20 Best Hiking Trails in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is an excellent tourist destination in the states, with many outdoor spots for you to explore. What better way to see the landscapes than hiking? Keep reading for the 20 best hiking trails in Wisconsin.

Why Should You Hike in Wisconsin?

For anyone looking for a rich landscape in the United States, Wisconsin would feature on the must-see cities list. Thanks to its lush forests, wildlife, and shorelines, the area sets the narrative for perfect natural beauty.

However, Wisconsin’s other peculiar feature is its hiking trails. There are tons of hiking trails across the entire landscape, making it attractive for hikers or anyone looking to get some exercise and spend some time with Mother Nature.

Why should you put Wisconsin hiking trails on your trip? Because of the beautiful views, wonderful trails, and magical surroundings of nature. There are a lot of wonderful hikes that maybe are less known on a grander scale but should be visited nonetheless! Keep reading for some of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin.

20 Best Hiking Trails in Wisconsin

Essential Wisconsin Hikes

When you think of hiking in Wisconsin, you will probably hear about these hikes. These are the more popular hikes, regardless of your location.

1. Ice Age National Scenic Trail

1200 mi | 590ft | Dog friendly

Wisconsin has two National Scenic Trails that provide good hiking options. One of the most famous hiking trails in Wisconsin is the Ice Age Trail. It’s the longest trail in the state, measuring about 1,200 miles across the state. The trail also rises about 179 meters above sea level at its highest point. These features come together to make for a balmy hiking experience in summer and fun snowshoeing in winter.

The Eau Claire Dells Segment of the Ice Age Trails is a popular one. The trail here is only 3 miles. It’s popular because you can dip into the Eau Claire River while being surrounded by interesting rock formations. This segment is one of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin.

Another section near Milwaukee is at Southern Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest. There are 30 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail here. See the Southern Unit Kettle Moraine State Forest website information for more details.

You can also bring your dog along, as the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is pet-friendly – you’ve got to keep an eye on them nonetheless. Check the Ice Age Trail website for more day hike recommendations.

2. North Country National Scenic Trail

4700 mi | 1900ft | Dogs Mostly Allowed

You can stop by along the North Country Trail, a multi-state trail that spans about 4,700 miles. The height elevation on the trail varies, but it can reach above 579 meters above sea level at points.

The North Country Trail travels through the northwest corner of Wisconsin for 200 miles. The 200 miles means that there are plenty of hiking opportunities for you to enjoy. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the trail in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Numerous State Parks areas. Learn more about the pet policy for North Country National Scenic Trail. Because there are so many options, this is one of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin.

3. Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

2.3 mi | 300ft | Dog friendly

Beautiful views along the shoreline and an easy climb. What more could you ask for?

The Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail isn’t a big hike by any stretch. The trail is about 2.3 miles, starting from the much larger Lakeshore trail. At such a short distance, it’s the perfect hike trial if you’d like to stroll a bit. Also, you may appreciate the relatively low elevation, as the trail only rises to 300 ft above sea level.

Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail in Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is also perfect for dogs, making it one of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin.

4. Bay View Loop, Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island

2.9 mi | 100ft | Dog friendly

If you are visiting Madeline Island, you will want to check out Big Bay State Park. The Bay View Loop is a gentle 3 mile stroll that allows dogs.

The trail is easy to follow and it goes along the shoreline. There is also camping available nearby at the Bay View Campground. To get to Madeline Island, you will need to take the ferry. It is a bit of a hassle to get there, but Madeline Island has some of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin.

5. Brady’s Bluff and Riverview Trail Loop, Perrot State Park

3.0 mi | 500ft | Dog friendly

Located on the western side of Wisconsin near Trempealeau (where the Trempealeau and Mississippi rivers meet), Perrot State Park has 1,200 acres of hiking trail opportunities.

You will get nice river views along this trail. The winding shape of the river is stunning and makes this an enjoyable hike all around. If you are more experienced, I would recommend hiking Brady’s Bluff at sunset, when the sun will hit the river and there is crazy color in the sky. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight for your hike back.

Hiking Trails in Wisconsin with Waterfalls

If you prefer hiking trails with or around waterfalls, below are great recommendations. Waterfall hikes are my personal favorite, and they are some of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin.

6. Doughboy’s Nature Trail, Copper Falls State Park

1.6 mi | 193 ft. | No Dogs Allowed

Nestled between several beautiful waterfalls is Copper Falls State Park in Northern Wisconsin. Doughboy’s Nature Trail is one of the hiking options at Copper Falls State Park. There are no dogs allowed at Doughboy’s, but you can take your dog to on the Red Granite Falls Trail, and Takesson and Vahtera Trails when they are not groomed for skiing.

Doughboy’s makes for a really good scenic short-distance hike, especially after a good rain.

7. Willow Falls and Nelson Farm Trail Loop, Willow River State Park

6.1 mi | 400 ft. | Dog friendly

The best hiking trails in Wisconsin will offer great views but also a great journey. Another beautiful hiking trail around a waterfall in Wisconsin is Willow Falls. Located in Western Wisconsin closer to Minneapolis, it’s famous for Willow Falls which is in a 200 foot gorge. This is a popular park to go to because of its proximity to Minneapolis – it’s only a 35 minute drive.

8. Lost Creek Falls

2 mi | 200 ft. | Dog friendly

You can take a hike along the Lost Creek Falls, one of Wisconsin’s beautiful waterfall trails found in the Northern part of Wisconsin near Cornucopia. The trail itself is over 2 miles long. You get to bask in the 8-foot waterfall scenes with little other cascades around it. Even more, you can walk behind the falls, a rare treat for any waterfall trail in Wisconsin. You’re welcome to bring your dog along this hiking trail too!

The quick hike but great reward of Lost Creek Falls makes it one of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin.

Best Hiking near Milwaukee

There are many parks in Wisconsin, especially in the city of Milwaukee. Some of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin include:

9. Oak Leaf River Trail, Henry W Maier Festival Park

15.4 mi | 246 ft. | Dog Friendly

This hiking trail is an out-and-back style trail close to Milwaukee. It is a long paved route and would take hours to hike through both ends. However, most people will either bike the trail or just hike a segment of it.

There are pets allowed, but you will need to keep your dog on a leash.

10. Grass and Forest Lake Loop Trail, Nashotah Park

4.7 mi | 226 ft. | Dog friendly

Why not have a go at the Grass and Forest Lake Loop Trail in Nashotah, Wisconsin? You get to enjoy a moderate hike that winds around the entire park. The scenery is very lush and you may even run into a deer! Not bad for a “city park.”

On a good day, you can complete a trek on the trail in less than 2 hours. The out-and-back layout is also kid-friendly. You can bring your dog along, but keep a close eye on them.

11. Hank Aaron State Trail, Underwood Creek Parkway

6.7 mi | 229 ft. | Dog friendly

Whether you’d like to go snowshoeing, running, or walking, Hank Aaron State trail can provide you with the best experience. This is one of the longer hikes near Milwaukee and it will take around 2 hours and some minutes to complete. The trail’s air remains cool and calm generally all year. What’s more, Hank Aaron State trail welcomes pets and children.

12. Seven Bridges Trail, Grant Park

1 mile | Flat | Dog friendly

Enter this wild wood and view the haunts of nature. The Seven Bridges Trail is perhaps most well known for this sign when you enter the park. Although only a one mile loop, this is a very beautiful trail that takes you around Grant Park.

Bonus: If you don’t mind driving a bit more, Kohler Andrae State Park is about an hour north of Milwaukee. There is a beautiful boardwalk hike that goes along the small sand dunes. It’s great for a day trip and one of the more unique and best hiking trails in Wisconsin.

Best Hikes in Door County

Door County is known for its incredible shoreline views of Lake Michigan. It also has a ton of lighthouses and five state parks for you to explore. There is nothing better than hiking in Door County in the summer when the weather is nice. Below are some of the best hikes in Door County, Wisconsin.

13. Eagle Trail, Peninsula State Park

2 mi | 183 ft. | Dog friendly

Eagle Trail is a loop-trail that spans 2 miles from point-to-point. The elevation gain is pretty minimal which makes it a gentle hike. Generally, you’d go round the trail in less than an hour, which is perfect for a short walk with your dog or kiddos. It is a beautiful walk along the shoreline and I definitely recommend it as one of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin!

14. Fern and Lynd Point Loop, Newport State Park

2.4 mi | 42 ft. | Dog friendly

This is another loop trail you can consider on your next trip to Wisconsin. Fern and Lynd Point Loop stretches over 2 miles. The trail makes for a perfect evening stroll, as it only takes about 45 minutes to go around it. You’ll also appreciate that you can bring your dog along the shoreline – they can even go swimming!

15. Cave Point Lakeside Trail, Cave Point County Park

1.6 mi | 32 ft. | Dog friendly

This is an easy route for most hikers and visitors to Wisconsin. Just north of Sturgeon Bay, Cave point is one of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin and Door County. It is also one of the most popular because of the shorter distance. Like many Door County trails, you will be rewarded with shoreline views for days!

16. Deathdoor Bluff Trail, Door Bluff County Park

2.17 mi | 144 ft. | Dog-friendly

The Deathdoor Bluff Trail is another trail you can pick out while you’re out near the Green Bay and Door County area. Don’t let the name intimidate you: this is an easy loop-type trail that takes only about 47 minutes. The park is fairly undeveloped but still a great place to explore and hike. Near Ellison Bay, Door Bluff County Park is at the northern area of Door County.

Best Hikes near Madison

Did you know Madison is actually the capital of Wisconsin? Although it is a dense urban area, there are many parks both near the city and a short drive away to get an escape to the outdoors. Some of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin are located near Madison.

17. East Bluff and East Bluff Woods Trail Loop, Devil’s Lake State Park

2.61 mi | 511ft | Not Dog-friendly

If you’re a little more adventurous, East Bluff Trail provides a moderately challenging trail in Wisconsin, one hour north of Madison. This area is known as the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area. The Wisconsin Dells has over 5 miles of river gorge with dramatic cliffs. This area has some of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin because of the river. Note that you can actually take a cool boat tour through the Dells that is pretty fun.

East Bluff, with its high elevation gain and loop type all come together to ensure that hiking takes a minimum of one and a half hours. The views will be great along this loop, with views of Elephant Rock and Elephant Cave. You will also hike along cool stone formations and bluffs.

18. Ishnala and Echo Rock Trail Loop, Mirror Lake State Park Trails

3.1 mi | 278 ft. | Dog-friendly

The Mirror Lake trails are a cluster of little loop trails from which you can choose near the Wisconsin Dells, 1 hour north of Madison and just a bit further north from Devil’s Lake State Park. You can start from the Echo Rock trail loop and connect it to the Ishnala Trail. This loop altogether is over 3 miles and is lush with greenery and cool stone rock formations. The parks with rock formations have some of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin.

19. Pheasant Branch and Fredrick’s Hill, Pheasant Branch Conservancy

3.9 mi | 157ft | Dog-friendly

The Pheasant Branch Conservancy is 160 acres of greenery located in the northwest corner of Madison. This is a pretty developed area and it’s a fairly easy trail in Wisconsin that would take 1 hour and 17 minutes to complete at an average hike pace. There are also tons of side trails available at Phesant Branch, so you can weave your way around and alter the route to your liking.

20. Picnic Point Marsh Loop Trail, Lakeshore Nature Preserve

2 mi | 88 ft. | Dog-friendly

Picnic Point loop trail only takes about 40 minutes to complete at the UW-Madison Lakeshore Preserve. That means you can bring the family along on a balmy evening stroll, and even smaller dogs! The trail is also popular for its view and is perfect for birdwatching as well. Close to the center of town and essentially UW stomping grounds, this is a really nice city option for a hike.

Recommended Hiking Gear

When going on the best hiking trails in Wisconsin, you will want to make sure you have the right hiking gear. Especially during the colder winter season, you want to be well dressed to enjoy your hike.

Hiking Boots / Shoes

Here are some of my favorite hiking boots. I personally have Hoka’s because I don’t need as much sturdy ankle support, but the right hiking shoe will depend on your individual needs. Most of the hiking trails in Wisconsin will be doable with just sneakers and not formal hiking boots.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is a must on your Wisconsin hiking trip. Here are some items I use for sun protection every time I am out hiking.

Water Storage

My general rule of thumb is 1L of water per hour while on the hiking trails in Wisconsin. Here are some of my favorite water storage containers – I especially love the Drom Bags. In the summer when it is above 80 degrees F, I will sometimes go up to 1.5L of water per hour.

Summer Hiking Clothing

Summer hiking clothing will keep you cooler than your normal workout gear. This is crucial for hiking trails in Wisconsin – especially in the summer. You definitely want to stay away from cotton and look for clothing that is breathable and sweat-wicking. For more details on why that is, check my post on Essential Hiking Clothes!

Conclusion

Wisconsin has beautiful forests and landscapes, but its most defining outdoor feature is the many hiking trails running through and across the entire landscape. There are tons of state parks all over this state, including near the main cities of Milwuakee and Madison, as well as areas like Northern Wisconsin.

We’ve got a comprehensive list of the best hiking trails in Wisconsin and have also included useful information for dog owners and families.

Have you hiked in Wisconsin before? What are your favorite trails?

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