The best walks and hikes in Wisconsin

Embark on the Pheasant Branch and Frederick's Hill Loop, an easy hike that guides you through a rich tapestry of wooded forests, wetlands, and prairies. This 4.6-mile (7.3 km) route, with a gentle 216 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain, offers a refreshing outdoor experience that typically takes about 1 hour and 54 minutes to complete. As you hike, you'll discover the spring-fed Pheasant Branch Creek and ascend Frederick's Hill, where panoramic views await.

When planning your visit, be aware that the Pheasant Branch Conservancy provides multiple access points and parking options for your convenience. It's always a good idea to check for local signage upon arrival, as sections of the Frederick's Hill trail may experience intermittent closures due to ongoing realignment work. This helps protect important cultural sites and improves the overall hiking experience for everyone.

Frederick's Hill stands out as a key feature of this trail, offering expansive 360-degree vistas from its summit. From this vantage point, you can clearly see the Wisconsin State Capitol in downtown Madison, the shimmering expanse of Lake Mendota, the surrounding marshlands, and ancient Native American effigy mounds. This route provides a unique blend of natural beauty and historical insight within a short, accessible hike.

The Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway Loop in Devil's Lake State Park offers a dramatic and rewarding hiking experience, showcasing unique geological formations and stunning vistas. This moderate 1.4-mile (2.3 km) loop, with its 385 feet (117 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 50 minutes to complete, leading you past the iconic Balanced Rock and through the natural arch of Devil's Doorway, all while providing panoramic views of Devil's Lake and its quartzite bluffs.

Planning your visit means preparing for steep climbs and descents, often over stone steps that can be slippery. Good traction footwear is highly recommended for this challenging terrain. The trail is located within Devil's Lake State Park, and while it's accessible, be mindful of narrow sections with drop-offs. Fall is a particularly popular time to visit due to the vibrant foliage, but the trail offers beauty in any season.

This route is a concise yet impactful way to experience some of Wisconsin's best natural features, including talus slopes and glacial moraines. Portions of the trail are also part of the much longer Ice Age National Scenic Trail, highlighting its geological significance. It's a fantastic option if you're looking for a powerful dose of scenery and a good workout without committing to an all-day adventure.

The Loop the Little Lake Trail offers a serene and accessible hiking experience around Little Lake Butte des Morts, connecting several Wisconsin communities. You'll follow a primarily paved, multi-use path that winds through mixed hardwoods, occasionally opening up to provide tranquil lakeside vistas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like white-tailed deer and red foxes, and enjoy the rich understory of ferns and wildflowers, especially vibrant in spring and early summer.

This easy 3.9-mile (6.4 km) route has a minimal 36 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain, making it suitable for all ages and abilities, including those with strollers or pets. It typically takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes to complete. Parking is readily available at the four developed parks along the route, such as Fritse Park and Shepard Park, which also offer amenities like restrooms and picnic areas.

One of the standout Loop the Little Lake Trail points of interest is the converted railroad trestle bridges, particularly the Fox Cities Trestle, which provides unique vantage points over the lake. This trail beautifully blends natural beauty with urban convenience, serving as both a recreational escape and a practical commuting path. It's a fantastic option for a family friendly outing or a peaceful solo stroll.

The Scuppernong Red Loop offers a delightful and varied hiking experience through the Kettle Moraine State Forest. You'll wander through peaceful pine plantations and beautiful hardwood forests, with the terrain shifting between gentle grades and rolling hills, punctuated by a few steeper sections. Keep an eye out for the observation off-shoot near Trail Marker S8, which provides a lovely viewpoint over the distinctive glacial kettles that define this unique landscape.

This easy 2.5-mile (4.0 km) loop, with its 119 feet (36 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete. The trailhead offers convenient parking, water, and vault toilets, but be aware that a Wisconsin State Park vehicle sticker is required for access. It's a great option for established walkers and families, though very young children might need a carrier for the steeper parts.

Part of the larger Scuppernong Trail System, this route is exclusively for hikers, ensuring a tranquil journey through nature. The trail's mix of terrain and scenery, from wide dirt paths to sections with sand and gravel, truly showcases the unique glacial features of the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a family-friendly hike with rewarding natural features.

The Orange Loop offers a delightful and accessible hiking experience, perfect for a quick escape into nature. This easy 3.1-mile (4.9 km) route winds through the scenic Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit, where you'll encounter dense woodlands and open tallgrass prairies. Expect to see wildflowers in bloom during warmer months and potentially catch views of tranquil lakes or creeks, all with a gentle 236 feet (72 metres) of elevation gain.

Planning your outing is simple; the trail is typically well-marked with orange blazes, ensuring easy navigation. While specific parking information isn't detailed, many Orange Loop hiking trails are accessible year-round, making it a flexible option for any season. It's a great choice for families or beginners, taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete.

This particular Orange Loop is part of a broader network of trails, often connecting to other colored loops, providing options for longer adventures if you wish to extend your hike. The diverse terrain, from forests to prairies, showcases the rich natural environment of Wisconsin, making it a notable local gem for wildlife observation and seasonal beauty.

The Grass and Forest Lake Loop Trail offers a delightful journey through Wisconsin's glacial landscape, where you'll encounter a rich tapestry of oak forests, open savannas, and serene wetlands. This moderate 5.5-mile (8.9 km) hike, which typically takes about 2 hours and 18 minutes, features a modest 176 feet (54 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for many. You'll spend a good portion of your time walking alongside the peaceful, undeveloped waters of Forest Lake and Grass Lake, providing a constant connection to the natural beauty of the area.

Located in Nashotah, the trailhead is well-known to locals, so consider an early start to ensure you find parking, particularly during peak times. The varied ecosystems mean the trail offers different charms throughout the year, from lush summer greens to vibrant autumn foliage, so pick your season based on your preferred scenery. Despite its moderate rating, the paths are generally well-maintained and easy to navigate, suitable for a wide range of hikers.

This loop is a popular route for good reason, showcasing the unique geological backdrop of a region shaped by ancient glaciers. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore distinct ecosystems and enjoy picturesque views without demanding extreme physical exertion. It's a top-rated hike for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and an approachable challenge.

Embark on an easy hike along the Red Bird Trail, a 3.4-mile (5.4 km) route that guides you through the scenic clifftops of High Cliff State Park. You will experience a gentle elevation gain of 236 feet (72 metres) over approximately 1 hour and 26 minutes, making it ideal for a refreshing outing. Along the way, you can explore old limestone quarries and enjoy expansive views, with the trail beginning near an observation tower and the Chief Redbird Statue overlook.

To access the Red Bird Trail, you will need either a day-use or an annual pass for High Cliff State Park. Convenient parking is available directly at the trailhead within the park, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure. This makes the route a great choice for a spontaneous escape when you are looking for a quick and accessible outdoor activity.

The Red Bird Trail offers more than just natural beauty; it provides a glimpse into the unique geology and history of the area. The clifftops and limestone quarries tell a story of the land, while the Chief Redbird Statue adds a significant cultural and historical dimension to your hike. It is a notable trail within the park, combining natural exploration with points of interest.

The Lake Andrea Loop offers a refreshing escape with continuous water views as you trace the shores of the spring-fed Lake Andrea. This easy 3.0-mile (4.8 km) route features a mix of paved asphalt and some crushed stone sections, particularly as it leads into a small valley, providing a varied but smooth journey. You can even pause at Lake Andrea Beach or a viewpoint for a good look down the hill, making it a pleasant outing for all ages and fitness levels.

Planning your trip is simple, as the trail is accessible year-round and well-maintained. You'll find ample parking available at various spots within Prairie Springs Park, such as near the RecPlex or the ball fields. The entire loop typically takes about 1 hour and 11 minutes to complete, with a minimal elevation gain of just 18 feet (5 metres), so it's a great option for a quick, relaxing walk.

What makes the Lake Andrea Loop stand out is its versatility as a multi-use trail, popular for hiking, running, and even mountain biking. It's also dog-friendly, provided your furry friend is on a leash. Beyond the loop, you can connect to other parts of Prairie Springs Park or even the Prairie Farms Trail if you're looking for a longer adventure.

Embark on an easy hike along the Ice Age Trail: Cross Plains Segment, a 3.0 miles (4.9 km) route that takes about 1 hour and 23 minutes to complete. You will experience a gentle elevation gain of 401 feet (122 metres) as you traverse a landscape shaped by ancient glaciers. The trail winds through dense forests, open prairies, and offers ridgetop walks. Be sure to look out for the marvelous viewpoint, which provides expansive overlooks of Cross Plains town and distant views of Blue Mounds. This blend of varied terrain, including the unique "Mammoth's Back" section, creates a feeling of being far removed from urban life.

When planning your visit to the Cross Plains Segment, you should know that Cross Plains is an official "Ice Age Trail Town." This means you can find amenities like bathrooms and showers there, and it is also home to the Ice Age Trail Alliance headquarters. Be prepared for potentially muddy areas on the trail, especially if you visit during wet periods or in early spring. If you are a backpacker, dispersed camping is available along this segment of the trail.

This segment of the Ice Age Trail is notable for its diverse landscape, which clearly shows the impact of glacial activity. You will encounter a mix of ridgetop walks, dense forests, and areas of restored prairie, all contributing to a rich natural experience. The trail offers a unique opportunity to explore a varied terrain that feels distinct from city life, making it a rewarding outdoor experience for anyone interested in geology and natural beauty.