Experience Wisconsin's Epic Trail Systems

From the vistas of Devil’s Lake to the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail’s untamed wilderness, Wisconsin is undoubtedly a hiker’s paradise. But the state’s vast natural landscape will dare you and your crew to step beyond the traditional and explore the wild in new ways. 

Glide a New Path

Swap those summer sandals for skis and glide through the wide network of pristine trails groomed by the Lakewood Cross Country Ski Club. Cruise with your crew through the heart of legendary Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, where easy loops wind through silent woods and exhilarating hills test your grit. 

No need to hibernate all day in the big city — Lapham Peak is just a short hop from Milwaukee. Weave through rolling woodlands, feeling the rhythm of your skis as they carve your path into the snow. As part of its Open the Outdoors adaptive equipment program, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides sit skis for free use at a handful of state parks, including Lapham Peak (call ahead to check availability). 

Feeling adventurous? Trade in your skis and pick up a fat-tire bike from Nordic Specialists — think mountain biking, winter edition! And thanks to snow-making magic and moonlit trails, you can ski well into the night. So, grab your crew, layer up and get ready to paint the white canvas with memories. 

Set Out In The Snow 

Grab your gear and head to Central Wisconsin where Wausau’s winter sports opportunities will wow you. Need speed? Granite Peak’s slopes will have you grinning from ear to ear. Craving quiet adventure? Nine Mile Forest offers snowshoe trails for every level, from chill family loops to epic 12.5-mile backcountry treks. Plus, light up the night on the four-mile lighted trail. 

Is lake life calling? Ice fish or snowshoe in serenity on Lake Winnebago. For the kiddos, Menasha’s Heckrodt Wetland Reserve rents snowshoes, even for your wee adventurers. Families will love the calm, flat trails with fewer skiers around. So get outside, embrace the chill and make memories in Central Wisconsin! 

Rev Up the Fun 

Craving an epic adventure? Ditch the pavement and get dirty in the Hayward and Hurley regions, your four-season haven for all things ATV and UTV. Hayward, legendary for four-season outdoor adventures, has more trails than roads — and they’re begging to be explored! 

New to the off-road scene? Runamuk Rides hooks you up with rentals and guided tours, getting you started in no time. Feeling adventurous? Seeley Hills Loop, right outside of town, offers a rollicking intro to four-wheeling fun. Dead Horse Trail, a 56-mile beast, takes you deep into the Northwoods glory, leaving you and your crew in awe. Bonus points for epic scenery — think highland lakes and the rise of the Penokee Mountains. 

Head to Hurley, where a spirited community of riders welcomes you with open arms and muddy tires. Iron County boasts more than 200 miles of trails, feeling like your own private playground. Enchanting waterfalls add a magical touch to the adventure. Eagle All Sports has your wheels covered, so you can focus on shredding those trails. Cap off your summer with legendary rallies: Memorial Weekend ATV Rally in Hurley or the Annual Pumpkin Run in Mercer — both magnets for thousands of like-minded riders. So, what are you waiting for? Gear up, grab your crew and let the Hayward and Hurley regions become your ultimate off-road escape.

Paths to Pedal

Calling all adventure seekers! Southern Wisconsin has a plethora of epic mountain biking trails, perfect for pushing your limits or cruising with friends. 

First stop: CamRock County Park, 30 minutes east of Madison. This gem caters to all skill levels. Feeling mellow? Cruise the flowy Koshkonong Creek trails. Craving adrenaline? Dive into the park’s gnarly technical loops — think tight singletrack, banked turns, drops, jumps and hairpins rivaling the thrill of a roller coaster. Local heroes meticulously maintain and evolve these trails, so expect fresh challenges every visit. 

Need a gravel fix near Milwaukee? Eisenbahn State Trail delivers. This 25-mile beauty winds through picture-perfect landscapes, paralleling the Milwaukee River nearly to its source. Soak in the rolling hills of the Kettle Moraine region while pedaling alongside friends. Reserve some time for pit stops in charming towns along the way — Wisconsin’s small-town vibes are fabulous. 

Ready for a history lesson on two wheels? Hit the Elroy-Sparta State Trail. This 32.5-mile gem cuts through the rugged Driftless Region, taking you on a time machine tour through three epic stone tunnels. It’s the OG rails-to-trails conversion, proving Wisconsin’s dedication to both biking and preserving history. That’s just a taste of southern Wisconsin’s mountain biking opportunities. So grab your helmet, pump up your tires and get ready to carve your own Wisconsin mountain biking adventure! 

Explore A Water Trail 

Ever dream of paddling through a giant, wind-carved sculpture? Welcome to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Kayak past mesmerizing sea caves, feeling like you’re inside a living painting. But these beauties are just the intro — delve deeper with overnight kayaking expeditions, camping on secluded islands within untouched wilderness. Local guides make it easy, turning you into a seasoned explorer in no time. 

Speaking of exploring, navigate Milwaukee by kayak, discovering hidden gems and iconic sights from a fresh perspective. The Milwaukee River Urban Trail is your ticket to adventure. Skip the rideshare and paddle past the city skyline — imagine a romantic date, gliding under bridges while the sunset paints the buildings gold. Public landings make it simple, letting you combine kayaking with brewery hopping and trendy eats. Now that’s a memorable outing! So, whether you crave sea caves or modern thrills, Wisconsin offers unforgettable kayaking experiences. Pack your paddle, grab your sense of adventure and get ready to be blown away! 

Horse Around

Forget hoofing it on foot — Wisconsin’s trails welcome four-legged adventurers too! Minocqua’s picturesque woods and shimmering lakes unfold beneath you as you explore the vast backcountry from the saddle at Holiday Acres. New to the equine scene? Wegmueller Farm in Monroe has your back (and legs) with patient, one-on-one lessons that’ll have you confidently picking your perfect trail in no time.

Ever craved a Wild West adventure with a Wisconsin twist? While you’ve likely enjoyed the thrill of waterslides in Wisconsin Dells, a unique opportunity awaits right nearby at  Lake Delton’s Canyon Creek Riding Stables. Here, families saddle up for guided horseback rides that fuse frontier fun with Midwestern charm. Soak in the serenity of the landscape as you pass whimsical touches of the Wild West that will have you reminiscing about a bygone era — all within an hour’s ride. So, grab your crew and get ready to experience Wisconsin’s hidden gems from a whole new perspective.