20 Best Trails and Hikes in Wisconsin

• Distance: 7.7 km
• Elevation Gain: 307 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Dog Friendly: Yes

This beautiful loop around Devil's Lake is the most common and one of the best places to hike in Wisconsin hike in the area. This path leads up to Balanced Rock and offers stunning vistas, rugged hills, and a lovely beach. With stunning views of the lake, this is an excellent place to rest and recharge before returning to the parking lot.

The hike up to Balanced Rock is challenging and rocky; bring appropriate footwear alongside trekking poles as well. This trail is classified as moderately difficult and it takes an average of 2 hours and 26 minutes to complete. They also allow dogs on this trail but they should strictly be on a leash.

• Distance: 3.2 km
• Elevation Gain: 56 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Among the best and most popular hikes in Wisconsin, the Eagle Trail is 1.98 miles long and has an elevation gain of 56 m. The trail should normally take around 45 minutes to complete but that depends upon person to person.

Eagle Trail which is not so hard nor easy is a moderate level trail. The road condition is not evenly paved so some part has messy conditions which might be a little challenging. Hence, this trail allows dogs but they should strictly be on a leash.

• Distance: 4.2 km
• Elevation Gain: 158 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

The East Bluff and East Bluff Woods Trail Loop is a moderately challenging trail and won't take longer than 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. The view from this trail is really beautiful and you will be able to see vultures, and eagles in the sky on the way, so keep your eyes up there as well.

The uneven surface conditions there ask for suitable shoes Even though this trail is a bit demanding, kids are also allowed and they can try this hiking trail. Moreover, dogs on a leash are allowed on this trail, unlike other trails.

• Length: 3.2 km
• Elevation Gain: 155 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Difficulty Level: Hard
• Dog Friendly: Yes

The Devil's Doorway Loop is a trail whose difficulty level is hard and this trail is not for all the people. Hikers with some level of experience are suitable to hike this trail as it may not be ideal for beginner-level hikers.

Since the trail is dog friendly, they also allow dogs on this trail but they must be on a leash, otherwise, they are not allowed on the trail.

• Distance: 3.4 km
• Elevation Gain: 45 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

This trail the Lion's Den Trail is an easy yet simple trail and it is 2.11 miles long. No matter if you are an experienced or novice hiker, hiking on this trail wouldn't be of any problem for any skill level.

The month of September should be the best month to go hiking because of its mild weather. The Lion's Den Trail also has some wooded segments as well as a route with a gorge overlooking the lake.

• Distance: 4.7 km
• Elevation Gain: 156 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

The West Bluff Trail which is located at Devils Lake is among the most admirable trails. With 2.92 miles the West Bluff trail is moderately challenging. From around 100 to 200 feet of hard rock cliffs, you can see the lake which is in the east direction, and the East bluff on the far side.

The trails also give access to the summit of other several climbing routes on the cliffs. Moreover, you can bring your dogs alongside you in this trail but they must not be off-leashed and should be on-leashed all the time.

• Distance: 2.7 km
• Elevation Gain: 64 m
• Route Type: Out & back
• Dog Friendly: No
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

Parfrey's Glen Trail is Wisconsin's first state natural area which is one of the most visited state natural areas outside of Devils Lake State Park. The distance that it covers is around 1.67 miles and the difficulty level of the trail is moderately difficult.

The Parfrey's Glen trail is open from 6 in the morning to 8 in the evening to the public. The glen has seen some major changes in the last 20 years because of the massive flood, they have been open and shut a few times for maintenance purposes.

• Distance: 2.3 km
• Elevation Gain: 91 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

The Gibraltar Rock trail which is located in Merrimac, Wisconsin has the best of the views and amazing hike even though it has some parts that are hoppy and not properly marked. The mild humility in September is the perfect time to visit here because of the beautiful weather conditions.

Hence, the trail consists of some insects and mosquitos so prepare according. This 1.4-mile trail takes around 40 minutes to complete and its difficulty level is moderate.

• Distance: 2.6: km
• Elevation Gain: 12 m
• Route Type: Out & back
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

The Cave Point Lakeside Trail is refreshing, as you can feel the fresh air from Michigan Lake. The trail consists of various formations of rock, beautiful views, and many natural beauties. This is one of the best trails for hiking in Wisconsin.

Similarly, the easy trail in Cave Point lakeside trails allows dogs to get inside the trail but you need to make sure that they are unleashed and not offleashed.

• Distance: 9.3 km
• Elevation Gain: 227 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

The glacial landscape of the Kettle View Trail is distinguished by hills that curve and a wealth of historical geological formations. The trail provides an opportunity to look for interesting glacial features like drumlins, eskers, and moraines that provide insight into the powerful forces that shaped the region over 10,000 years ago.

The Kettle Moraine, which comprises kettle lakes, marshes, and valleys formed of melting ice pockets, was formed when two glacier sheets collided. This friction causes the ground to bend. There is a 45-foot observation tower climb on the hike. When trekking, you will come across both continuous tree cover and open wood clearings.

• Distance: 6.0 km
• Elevation Gain: 65 m
• Route Type: Point-to-point
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

The Ice Age Trail: Monches is an easy trail that takes little more than 1 hour and is 3.7 miles long. A thousand-mile route, Ice Age Trail highlights the remnants of glaciers left behind more than 12,000 years ago.

The Ice Age Trail, a National Scenic Trail, travels over the last glacier's terminal moraine in Wisconsin and offers some of the greatest views of glacial landforms, including kettles, moraines, and drumlins, anywhere in the world.

• Distance: 5.5 km
• Elevation Gain: 121 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

The Lost Canyon Trail is a moderate-level difficulty trail with a total distance of 3.4 miles and it takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to complete the trail. This trail offers picturesque views at various overlooks and along the canyon bottom due to its narrow, wooded canyon and stunning rock formations.

The Stephens Falls parking area is where the trail starts and concludes. Trekkers will find a diverse terrain with lots of shade, breathtaking vistas at Stephens Falls, and informative signage at the former Stephens farm. Moreover, the path is spacious and clearly defined.

• Distance: 3.1 km
• Elevation Gain: 89 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

If you are thinking of hiking down in Wisconsin, then Lime Kiln Trail is one that you should consider as it is of moderate level difficulty and is only 1.9 miles, so it won't take you long but just around 50 minutes to complete this hiking trail.

This short hike in Wisconsin offers an amazing view and since this trail is popular you will come across many other people hiking here, so don't expect less crowds. The good thing about this trail is that it also allows dogs but they should be on a leash and off leash is not allowed.

• Distance: 2.9 km
• Elevation Gain: 46 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

The Chapel Gorge Trail is really a great trail as the hike here is easy and scenic, with a short slope down to a beach on the Wisconsin River at its conclusion. There are some lovely woodland parts and wide paths on this simple trip, but there are also some muddy spots, particularly after rain.

It's advised to use bug repellent because mosquitoes can be an issue. The walk finishes with a peaceful beach. Early September is usually a terrific time for outdoor activities because of the temperate and pleasant weather but be prepared for lingering muddy patches and insects.

• Distance: 5.5 km
• Elevation Gain: 31 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

The Indian Mounds trailhead, the group and family campgrounds, and the tower parking lot are the entry points to the Red Bird Trail. This largely level trail follows the Niagara Escarpment's crest and is designated with red dots.

It has old limestone quarries, an observation tower, the Chief Red Bird statue, and expansive views of Lake Winnebago.

• Distance: 4.8 km
• Elevation Gain: 84 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

This trail winds through the park on a number of different trails and loops. Discover the deep valleys (kettles) and steep hills (moraines) created by the previous ice age in this primarily forested area. incorporates a lookout tower. A state park admission sticker is necessary.

The Wisconsin Pike Lake Trail offers breathtaking views and fun walks, but it may also be confusing. These trails typically start to turn muddy in September as fall approaches, but given the current conditions, hikers should have a good experience. Hence, all other things considered, this trek is beautiful and suitable for families.

• Distance: 5.0 km
• Elevation Gain: 32 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Moderate

The Oak Leaf Trail is a 3.1-mile hike with a moderate level of difficulty and doesn't take longer than 1 hour to complete this trail. The total amount that you will have to climb on this trail is 32 meters.

Beginning from Grant Park, this path goes through the forest and includes stunning scenes of Lake Michigan and the ravine. During the rainy season, the unpaved road turns muddy, which can be slippery and dirty so prepare accordingly. At the trailhead as well as on Grant Park Drive parking is available.

• Distance: 4.8 km
• Elevation Gain: 27 m
• Route Type: Out & back
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

This gorgeous hiking trail the Cordwalk Boardwalk Trail is a very easy route with just around 27 meters of total climb and takes less than one hour to complete. You will get to the Kohler-Andrae State Park from this trail as it is a nice little hike down the shores of Lake Michigan.

The trail does not have good surfaces and could get slippery if rained. There are plenty of parking lots available at the trailhead, along with the nature center, campground as well as restrooms.

• Distance: 3.2 km
• Elevation Gain: 27 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

This short yet fun hike, the Picnic Point Marsh Loop is 1.9 miles long with easy difficulty level, and it takes around 40 minutes to complete the trail. As the name suggests, it is a perfect route if you are planning to have a hike and picnic with your dear ones.

The trail is not just popular for hiking and birding but for snowshoeing as well during the winter season. Moreover, you will get to see the brilliant view of Lake Mendota.

• Distance: 6.6 km
• Elevation Gain: 46 m
• Route Type: Loop
• Dog Friendly: Yes
• Difficulty Level: Easy

The Eagle Bluff Loop is among the easy hikes in Wisconsin and it takes just around 1 hour and 20 minutes to finish the hike. The best time to hike this trail is from March to October.

Though this is a dog-friendly trail, they must be leashed however, they are not allowed on the beach, playground, or picnic areas.