Wisconsin is healthier identified for its well-known food and drinks (beer, cheese, cream puffs, and kringle) than for its outdoorsy choices, however climbing lovers will discover an enormous number of trails and terrain all around the Badger State.
From quick city hikes alongside the Lake Michigan shoreline in southeastern Wisconsin to family-friendly boardwalk trails “up north”, nearly any and each hiker will discover a large path someplace on this nice Midwestern state. And whether or not it’s a fast, informal hike in a metropolis park or a legendary multi-month trek throughout the state’s 1200-mile-long Ice Age Path, you possibly can at all times spherical off your journey with a chilly beer and a plate of scorching fried cheese curds.
Seven Bridges Path is a well-liked quick hike close to Milwaukee
1 mile (1.6km) spherical journey, half-hour, straightforward
Bordering the Lake Michigan shoreline within the suburb of South Milwaukee, is likely one of the finest parks in Milwaukee, Grant Park. The park’s Seven Bridges Path winds by means of unpaved trails and stone paths, alongside a bubbly ravine and tiny waterfalls, and up and down forested staircases. Wildflowers blanket the bottom every spring and are available autumn, it’s among the best locations for fall foliage in Milwaukee. No matter once you go, the forest is so dense that you just’ll neglect you’re nonetheless within the metropolis. The path has a number of offshoots so you can modify the size of your route relying in your temper.
Given the path’s magnificence and quick access from the town, it is pretty standard. You’re more likely to see households with younger youngsters, {couples} out on a primary date, wedding ceremony events posing for skilled pictures, and buddies taking selfies for social media. To have the paths to your self, head right here on a weekday morning.
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The Ice Age Path is Wisconsin’s epic through-hike
1200 miles (1931km) one-way, a number of months, tough
Over 12,000 years in the past, an enormous glacial ice circulation started sculpting the Wisconsin panorama. As we speak, a 1200-mile path tracing the sting of the glacier is certainly one of solely 11 Nationwide Scenic Trails within the nation. Established in 1980, the Ice Age Nationwide Scenic Path is formed considerably like a horseshoe and takes hikers from the Door County peninsula (the state’s “thumb”), south towards Milwaukee, west close to Madison, then up and throughout the northern a part of the state.
The path is damaged down into small sections, which vary from two-mile stretches by means of flat prairies to 10-mile hikes that embody important elevation acquire and technical issue. Many path sections might be discovered on the AllTrails app, which usually additionally embody distance, elevation profile, and footage and opinions uploaded by different hikers. Nonetheless, when you’re going to try a really lengthy part of the path – particularly one that may require backcountry tenting – strongly think about shopping for the Ice Age Trail guidebook to plan your journey.
Uplands Path is Wisconsin’s most dog-friendly hike
2.5 miles (4km) loop, 1–2 hours, straightforward
Situated in Wisconsin’s Driftless Space, Governor Dodge State Park is likely one of the state’s largest parks and has over 5000 acres of steep hills, deep valleys, and 40 miles of climbing trails. It additionally has entry to the 40-mile lengthy Army Ridge State Path, for these fascinated by a longer-through hike (or bike journey, because it’s a multi-use path). The Uplands Path passes by means of prairies, woods, and rolling hills and as one of many lesser-traveled trails within the park, you’re unlikely to come across many different folks. It is a year-round climbing choice nevertheless it’s particularly beautiful in fall when the forest lights up with shiny purple, yellow, and orange leaves.
What makes this such an amazing choice for canine buddies is not only the hike itself, however the extraordinarily dog-friendly nature of the park, which affords off-leash pet swim areas at every lake and designated pet picnic areas. Hikers may even carry their canine on rented canoes and kayaks and, in fact, canines are welcome on the campsites.
Large Bay State Park Boardwalk Path is ideal for younger households and wheelchair-users
1.5 mile (3.2km) in-and-out, 1 hour, straightforward
Wisconsin’s northernmost park, Big Bay State Park, can solely be reached by ferry. The 20-minute ferry shuttles folks (and vehicles) from mainland metropolis, Bayfield, to Madeline Island, the most important of the 22 Apostle Islands that make up the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The waterfront park is standard for climbing, kayaking, and birding, in addition to the mile-long Boardwalk Path, which is a flat, accessible boardwalk winding by means of the woods and alongside the sandy shores of Lake Superior.
The Boardwalk Path is well-marked, dotted with interpretive indicators, and has picket benches scattered alongside the route. Not solely can the flat and even boardwalk accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers, however an accessible ramp and boardwalk join an ADA-compliant campsite with the seashore and picnic space. A beach-ready wheelchair with balloon tires can be accessible to be used within the park, however you might want to order it forward of time. Longer, barely tougher filth path climbing trails blanket the forest, lake space, and shoreline, however they’re harder for wheelchairs and walkers to navigate.
Scuppernog Path is the state’s finest winter hike
5.3 miles (8.5km) loop, 2–3 hours, average
For anybody seeking to expertise a small (and barely hilly) part of the Ice Age Path, head to the Scuppernog Path within the Southern Unit of Kettle Morraine State Forest. The path is about 40 minutes west of Milwaukee and an hour and fifteen minutes east of Madison so it makes for an amazing day journey from both metropolis however there are additionally campgrounds and distant backpacker shelters accessible.
Whereas Scuppernog is a wonderful path year-round, what makes it so particular in winter is that the hardwood forest and pine plantations change into picture-perfect when blanketed in snow. You’ll additionally normally discover a number of small pine timber alongside the path which were adorned with Christmas ornaments.
Whereas the primary loop hike is about 5 miles lengthy, a number of quick trails crisscross by means of the loop, which means you can simply shorten (or lengthen) the hike. Additionally, as it is a part of the 1200-mile Ice Age Path, you can simply lengthen your hike by tacking on adjoining path sections. On the Scuppernog trailhead, you’ll discover loos and good signage that breaks down the size and issue of every route. Benches are additionally scattered alongside the path in case you want a break or wish to cease for a picnic.
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