Wisconsin is home to bustling cities and charming small towns. But the offerings of the state go far beyond just the developed and inhabited areas. If you are in search of unspoiled beauty, wilderness, wildlife, and some peace and quiet, consider a hike on one of many nature trails in Wisconsin. Here are some of our picks of hidden trails to try.
Buena Vista Walking/Hiking Trail – Alma
This trail winds 500 feet above Alma and the Mississippi River to the Buena Vista Overlook providing a gorgeous view. Year round, this is an excellent opportunity to view bald eagles.
Located between Cambridge and Rockdale, this 422-acre park contains trail systems for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. Along the way, expect to see unspoiled scenery, natural beauty, and a variety of species of birds.
Ed’s Lake National Recreation Trail – Laona
This trail following 1900s railroad grades traverses through the woody and hilly landscape offering a quiet, secluded retreat. Enjoy a view overlooking Ed’s Lake from the Adirondack-style shelter along the Birch Loop—one of three loops that make up the trail.
Gerstberger Pines Nature Trail – Rib Lake
The Gerstberger Pines Nature Trail is a ¾ mile interpretive trail located on the 20-acre park. The trail is a carefully preserved place where hikers can learn about the area plants, trees, flowers, animals and overall history of the forest.
Mascoutin Valley State Trail – Ripon
This 20-mile trail passes a wide range of scenery from farms to prairies to woods to wetlands. Two provided opportunities to see wildlife are located along the trail at the Eldorado Marsh Wildlife Area and the Rush Lake Marsh area. The trail was built along a former railroad corridor and is divided into two 10-sections approximately 10 miles in length each.
This rustic trail located in the Flambeau River State Forest is a hilly eight-mile trek open to hikers and snow-shoers. This Price County trail captures the beauty and tranquility for which the unspoiled Wisconsin Northwoods area is best known.
Petrifying Springs Park – Kenosha
More than 350-acres and a plethora of activities, hiking is just one way to enjoy the beautiful sights of Petrifying Springs Park. The park is home to one of the state’s natural hardwood forests, and the nature trails are the perfect place to view fall color.
Circling two ponds, these beautiful trails near the town of Presque Isle are the perfect setting for a relaxing stroll. The ponds were used during the logging area, but today are enjoyed by fishermen, ice skaters, and other recreational enthusiasts that love what they have to offer during summer or winter months.
Enjoy diverse wildlife and plants along the Trego Nature Trail. This 2.8 mile trail running alongside the Namekagon River offers the opportunity to potentially see deer, squirrels, foxes, otters, bobcats, and a variety of species of birds. Enjoy the beauty of Washburn County in its purest form.
