, WI 53562, USA

  1. July - Bearskin Trail - Minocqua and Tomahawk

TripAdvisor/SpiketheBiker One of the very best ways to explore this stunning part of the state is to use the Bearskin Trail, which is definitely one of the best hikes in Wisconsin. This, in addition to one other trail here, are converted rail beds that take you across lakes and into parts of nature you’d otherwise not be able to see. Both trails are great for hiking and biking. The southern terminus of this trail is in Sara Park, located at 900 W Somo Ave., Tomahawk, WI 54487. The northern terminus is at Torpey Park, 806 US-51, Minocqua, WI 54548. Hiawatha Trail and Bearskin State Park Trail, Tomahawk, WI, USA

  1. August - Dike Trail - Hartman Creek State Park

Wikipedia Hartman Creek State Park, Emmons Creek Barrons State Natural Area and Fishery, and Pope Lake State Natural Area are all connected to provide more than 2,000 acres of protected lands in the Chain O’Lakes area of the state. If you head on the part of the Dike Trail that leaves from the horse parking area and heads north before turning east to go around Hartman Lake, you’ll find a nice trail that’s about two miles long. It’s not only one of the best hikes in Wisconsin, but also one of the best easy hikes in the state. And near the end, you’ll come to the Hartman Lake beach. Hartman Creek State Park is located at N2480 Hartman Creek Rd., Waupaca, WI 54981. Hartman Creek State Park, N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA

  1. September - Pothole Trail and Horizon Rock Trail - Interstate State Park

Jaci Petsch/AllTrails.com Even early in the season, you’ll spot the leaves changing here at Interstate State Park. The Pothole Trail is just a 0.4-mile loop. The Horizon Rock Trail connects the Pothole Trail to the Ice Age Center via a 0.5-mile linear trail, so in less than two miles, you can cover some amazing, beautiful ground. You simply cannot match the amazing views on these two short trails that connect. You’ll see gorgeous rock formations, the St. Croix National Riverway, amazing color, and the steep gorge while hiking the very end of the Ice Age Trail in what is arguably the most geologically interesting part of the entire 1,000-mile expanse here. Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Wisconsin Highway 35 just 1/2 mile south of U.S. Highway 8. Interstate State Park, 1275 WI-35, St Croix Falls, WI 54024, USA

  1. October - Doughboys Trail - Copper Falls State Park

Flickr/KatieWheeler Copper Falls State Park, one of the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin, is home to the Bad River as well as Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, and the Tyler Cascades. There’s a 1.7-mile hike called the Doughboys Nature Trail that lets you see all of them as well as the ancient lava that forms much of the landscape. Hiking here is amazing as it contains part of the North Country Trail. There are footbridges that take you up and over some of the most spectacular and interesting rock formations. The base of the gorges here is actually basalt - ancient lava from volcanoes that once covered the area. Located at Copper Falls State Park is located at 36664 Copper Falls Rd., Mellen, WI 54546. Copper Falls State Park, 36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546, USA

  1. November - Willow Springs Trail - Blue Mounds State Park

Flickr/AmitMittal Catch the end of the fall colors and get sweeping views of the surrounding countryside on this beautiful hike. The Willow Springs Trail, found inside of Blue Mounds State Park, is two miles long and 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. Blue Mound State Park, 4350 Mounds Park Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517, USA

  1. December - Lapham Peak - Kettle Moraine South Unit

Flickr/MichaelPereckas With a tower to view the whole area and multiple trail lengths and difficulties to choose from, there’s no good reason to put off a trip to Lapham Peak. Located in the town of Delafield, it’s an ideal place for Milwaukeeans to get back into nature. During the snow season, the 2.5-mile lighted loop is lit up, making it a fun dusk or early evening trek if you are up for that kind of adventure! W329 N846 County Road C, Delafield, WI 53018 Lapham Peak, Delafield, WI 53018, USA

These are just some suggestions for great places to hike throughout the year. We’d love to hear what you think are the best hikes in Wisconsin — tell us in the comments below!

Flickr/WIDNR

With 1.7 and 3.1 mile options, and the ability to hike or ski, this trail located in Wyalusing State Park has lots about it to recommend. Parts of the park offer Mississippi River views, while others are well known for the wildlife they support. Located at State Park Ln, Bagley, WI 53801

Wyalusing Hardwood Forest, 13295 State Park Ln, Bagley, WI 53801, USA

Flickr/ElvisKennedy

There’s just one trail here and it’s a pretty 1.5-mile loop that will take you along the spring-fed Kangaroo Lake. You’ll see outcrops of the Niagara Escarpment and even some fossil remains. Many birds and animals call this place home. You’ll never feel crowded here - it’s the perfect winter escape. Trailhead parking is at approximately 3000 County Rd E, Bailey’s Harbor, WI 54202.

Kangaroo Lake State Natural Area, 8574 Bues Point Rd, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202, USA

Flickr/BenMiller

This park has several trails that are less than a mile, making it a good beginner stop. As one of the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin, it’s a pretty spot as the thaw happens. 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 and you’ll love it! Located at W5508 CTH NN, New Glarus, WI 53574.

New Glarus Woods State Park, W5446 County Highway Nn, New Glarus, WI 53574, USA

Flickr/AaronCarlsen

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 at Perrot State Park, which traverses 2.5 miles along the Mississippi and Trempealeau Rivers. Located at 26247 Sullivan Rd., Trempealeau, WI 54661.

Perrot State Park, Trempealeau, WI 54661, USA

Cody Schneider/AllTrails.com

May is a great time to visit High Cliff State Park, as the trees aren’t fully filled out and you can get awesome views out to Lake Winnebago. If you can handle the hills, you are in for a wonderful treat. This 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. You might also note that the Butterfly Pond and Forest Management Trails feature a lot less elevation change. Located at N7630 State Park Rd., Sherwood, WI 54169.

High Cliff State Park Road, High Cliff State Park Rd, Harrison, WI 54952, USA

Facebook/FriendsofPheasantBranchConservancy

This gorgeous spot has more than 500 acres that protect the Pheasant Branch Conservancy and the creek, which supplies Lake Mendota with 1,800 gallons of water every minute. You’ll also find rolling prairies as well as hills that provide a panoramic view of the Capitol Building, the downtown Madison skyline, and Lake Mendota. There are tons of trails to choose from, but the outer loop is just 3.1 miles, doesn’t have a lot of elevation change, and is great for hikers of all ages and abilities. Access the trail from Orchard Heights Park, 3960 Valley Ridge Rd., Middleton WI 53562

Pheasant Branch Conservancy, 4864 Pheasant Branch Rd, Middleton, WI 53562, USA

TripAdvisor/SpiketheBiker

One of the very best ways to explore this stunning part of the state is to use the Bearskin Trail, which is definitely one of the best hikes in Wisconsin. This, in addition to one other trail here, are converted rail beds that take you across lakes and into parts of nature you’d otherwise not be able to see. Both trails are great for hiking and biking. The southern terminus of this trail is in Sara Park, located at 900 W Somo Ave., Tomahawk, WI 54487. The northern terminus is at Torpey Park, 806 US-51, Minocqua, WI 54548.

Hiawatha Trail and Bearskin State Park Trail, Tomahawk, WI, USA

Wikipedia

Hartman Creek State Park, Emmons Creek Barrons State Natural Area and Fishery, and Pope Lake State Natural Area are all connected to provide more than 2,000 acres of protected lands in the Chain O’Lakes area of the state. If you head on the part of the Dike Trail that leaves from the horse parking area and heads north before turning east to go around Hartman Lake, you’ll find a nice trail that’s about two miles long. It’s not only one of the best hikes in Wisconsin, but also one of the best easy hikes in the state. And near the end, you’ll come to the Hartman Lake beach. Hartman Creek State Park is located at N2480 Hartman Creek Rd., Waupaca, WI 54981.

Hartman Creek State Park, N2480 Hartman Creek Rd, Waupaca, WI 54981, USA

Jaci Petsch/AllTrails.com

Even early in the season, you’ll spot the leaves changing here at Interstate State Park. The Pothole Trail is just a 0.4-mile loop. The Horizon Rock Trail connects the Pothole Trail to the Ice Age Center via a 0.5-mile linear trail, so in less than two miles, you can cover some amazing, beautiful ground. You simply cannot match the amazing views on these two short trails that connect. You’ll see gorgeous rock formations, the St. Croix National Riverway, amazing color, and the steep gorge while hiking the very end of the Ice Age Trail in what is arguably the most geologically interesting part of the entire 1,000-mile expanse here. Interstate Park is located in St. Croix Falls, on Wisconsin Highway 35 just 1/2 mile south of U.S. Highway 8.

Interstate State Park, 1275 WI-35, St Croix Falls, WI 54024, USA

Flickr/KatieWheeler

Copper Falls State Park, one of the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin, is home to the Bad River as well as Copper Falls, Brownstone Falls, and the Tyler Cascades. There’s a 1.7-mile hike called the Doughboys Nature Trail that lets you see all of them as well as the ancient lava that forms much of the landscape. Hiking here is amazing as it contains part of the North Country Trail. There are footbridges that take you up and over some of the most spectacular and interesting rock formations. The base of the gorges here is actually basalt - ancient lava from volcanoes that once covered the area. Located at Copper Falls State Park is located at 36664 Copper Falls Rd., Mellen, WI 54546.

Copper Falls State Park, 36764 Copper Falls Rd, Mellen, WI 54546, USA

Flickr/AmitMittal

Catch the end of the fall colors and get sweeping views of the surrounding countryside on this beautiful hike. The Willow Springs Trail, found inside of Blue Mounds State Park, is two miles long and 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.

Blue Mound State Park, 4350 Mounds Park Rd, Blue Mounds, WI 53517, USA

Flickr/MichaelPereckas

With a tower to view the whole area and multiple trail lengths and difficulties to choose from, there’s no good reason to put off a trip to Lapham Peak. Located in the town of Delafield, it’s an ideal place for Milwaukeeans to get back into nature. During the snow season, the 2.5-mile lighted loop is lit up, making it a fun dusk or early evening trek if you are up for that kind of adventure! W329 N846 County Road C, Delafield, WI 53018

Lapham Peak, Delafield, WI 53018, USA

If we wanted to, we could have also made a list of just waterfall hikes. We gave you a bunch of diversity, but if checking out all of the great waterfalls in Wisconsin is on your to-do list, check out this awesome compilation and start planning!

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Wisconsin July 22, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin Are there any little-known hiking trails in Wisconsin? As much as there are lots of popular trails dotted all over the state, you can find some little-known hidden gems as well. One of them is called the Lion’s Den Trail. Located in the town of Grafton, the trail meanders through a very beautiful wooded area, over marshland and several bridges, and eventually ends up at a beach right along the shores of Lake Michigan. It really is one of the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin and a true hiking gem. I’m looking for a great brewery in Milwaukee. Looking for a great brewery in Milwaukee is like searching for sand at the beach – they are everywhere! Milwaukeeans, as well as folks from all over the state, love their beer and as such, you’ll find a wealth of stellar breweries offering something for everyone. Among them are the Lakefront Brewery, Brenner Brewing Company, Good City Brewing, and of course, the iconic Pabst Brewery. These are just the beginning of all the fantastic places to enjoy a pint or two when in the Milwaukee area. Where can I find an unusual attraction in Wisconsin? There are actually quite a few, but one of the strangest, and most wonderful at the same time, is called House on the Rock. Located in the town of Spring, which is a suburb of the capital city of Madison, House on the Rock encompasses three entities – The Attraction; The Inn, a family-friendly retreat; and The Resort, an upscale accommodation with a spa and 27-hole championship golf course. The place is so expansive and there are so many things to see, that moving through at a brisk pace takes about 3 hours! Therefore, some people come over a couple of days, or in the morning, and later in the afternoon just to take it all in. If you’re looking for unusual, this definitely fits the bill!

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Wisconsin

July 22, 2022

Lysa Allman-Baldwin

Are there any little-known hiking trails in Wisconsin? As much as there are lots of popular trails dotted all over the state, you can find some little-known hidden gems as well. One of them is called the Lion’s Den Trail. Located in the town of Grafton, the trail meanders through a very beautiful wooded area, over marshland and several bridges, and eventually ends up at a beach right along the shores of Lake Michigan. It really is one of the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin and a true hiking gem. I’m looking for a great brewery in Milwaukee. Looking for a great brewery in Milwaukee is like searching for sand at the beach – they are everywhere! Milwaukeeans, as well as folks from all over the state, love their beer and as such, you’ll find a wealth of stellar breweries offering something for everyone. Among them are the Lakefront Brewery, Brenner Brewing Company, Good City Brewing, and of course, the iconic Pabst Brewery. These are just the beginning of all the fantastic places to enjoy a pint or two when in the Milwaukee area. Where can I find an unusual attraction in Wisconsin? There are actually quite a few, but one of the strangest, and most wonderful at the same time, is called House on the Rock. Located in the town of Spring, which is a suburb of the capital city of Madison, House on the Rock encompasses three entities – The Attraction; The Inn, a family-friendly retreat; and The Resort, an upscale accommodation with a spa and 27-hole championship golf course. The place is so expansive and there are so many things to see, that moving through at a brisk pace takes about 3 hours! Therefore, some people come over a couple of days, or in the morning, and later in the afternoon just to take it all in. If you’re looking for unusual, this definitely fits the bill!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

As much as there are lots of popular trails dotted all over the state, you can find some little-known hidden gems as well. One of them is called the Lion’s Den Trail. Located in the town of Grafton, the trail meanders through a very beautiful wooded area, over marshland and several bridges, and eventually ends up at a beach right along the shores of Lake Michigan. It really is one of the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin and a true hiking gem.

I’m looking for a great brewery in Milwaukee.

Looking for a great brewery in Milwaukee is like searching for sand at the beach – they are everywhere! Milwaukeeans, as well as folks from all over the state, love their beer and as such, you’ll find a wealth of stellar breweries offering something for everyone. Among them are the Lakefront Brewery, Brenner Brewing Company, Good City Brewing, and of course, the iconic Pabst Brewery. These are just the beginning of all the fantastic places to enjoy a pint or two when in the Milwaukee area.

Where can I find an unusual attraction in Wisconsin?

There are actually quite a few, but one of the strangest, and most wonderful at the same time, is called House on the Rock. Located in the town of Spring, which is a suburb of the capital city of Madison, House on the Rock encompasses three entities – The Attraction; The Inn, a family-friendly retreat; and The Resort, an upscale accommodation with a spa and 27-hole championship golf course. The place is so expansive and there are so many things to see, that moving through at a brisk pace takes about 3 hours! Therefore, some people come over a couple of days, or in the morning, and later in the afternoon just to take it all in. If you’re looking for unusual, this definitely fits the bill!