The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Wisconsin, United States

August 19, 2021 Concepcion Newsome

When you think “adventure travel” you probably think of far-flung places like Belize and Alaska—not Wisconsin. But if you’re an outdoor adventurer, you’ll find plenty of places to explore in Wisconsin. A vacation in Wisconsin can put you close to the Kettle Moraine State Forest, which has excellent biking trails. Or choose Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands—kayakers will love exploring Lake Superior’s many caves and shipwrecks.

Packers fans don’t wear those cheese-wedge hats for nothing! Foodies will love tasting as many of Wisconsin’s artisanal cheeses as possible. Either drive from cheesemaker to cheesemaker, or choose a Wisconsin vacation in a town with a good farmers’ market—then the cheesemakers bring their wares to you. And what goes better with artisanal cheese than craft beer? In Milwaukee, visit the Lakefront and Sprecher Breweries for tours and tastings.

Wisconsin Dells is a classic family vacation destination. A vacation in Wisconsin Dells will put you close to all the excitement—you’ll have to tear the kids away from the theme parks, wave pools and water parks in Wisconsin Dells!

Lake Geneva boasts clean beaches, golf, and a small-town feel that definitely appeals to city dwellers—it’s a popular getaway for residents of Chicago.


Restaurants in Wisconsin

1. Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Elroy, WI +1 608-463-7109 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/elroysparta
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 129 reviews

Elroy-Sparta State Trail

A 34-mile trail.

Reviewed By 252annv - Dodgeville, United States

My adult daughter and I started from the Sparta Chamber of Commerce parking lots. There is plenty of room there for parking and restroom facilities. It was approximately 8 miles to Tunnel 3. Tunnel 3 is a must see, but be prepared to get wet and don't forget your flashlight. I am sure it depends on the time of year, but there was lots of water dripping from the ceiling and flowing down the sides in the tunnel. Tunnel 3 is 3/4 of a mile long and took us 20-25 minutes to walk through. You are not allowed to bike in the tunnels. There were not a lot of people there at the time we went (11 a.m.), but I am sure this could get crowded and take more time. We then biked on to Tunnel 2, which was 15 miles from the Sparta Chamber of Commerce. Tunnel 2 is 1/4 mile long and not near as wet inside. There is a small town called Norwalk in between Tunnel 3 and Tunnel 2, which also had a parking lot. Tunnel 3 from Norwalk is approximately 2 miles and would be very doable for walking and small children on bikes. There was a small store, plus rest area. Round trip from the Sparta Chamber of Commerce thru Tunnel 2 and back took us 4 hours at a leisurely pace. I would recommend starting from Norwalk if you do not want such a long adventure. Seeing Tunnel 3 is a must see, but be prepared to get wet and remember your flashlight.

2. American Birkebeiner Trail

from Cable, WI to Hayward, WI 14269W Nordic Lane, Hayward, WI +1 715-634-5025 http://www.birkie.com/
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 44 reviews

American Birkebeiner Trail

50+ mile hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoe trail that runs between 2 small towns in northern Wisconsin

Reviewed By Pkcrowley - Williamsburg, United States

Since I have started cross country skiing, I have wanted to ski the famous Birkebeiner Trail . Especially since we have very little snow in Southeast Virginia. It wasn't so easy to get there- plane and rental car needed-but I not expecting such a wonderful time. Hayward- the town and people are great. Thank you especially to the Welcome center of the Birkie Trail. The employee on duty was MORE than helpful. Be sure to eat at the Norske Nook after you ski. The trail was beautifully groomed. I never felt lonely out there as a single skier-there were always occasional skiers. The warming huts are special places.

3. Bearskin State Trail

199 Front St, Minocqua, WI 54548 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/bearskin/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 62 reviews

Bearskin State Trail

Reviewed By CamperCJ - McHenry, United States

Trailhead starts in downtown Minocqua, with a long trestle over part of Lake Minocqua and then into wooded areas, past some small lakes, changing into more open areas later on the trail. There were also two small parking areas along the trail if you wanted to ride a section at a time. Total miles around 18 one way.

4. Hawthorn Hollow - Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum

880 Green Bay Rd across from Petrifying Springs Park on Hwy 31, Kenosha, WI 53144-1131 +1 262-552-8196 http://www.hawthornhollow.org/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Hawthorn Hollow - Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum

5. Boulder Junction Area Trail System

5352 Park Street, Boulder Junction, WI 54512 http://www.northwoodsbiking.com/vilasmaps/crystal.htm
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

Boulder Junction Area Trail System

Reviewed By Wis_Badger_Traveler - Madison, United States

I took a fall ride from Boulder Jct to Manitowish and then to Mercer. This trail is one of the best bike trails I've every taken. It's scenic with rivers, bodies of water, lush forests, wildlife, and birds. The trail curves and winds and there are only a few small hills (and they are short). I can't wait to ride this trail again.

6. Retzer Nature Center

S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI 53188-9501 +1 262-896-8007 https://www.facebook.com/RetzerNatureCenter/
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 6 reviews

Retzer Nature Center

etzer Nature Center is preserving and maintaining over 450 acres of prairie, forest, wildlife habitat, nature trails and environmental learning facilities in Waukesha County. Includes; Planetarium; Nature displays.

7. Mequon Nature Preserve

8200 W County Line Rd, Mequon, WI 53097, Mequon, WI 53097-3906 http://mequonnaturepreserve.org/#2
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3 reviews

Mequon Nature Preserve

Reviewed By ChocolateOrDie

I love to walk the dog here and he loves it too. One suggestion I have is more garbage cans for dog waste. The variety of scenery is excellent.

8. Military Ridge State Trail

Verona, WI http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/militaryridge/
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Military Ridge State Trail

Forty marked, mostly flat, miles of trail out of Badger Praire County Park, about 10-minutes south of Madison.

Reviewed By Anguru - Madison, United States

I had to stop running in 2012 as a result of a bad knee. This trail with its soft surface enabled me to start running two years ago. Besides that, I often use the bike trail from Verona to Mt. Horeb through the woods and especially in the evening it is magical! Surely this trail is a gift to the Madison, Verona, Mt.Horab, Fitchburg, Dodgeville .... community. I owe so much to this trail.

9. Red Cedar State Trail

Menomonie, WI +1 888-523-3866 http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/redcedar
Excellent
67%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 97 reviews

Red Cedar State Trail

Reviewed By 985sherryl - Oshkosh, United States

This is the most beautiful trail in Wisconsin. Relatively easy ride. Plenty of photo opportunities. Crushed limestone. Busy near the park with walkers.

10. Chippewa River Trail

Eau Claire, WI +1 888-523-3866 http://www.chippewa-river-trail.com/
Excellent
67%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 60 reviews

Chippewa River Trail

Reviewed By rrgeniusz - Cedarburg, United States

This trail goes all around the Eau Claire Area and is a great way to walk or ride a bike around town. Some of the special features that enjoyed were the old Chicago and Northwestern Bridges that have been converted to walking/biking bridges, the new welcome center, the planet walk that puts the sizes and distances between planets into perspective. The trail is not flat, there are some hills.There is a large farmers market just off the trail during the warmer months.

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