Top Hiking and Snowshoeing Spots Near Green Bay

Fonferek's Glen Conservancy Area 

At Fonferek’s Glen, the star of the show is a 30-foot waterfall cascading down a craggy limestone bluff. A scenic overlook near the parking lot makes snapping one for the ‘gram easy, but hikers and snowshoers should hoof the 1.2-mile loop to fully explore the park. Keep an eye out for a natural stone archway, plus birds in the native woodlands and prairie. If you’ve got kiddos, tell them to put on their eagle eyes - they might spot fossilized coral hidden in the rocks.

Insider Tip: Going for a weekend hike? Fonferek’s is 10 minutes from Grapevine Cafe, a local favorite for Sunday brunch—their raspberry-stuffed French toast is top notch. 

Sensiba State Wildlife Area 

Along the shores of Green Bay, with the picturesque Suamico River to the south, Sensiba State Wildlife Area is a designated Important Bird Area. Its coastal marshes and bottomland forests teem with amazing wildlife—and its trails will lead you and your crew deep into their turf. The boardwalk and viewing deck are great spots for birdwatching, but miles of trails offer plenty of options to spot ducks, grebes, eagles, hawks, owls and more—especially during the winter months. 

Insider Tip: Here, you’re next door to Sunset Beach Park. It’s a great spot for sunrise, too. 

Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve 

With more than 1,000 acres of meadows, forests, and wetlands on the western shores of Green Bay, this is one spot you can’t tackle in just one day. Nine miles of trails will keep you and the crew busy, no matter the weather—the park welcomes winter cross-country skiers and snowshoers, too.  

For family trekkers, stop by the West Shores Interpretive Center for interactive exhibits. Additionally, check out the park’s “Sensory Woods”—a first-of-its-kind sanctuary featuring accessible trails, seating areas, sensory and chime walls, interactive stations and more.  

Insider Tip: Want to add on a pint-sized trek? From the preserve, it’s less than a mile to Ahnapee Brewery.   

Neshota Park 

Located just outside the city but feeling worlds apart, Neshota Park (technically Alan DeWane Neshota Park) is a local fave for just about everyone— hikers, birdwatchers, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and dog parents. Picture miles of trails across babbling creeks, sloped valleys, dense woodlands and countless spots for a variety of activities.  

Insider Tip: Once the snow has fallen, grab the fam and head to the sledding hill. Tube races, anyone? 

Brown County Reforestation Camp 

There’s nothing you can’t do at Brown County Reforestation Camp—it’s a whopping 1,400 acres. Beyond excellent hiking and snowshoeing opportunities, your crew has the option to go horseback riding, fat-tire biking, mountain biking, and more. A dense network of multi-use trails has made this spot a year-round favorite. Did we mention it’s less than 20 minutes from downtown Green Bay? 

Insider Tip: The kids will love what else is inside the reforestation camp: the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park. 

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary 

Less than 10 minutes from downtown, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is an urban haven for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts and anyone wanting a side of nature with their city-slicking. Five miles of easy and moderate trails skirt the shores, meandering through forests and wetlands and along ponds and exceptional bird habitats.  

One minute, you and the crew are spying on a great blue heron; the next—literally—you’re catching a show at The Weidner, taking the kids to the Children’s Museum of Green Bay or trekking along the trails along the Fox River in downtown. If you’re needing a city-meets-nature getaway, here’s the memory-maker you’ve been looking for.