Any time is a great time to embark upon some of the best hikes in Wisconsin. And in every corner of The Badger State, you’ll find both well-known and hidden gems chock full of stunning beauty. So grab your boots, call a friend, and have fun checking out this list of 12 awesome hikes — one for each month of the year.
- Fern Dell Gorge
Tim Gasser/Google 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. It is definitely one of the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin! Fern Dell Gorge, Reedsburg, WI 53959, USA
- Devil’s Lake State Park (Baraboo)
Eric Bauman/AllTrails With 3 million visitors per year, Devil’s Lake State Park is the most popular park in the state and home to some of the best hikes in Wisconsin. 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. Devil’s Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
- Pattison State Park (Superior)
Allison Winter-Reed/AllTrails 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. The length makes it one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Wisconsin as well so bring the little ones! Pattison State Park, 6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880, USA
- Geneva Lake Shore Path (Lake Geneva)
Jim Coach Krupke/Google Undeniably enchanting, the 26-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path 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. Geneva Lake Shore Path, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI, USA
- Scuppernong Springs Nature Loop (Dousman)
Susan Graff/All Trails Located in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the Scuppernong Springs Nature Loop, another one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Wisconsin, is just 1.5 miles long and features very little elevation gain, making it a great choice for 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. Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail, County Rd ZZ, Dousman, WI 53118, USA
- Lost Creek Falls Trail (Cornucopia)
Frederick Foote/AllTrails 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! Looking for one of the best hikes in Wisconsin? This one has to be on your list! Lost Creek Falls Walking Trail, Trail Dr, Cornucopia, WI 54827, USA
- Willow Falls Hill Trail (Hudson)
Bradley White/AllTrails When you’re looking to soak up some scenic beauty AND some sun, you’re sure to be pleased with the Willow Falls Hill Trail, which leads straight to Willow Falls, a 3-tiered waterfall. Short and sweet, the trail is just 0.85 miles. Once at the end 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. Willow Falls, Hudson, WI 54016, USA
- Dunes Cordwalk (Sheboygan)
Kia Shultz/Google Running parallel to Lake Michigan, the Dunes Cordwalk is a unique boardwalk trek that 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. Kohler Park Dunes State Natural Area, Sheboygan, WI 53081, USA
- Pier Natural Bridge Park (Richland Center)
Janelle Johnson/Google 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 the Pier Natural Bridge Park 1-mile loop trail, you can do just that.
- St. Peter’s Dome Trail (Marengo)
Laura Lodewyk/AllTrails 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, it is among the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin and the views at the top make it completely worth it. St. Peter’s Dome State Natural Area, Forest Rd 199, Marengo, WI 54855, USA
- Mawikwe Bay (Cornucopia)
Pudiimom/TripAdvisor You may have thought summer was the best time to visit the sea caves on Mawikwe Bay in Cornucopia, 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 before you visit. Squaw Bay, Mawikwe Bay, Wisconsin, USA
- Fonferek’s Glen Trail (Green Bay)
Downspec/Wikimedia Proof that good things really do come in small packages, Fonferek’s Glen Trail 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. Brown County WI Fonferek’s Glen, 2825 Dutchman Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311, USA
So, have you ever trekked along any of the trails mentioned? Did we include your favorite? Or leave out your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.
Tim Gasser/Google
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. It is definitely one of the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin!
Fern Dell Gorge, Reedsburg, WI 53959, USA
Eric Bauman/AllTrails
With 3 million visitors per year, Devil’s Lake State Park is the most popular park in the state and home to some of the best hikes in Wisconsin. 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.
Devil’s Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
Allison Winter-Reed/AllTrails
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. The length makes it one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Wisconsin as well so bring the little ones!
Pattison State Park, 6294 WI-35, Superior, WI 54880, USA
Jim Coach Krupke/Google
Undeniably enchanting, the 26-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path 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.
Geneva Lake Shore Path, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI, USA
Susan Graff/All Trails
Located in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the Scuppernong Springs Nature Loop, another one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Wisconsin, is just 1.5 miles long and features very little elevation gain, making it a great choice for 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.
Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail, County Rd ZZ, Dousman, WI 53118, USA
Frederick Foote/AllTrails
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! Looking for one of the best hikes in Wisconsin? This one has to be on your list!
Lost Creek Falls Walking Trail, Trail Dr, Cornucopia, WI 54827, USA
Bradley White/AllTrails
When you’re looking to soak up some scenic beauty AND some sun, you’re sure to be pleased with the Willow Falls Hill Trail, which leads straight to Willow Falls, a 3-tiered waterfall. Short and sweet, the trail is just 0.85 miles. Once at the end 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.
Willow Falls, Hudson, WI 54016, USA
Kia Shultz/Google
Running parallel to Lake Michigan, the Dunes Cordwalk is a unique boardwalk trek that 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.
Kohler Park Dunes State Natural Area, Sheboygan, WI 53081, USA
Janelle Johnson/Google
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 the Pier Natural Bridge Park 1-mile loop trail, you can do just that.
Laura Lodewyk/AllTrails
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, it is among the most scenic hikes in Wisconsin and the views at the top make it completely worth it.
St. Peter’s Dome State Natural Area, Forest Rd 199, Marengo, WI 54855, USA
Pudiimom/TripAdvisor
You may have thought summer was the best time to visit the sea caves on Mawikwe Bay in Cornucopia, 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 before you visit.
Squaw Bay, Mawikwe Bay, Wisconsin, USA
Downspec/Wikimedia
Proof that good things really do come in small packages, Fonferek’s Glen Trail 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.
Brown County WI Fonferek’s Glen, 2825 Dutchman Rd, Green Bay, WI 54311, USA
These aren’t the only hikes worthy of a place on your bucket list. Check out this one located on a secluded beach!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Wisconsin July 27, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin Are there any little-known trails in Wisconsin? There are quite a few, but one of the favorites in the state is called the Lion’s Den Trail. Located in the town of Grafton, it is a true hidden gem. Part of what makes it so is that it leads to a spectacular beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. The trail is only 2 miles long and reveals lots of stunning beauty along the way. It is one of the best hikes in Wisconsin! Where should I go for a weekend getaway in Wisconsin? Oh, man! That’s a hard question because there are loads of great places for a weekend getaway in Wisconsin. They all have their own unique aspects that make them attractive, but one that you might consider is the town of Mount Horeb. A fun fact is that it is known as the troll capital of the world (how strange is that?). It is also a former Norwegian community and has managed to maintain a great deal of the culture and flair, even to this day. Can you suggest a road trip itinerary in Wisconsin? There is a really exciting road trip itinerary that goes from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. Along the way, you’ll traverse through Waukesha, Madison, and Prairie du Chien, just to name a few places in The Badger State. If you drive straight through, it will take a little under four hours, but you’ll definitely want to stop along the way to enjoy all that each destination has to offer.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Wisconsin
July 27, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
Are there any little-known trails in Wisconsin? There are quite a few, but one of the favorites in the state is called the Lion’s Den Trail. Located in the town of Grafton, it is a true hidden gem. Part of what makes it so is that it leads to a spectacular beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. The trail is only 2 miles long and reveals lots of stunning beauty along the way. It is one of the best hikes in Wisconsin! Where should I go for a weekend getaway in Wisconsin? Oh, man! That’s a hard question because there are loads of great places for a weekend getaway in Wisconsin. They all have their own unique aspects that make them attractive, but one that you might consider is the town of Mount Horeb. A fun fact is that it is known as the troll capital of the world (how strange is that?). It is also a former Norwegian community and has managed to maintain a great deal of the culture and flair, even to this day. Can you suggest a road trip itinerary in Wisconsin? There is a really exciting road trip itinerary that goes from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. Along the way, you’ll traverse through Waukesha, Madison, and Prairie du Chien, just to name a few places in The Badger State. If you drive straight through, it will take a little under four hours, but you’ll definitely want to stop along the way to enjoy all that each destination has to offer.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are quite a few, but one of the favorites in the state is called the Lion’s Den Trail. Located in the town of Grafton, it is a true hidden gem. Part of what makes it so is that it leads to a spectacular beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. The trail is only 2 miles long and reveals lots of stunning beauty along the way. It is one of the best hikes in Wisconsin!
Where should I go for a weekend getaway in Wisconsin?
Oh, man! That’s a hard question because there are loads of great places for a weekend getaway in Wisconsin. They all have their own unique aspects that make them attractive, but one that you might consider is the town of Mount Horeb. A fun fact is that it is known as the troll capital of the world (how strange is that?). It is also a former Norwegian community and has managed to maintain a great deal of the culture and flair, even to this day.
Can you suggest a road trip itinerary in Wisconsin?
There is a really exciting road trip itinerary that goes from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. Along the way, you’ll traverse through Waukesha, Madison, and Prairie du Chien, just to name a few places in The Badger State. If you drive straight through, it will take a little under four hours, but you’ll definitely want to stop along the way to enjoy all that each destination has to offer.
