The best walks and hikes around La Crescent
5.0
(7)
168
hikers
35
hikes
Hiking around La Crescent is defined by its location in the Driftless Area, characterized by steep bluffs rising above the Mississippi River valley. The region features a diverse landscape of oak-hickory woods, pine plantations, and goat prairies. Trails offer a mix of challenging ascents to viewpoints and more level routes along the river's edge. This topography provides varied experiences for different skill levels.
Best hiking trails around La Crescent
- The most popular hiking route is Wood Duck, Cottonwood and Grand Crossing Loop, a 3.4 miles (5.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 22 minutes to complete. This easy route explores the backwaters of the Mississippi River, passing through diverse ecosystems.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Three Rivers Trail, an easy 2.9 miles (4.7 km) path. This trail offers views of the river and surrounding natural areas.
- Local hikers also love the Vetsch Park Loop, a 1.4 miles (2.2 km) trail leading through varied terrain, often completed in about 38 minutes.
- Hiking around La Crescent is defined by river bluffs, dense woodlands, and prairie paths. The trail network provides options for different ability levels, from moderate climbs to easy riverside walks.
- The routes in La Crescent are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 7 reviews. More than 130 hikers have used komoot to explore La Crescent's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 18, 2026
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hikers
4.72km
01:12
10m
20m
The Three Rivers Trail in La Crosse offers a delightful, easygoing escape into a landscape shaped by water. This flat, crushed limestone path winds through serene woodlands and marshes, often running alongside the river, providing ample opportunities for wildlife spotting. You'll experience the unique natural spectacle of a triple confluence of rivers and the peaceful expanse of the La Crosse Marsh, making for a truly relaxing and picturesque journey.
This accessible route is perfect for a leisurely outing, covering 2.9 miles (4.7 km) with a negligible 28 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking just over an hour. You'll find convenient parking areas, picnic shelters, and restrooms available at several locations along the trail, making it easy to plan your visit. It's an ideal choice for families, casual walkers, or anyone looking for a gentle stroll in nature.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Three Rivers Trail is part of a larger network of rail trails, highlighting both natural splendor and historical significance. The trail's design, following a former railroad right-of-way, ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all users. It's a fantastic way to connect with the local environment and enjoy a peaceful walk near the heart of La Crosse.
1
hikers
5.42km
01:23
10m
20m
The Wood Duck, Cottonwood and Grand Crossing Loop offers a serene escape into La Crosse's natural beauty, winding through lush marshlands and pockets of forest. You'll traverse a mix of paved sections, natural paths, and scenic wooden boardwalks, providing an intimate look at wetland vegetation and waterways. Keep an eye out for local fish and wildlife, especially around the Marsh Overlook, which provides sweeping views of the La Crosse Marsh and is a prime spot for birdwatching.
This easy 3.4-mile (5.4 km) loop, with a gentle 47 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, can typically be completed in about 1 hour and 22 minutes, making it ideal for a quick, refreshing outing. The trail is family-friendly and dog-friendly (on leash), and no permits are required. Parking is usually available at the trailhead, but consider an early start on busy days to ensure a spot.
This trail is part of the larger La Crosse River Marsh network, a biodiverse natural wetland. The Wood Duck segment notably connects to the Hixon Forest trail system and passes under Highway 16 via a culvert, showcasing thoughtful integration of nature and infrastructure. Improvements, including timber staircases, have been made to enhance the hiking experience and address erosion, preserving this valuable ecosystem for all to enjoy.
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1.83km
00:28
0m
10m
The Riverside Park Loop in La Crosse offers a delightful, easy hiking experience, perfect for a quick nature fix. This 1.1-mile (1.8 km) route features a negligible 6 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain, making it a flat and accessible walk that takes around 27 minutes to complete. You'll enjoy a quiet stroll through the park, passing by the serene International Friendship Garden and the charming Japanese Garden Archway.
Accessing the trail is simple, as it's located directly within Riverside Park. There are no permits or fees required, and parking is generally available within the park area. While the trail is usually smooth and beginner-friendly, it's a good idea to be aware that riverside paths can occasionally be affected by seasonal flooding, so check local conditions if there's been heavy rain.
This loop is an excellent choice for families or anyone seeking a peaceful, short walk. It provides a lovely opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area, including views of the triple confluence of rivers, without committing to a longer or more strenuous hike. It's a great way to enjoy some fresh air and scenic surroundings right in the city.
2.19km
00:39
60m
30m
Hike the difficult 1.4-mile Vetsch Park Loop to experience forested paths and panoramic views of the Mississippi River from Stoney Point.
1.25km
00:21
20m
20m
The Apple Blossom Overlook Trail is an easy 0.8-mile hike in La Crescent, offering panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley.
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Tips from the Community
La Crosse is fortunate to have Sister City relationships with eight cities around the world. These cities include Bantry, Ireland; Dubna, Russia; Epinal, France; Førde, Norway; Friedberg, Germany; Luoyang, China; Kumbo, The Republic of Cameroon, West Africa; and Junglinster, Luxembourg. Each of these relationships is unique and features cooperative efforts in such diverse activities as health care, education, sports, the arts, government agencies and public policy, business, and many others La Crosse's business activity along with the varied cultural backgrounds of the citizens has resulted in an environment that makes foreign visitors welcome and is supportive of a variety of cultural activities and events. Many of these events are supported and coordinated by the City’s International Committee. The International Committee has representation from each of our Sister Cities and from citizens interested in promoting international awareness and citizen diplomacy.
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Lots of nature, but be sure to stay on the paths
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This is the promenade on the Mississippi
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Many of the marsh trails are paved or hard-packed dirt, making it a great place for riding. This is good place to look for waterfowl and other wetland fauna, and there is a fishing pier and picnic area nearby.
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The park goes right up to the water's edge, and there are plenty of nice grassy areas to hand out by the river in the shade. There are some paved trails, and sometimes the park will hold events at the band shell or for Riverfest.
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From the northwest corner of Riverside Park of La Crosse, you can see a triple confluence of rivers: to your left, the Mississippi River; straight ahead, the Black River; and on your right, the La Crosse River.
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The overlook provides a view into the marsh area & is a great place for birding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the La Crescent area?
Yes, the area offers several gentle trails perfect for a family outing. For a flat, scenic walk along the Mississippi's backwaters, consider the Marsh Trail loop — La Crosse. It's a short, easy loop with great opportunities for birdwatching. Another excellent choice is the walk through Riverside Park, which provides lovely river views without any challenging climbs.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails near La Crescent?
Many trails in the La Crescent area are dog-friendly, but policies can vary, especially in state parks and wildlife refuges. Dogs are generally welcome on leash in places like Hixon Forest and local parks. Always check the specific regulations for the park you plan to visit before you go and be prepared to clean up after your pet.
What are some popular places for hiking around La Crescent?
Hikers have several excellent options. Great River Bluffs State Park offers trails with breathtaking overlooks of the Mississippi River. Across the river in Wisconsin, Perrot State Park features iconic bluff trails. For trails closer to town, Eagles Bluff Park provides steep but rewarding climbs, and the highly-regarded Hixon Forest contains an extensive network of paths through beautiful woodland.
Are there any circular hiking routes available?
The region is great for loop hikes, allowing you to enjoy a varied journey without retracing your steps. Most trails in the area are designed as loops. For an easy riverside walk, the Riverside Park loop — La Crosse is a pleasant option. Many of the more challenging bluff trails are also loops, offering continuous new scenery.
Where can I find the best views while hiking?
The bluffs in the Driftless Area provide spectacular viewpoints. For a classic panoramic view over La Crosse and the Mississippi River, the trails at Grandad Bluff Park are a popular favorite. Another well-loved spot is Apple Blossom Overlook Park, which offers stunning vistas along the Apple Blossom Scenic Drive.
What is the hiking like in Great River Bluffs State Park?
Hiking in Great River Bluffs State Park is defined by its trails that lead through forests and prairies to stunning overlooks high above the Mississippi River. The trails range from easy to moderate, with some climbs to reach the viewpoints. It's particularly beautiful in the fall when the foliage is at its peak.
How difficult are the trails in Perrot State Park?
Perrot State Park offers a range of difficulties. You can find relatively flat trails along the river, but the park is best known for its challenging climbs up Brady's Bluff and Perrot Ridge. These routes are steep and strenuous but reward hikers with some of the most impressive views in the region, overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Trempealeau Rivers.
Where can I find hiking trail maps for the La Crescent area?
The komoot app provides detailed digital maps for all listed routes, which you can use for navigation on your phone. For a general overview of local city trails, the City of La Crescent also provides a downloadable PDF map on their website. You can find it here: La Crescent Bicycle and Hiking Map.
What should I know about parking at the trailheads?
Parking availability varies. State Parks like Great River Bluffs and Perrot have designated parking areas, though a state park vehicle permit is typically required. For smaller trail systems like Eagles Bluff Park, parking may be limited to small lots or street parking in residential areas, so pay close attention to local signage.
How does hiking in La Crescent compare to nearby Winona?
Both La Crescent and Winona are situated in Minnesota's beautiful Bluff Country and offer fantastic hiking. La Crescent's trails are intimately tied to the Mississippi River, with many routes in Great River Bluffs State Park and across the river in Wisconsin's Perrot State Park. Winona is famous for Sugar Loaf bluff and has extensive trails at Garvin Heights Park, offering a similar mix of challenging climbs and rewarding views.
What do other hikers say about the trails around La Crescent?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning bluff-top views over the Mississippi River Valley and the well-maintained trails that wind through peaceful forests and prairies.
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