Experience Remote Winter Backpacking in Wisconsin
Immerse yourself in Wisconsin’s winter magic by exploring some of the state's more remote and scenic spots. And even on those days when the snow takes a hiatus, you’ll still find icy wonders in the form of skating ponds, glittering icicles and frozen waterfalls.
Ice Age Trail and Harrison Hills
The Harrison Hills segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds more than 14 miles through thick stands of oak and maple in North Central Wisconsin. More than 10,000 years ago, the retreating glacier left this area with deep kettles, massive knolls and numerous deep-blue glacial lakes, especially striking in winter. The trail is strenuous, so plan stops at Chain and Bus Lakes, which sport primitive campsites with log seating.
Partway through the hike, you'll climb to the top of Lookout Mountain. At 1,920 feet above sea level, it's the highest point on the entire Ice Age Trail. Through the bare trees, you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the rolling countryside.
Kickapoo Valley Reserve
The Ocooch Mountains in Southwest Wisconsin are home to the 8,600-acre Kickapoo Valley Reserve, a beautiful parcel of land bisected by the Kickapoo River and its tributaries. The reserve features hardwood forest and firs, damp wetlands and massive sandstone bluffs, with miles of trail zigzagging from corner to corner. While some of these paths are reserved for cross-country skiing in the winter, plenty of others are open for backpacking.
One popular activity for those on foot is searching for ice caves and formations. Since the reserve has both an abundance of groundwater and numerous rocky cliffs and overhangs, they form easily every winter. Grab a map from the visitor center before heading out, as some are hard to spot.
North Country National Scenic Trail
Wisconsin is home to more than 200 miles of the 4,600-mile North Country National Scenic Trail, all in the state's northernmost tier. One especially scenic spot to explore in the winter is an eight-mile stretch near Hurley connecting Upson Lake and Wren Falls. Heading westbound, the trail partially circles pretty Upson Lake, then begins tumbling up and down hill after hill. After crossing four bridges in quick succession, you'll reach Wren Falls, most likely frozen into a one-of-a-kind, ever-changing ice sculpture.
Timm's Hill Trail
The 10-mile Timm's Hill Trail is a spur path off the Ice Age Trail leading to Timm's Hill, Wisconsin's tallest natural point at 1,951 feet above sea level. Every winter, it's groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and hikers are welcome to walk alongside the groomed route. The hilly trail meanders across bridges, past a century-old logging camp and through thick stands of spruce, which are especially enchanting when snow-covered.
A few notable sights along the way include the Blomberg and Beaumont Sugar Bushes, two stands of sugar maples tapped for syrup every spring, a 33-foot trestle bridge and the steep Stone Lake Esker, where you can sign a guestbook tucked into a trail kiosk. When you reach Timm's Hill, climb the observation tower for expansive views of the wintry landscape.
Discover more Wisconsin winter scenery on these trails for cross-country skiing!
