Your guide to Wisconsin’s best fall hiking
If you’re looking for a scenic adventure in Wisconsin this fall, we’ve got you covered. From sprawling Northwoods forests to stunning state parks, the state boasts an impressive array of hiking spots that showcase the Badger State’s beauty. Here’s a region-by-region guide on where to go.
Northern Wisconsin
In the heart of the Northwoods sits the Northern Highland-American Legion (NHAL) State Forest, a massive 236,000-acre expanse that’s filled with more than 900 lakes and hundreds of miles of trails. A short drive from Boulder Junction in central Vilas County, the Escanaba-Pallette Lake Trails are part of the NHAL and offer four loops that range in length from roughly 2 miles to more than 8 miles. The trails pass through stands of red oak, red maple, and aspen, making them particularly scenic in the fall.
The Bearskin State Trail starts in Minocqua in northern Oneida County and follows a former railroad corridor for more than 20 miles south toward Tomahawk, offering amazing Northwoods scenery along the way. The level, compacted-granite surface makes the trail suitable for all ages and abilities, and more than a dozen trestles cross the lakes and streams along the route, providing some outstanding photo ops.
Those looking for a tougher challenge—but one with a view that’s more than worth it—should explore St. Peter’s Dome in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Mellen in Ashland County. The trip up to the top of St. Peter’s Dome (it’s a 3.6-mile round trip) is somewhat rugged, with exposed rocks and a steep climb, but at the end of the trek, you’ll discover great views of Chequamegon Bay, Lake Superior, and the Apostle Islands.
Central Wisconsin
Devil’s Lake State Park is one of Wisconsin’s most popular state parks and the reason is simple: it’s got some of the best viewing opportunities for fall color you’ll find. The 360-acre lake is surrounded by 500-foot quartzite buffs, and the park boasts nearly 30 miles of hiking trails. Popular trails include the up-and-down East and West Bluff Trails and the lake-level Tumbled Rocks Trail, which follows the lakeshore at the base of the west bluff.
Nearby Mirror Lake State Park covers 2,200 acres and offers outstanding views around the often-calm Mirror Lake. Nearly 20 miles of hiking trails allow visitors to explore the woods and cliffs that surround the lake, and biking, canoeing, and kayaking are also popular activities at the park.
The George W. Mead State Wildlife Area just east of Marshfield spans more than 33,000 acres and boasts nearly 75 miles of maintained hiking trails that offer a great way to see central Wisconsin’s fall scenery. The wildlife area is also a great place for seeing wildlife, naturally—270 different species of birds have been spotted here over the years.
Southern Wisconsin
The Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest south of Delafield is home to more than 17 miles of trails that pass through beautiful scenery in all seasons, but especially in the fall. Don’t miss the forest’s observation tower, which offers incredible panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Lapham Peak Unit also includes about 4 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which connects to the Glacial Drumlin State Trail to the south.
The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center in Bayside (just north of Milwaukee) has several short hiking trails that pass through meadows, woodlands and wetlands and alongside the shores of Lake Michigan. The 185-acre property boasts nature trails, birding trails, and wheelchair-accessible trails—climb the 60-foot observation tower to get a great view of the lake and the forest from above.
