Forest Lake and Mauthe Lake Loop

Parking is available at the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area, which serves as a common starting point for trails in the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit. This area offers amenities and direct access to sections of the loop.

Yes, a state park vehicle admission sticker is required for trail-users starting their journey in recreation areas like Mauthe Lake. You can find more information on the Wisconsin DNR website.

Generally, dogs are allowed on most trails within the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit, but they must be kept on a leash. Always check specific trail regulations upon arrival, especially for sensitive areas or designated nature trails.

Spring and fall are often ideal for hiking this loop, offering pleasant temperatures and opportunities to see wildflowers or fall foliage. Wildlife and birds are also more active during spring and fall migrations. Be aware that some sections, particularly on the Tamarack Trail, might be prone to flooding during wet periods.

The terrain varies. Sections like the Tamarack Trail are generally flat and easy, winding through white cedar forests. Other parts, such as the Lake to Lake Bike Trail, feature a wide, crushed limestone surface with undulating topography, including gentle rises and falls that follow glacial features. You'll encounter diverse landscapes, from hardwood forests and prairies to wetlands with boardwalks.

The loop offers scenic views of Mauthe Lake and Forest Lake. You'll also traverse diverse landscapes including white cedar forests, hardwood forests, prairies, and wetlands. Keep an eye out for glacial features like kames, drumlins, moraines, and kettles, as well as wildflowers and various plant life. The East Branch of the Milwaukee River is also a notable feature.

The area is rich in biodiversity. You might encounter various wildlife and birds, especially during spring and fall migrations. The trails wind through diverse plant life, including nearly sixty species of trees and numerous wildflowers, particularly in the Tamarack Trail section.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll find yourself on parts of the Ice Age Trail, the Lake to Lake Bike Trail, the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit Forest Lake Trail Loop, and the Tamarack Circle Trail, among others.

Given its moderate difficulty and length of approximately 19.2 kilometers (12 miles), the loop generally takes around 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

While the overall loop is rated as moderate, sections like the 2-mile Tamarack Trail are graded as easy, generally flat, and suitable for walkers of all levels, making them ideal for families and casual strolls. For the full loop, some hiking experience is recommended due to the distance and undulating terrain.

If you're looking for a quieter experience, consider hiking on weekdays or earlier in the morning on weekends, especially on the Lake to Lake Bike Trail section, which can get busy with hikers, joggers, and cyclists during peak times. Also, be prepared for potentially muddy sections on the Tamarack Trail, particularly after heavy rains, though improvements have been made for drainage.