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THIS STORY IS PART OF MILWAUKEE MAGAZINE’S HIKES FEATURE. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE. 

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1. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore – Lakeshore Trail

CORNUCOPIA

Length: 4.8 mi.
Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 296 ft. 
Cost: $5 parking at Meyers Beach 

You may think the only way to see Lake Superior’s sea caves is from the water, but the first two sections of this mainland trail cross the 300-foot Crevasse in the woods, then follow the sandstone cliffs offering views of caves, coves and crevices. A final segment goes back into the woods to a campground if you want to extend the hike.  

2. Governor Dodge State Park – Lost Canyon Trail

DODGEVILLE

Length: 3 mi. 
Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 196 ft.
Cost: State Park sticker required

A natural spring bubbles up and turns to a picturesque waterfall over a gorgeous wooded canyon. The Lost Canyon Trail runs around and through it. But with two small lakes, campgrounds, and nearly 40 miles of trails, Governor Dodge is a destination. You can combine trails for a nice 8.8-mile circle of the best of it all, including a pass through the canyon.  

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3. Ice Age Trail – Dells of the Eau Claire Segment

WAUSAU

Length: 4.7 mi.
Type: Lollipop
Elevation Gain: 88 ft.
Cost: Free

The Eau Claire River rushes and tumbles through broken rock where visitors climb and hop close to the water at this namesake county park. But start from the Ice Age Trail lot along County Road Z, 2 miles to the south, for a shaded approach along the pleasant waters and then circle the Dells and its trail system before heading back. 

4. Copper Falls State Park

MELLEN

Length: 1.7 mi. (total 17 mi.; 0.5 mi. accessible)
Type: Loops
Elevation Gain: 193 ft.
Cost: State Park sticker required

An easy loop follows both sides of a river gorge and features two magnificent waterfalls, but there are many reasons to use the excellent campgrounds here: a short nature trail, 65-foot observation tower, connection to the North Country National Scenic Trail and a full circle of the park into an area with another, often-missed cascade.

5. Rocky Arbor State Park

WISCONSIN DELLS

Length: 1.1 mi.
Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 90 ft.
Cost: State parks sticker

There’s plenty to see in the area, including Mirror Lake State Park, but this loop follows the former riverbed of the Wisconsin River, winding among rock outcrops that were once small islands and amid ferns and other foliage that feels like a set in Jurassic Park. The return path climbs out of the gorge.

6. UW-Madison Arboretum

MADISON

Length: 2.3+ mi.
Type: Loops
Elevation Gain: 60 ft.
Cost: None

This 1,260-acre gem includes hidden springs, prairie restoration, wetlands, woods, savanna and a labeled horticultural garden – all full of birds and other wildlife, with a network of trails and boardwalks just minutes from downtown. Start with loops in Wingra Woods and Curtis Prairie and venture out, even south through a tunnel under the Beltline Highway to much more.

7. Wyalusing State Park

PRAIRIE DU CHIEN

Length: 7.5 mi.
Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 652 ft.
Cost: State parks sticker

Start from Homestead Picnic Area and combine all the trails in a long loop to see a limestone cave, Native American burial and effigy mounds, and spectacular ridgetop views of the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, including an overlook with a memorial to the extinct passenger pigeon. The park is excellent for birding, especially during migration. 

8. Devil’s Lake State Park

BARABOO

Length: Up to 29 mi.
Type: Loops
Elevation gain: 500 ft.
Cost: State parks sticker

The state’s largest and most visited park tells an incredible story in geology, from its 1.6 billion-year-old rock outcrops formed beneath the sea to an ancient river dammed by glacial ice. While the views out over Devil’s Lake from atop its 500-foot bluffs and its rock formations – Devil’s Doorway, Balanced Rock – are must-sees, an extensive network of trails offers hikes long and short through quiet forest and gorgeous prairie and along one of the best segments of the Ice Age Trail. In the heat of summer, the clear lake and its swimming beaches are even better post-hike. Camping offers a multi-day experience, and the free Merrimac Ferry and “gorge-ous” Parfrey’s Glen are each about 4-mile hikes (or drives) away.

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Packing List

• Energy foods: bars, fruit or trail mix
• Water
• Sunscreen and/or a hat
• Bug spray with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Whistle for emergencies
• First-aid kit
• Plant/bird/animal ID apps/books
• Bags for trash, pet waste or even foraging
• Knife or multi-tool
• Appropriate clothes for weather
• Flashlight
• Lighter

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