Open Travel Guide
Hiking in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Explore the best hiking trails and trekking routes in Wisconsin.

By Updated

This guide covers 10+ hiking trails in Wisconsin — Devil's Lake State Park — East Bluff Trail, Ice Age National Scenic Trail — Lapham Peak Unit and Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Wisconsin is a four-season Midwestern state celebrated for its dairy heritage, vibrant craft beer scene, and remarkable natural beauty spanning two Great Lakes shorelines, thousands of inland lakes, ancient glacial landscapes, and dense north-woods forests. Milwaukee anchors the south with world-class museums, a famous Harley-Davidson legacy, and a dynamic food scene, while state capital Madison blends Big Ten university energy with progressive culture and farm-to-table dining. Door County's limestone bluffs and cherry orchards draw visitors north, and Wisconsin Dells delivers the nation's greatest concentration of water parks. Green Bay is home to the storied Packers NFL franchise and passionate cheeseheads who travel the state's back roads in search of supper clubs, Friday fish fries, and local craft breweries.

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

  1. 1

    Devil's Lake State Park — East Bluff Trail

    2.2 miles loop1.5–2.5 hours500 ft / 152 m gain

  2. 2

    Ice Age National Scenic Trail — Lapham Peak Unit

    4.4 miles loop (multiple options from 1–10 miles)2–4 hours230 ft / 70 m gain

  3. 3

    Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area

    1.6 miles out-and-back1–1.5 hours120 ft / 37 m gain

  4. 4

    Rib Mountain State Park — Summit Trail

    1.2 miles out-and-back (to summit tower)45 minutes–1.5 hours400 ft / 122 m gain

  5. 5

    Cave Point County Park Shoreline Loop (Door County)

    0.75 miles loop45 minutesMinimal (cliffside walk)

  6. 6

    Pewits Nest State Natural Area

    0.5 miles out-and-back30–45 minutes60 ft / 18 m descent

  7. 7

    Kettle Moraine State Forest — John Muir Trail

    4.3 miles loop (section of larger 27-mile network)2–3 hours180 ft / 55 m gain

  8. 8

    Amnicon Falls State Park Trail

    1.5 miles loop1–1.5 hoursMinimal (waterfall access trail)

  9. 9

    Pattison State Park — Big Manitou Falls Trail

    2.0 miles loop1–2 hours200 ft / 61 m gain

  10. 10

    North Country National Scenic Trail — Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

    Variable (120+ miles of trail in Wisconsin section)Day hikes to multi-day backpackingMinimal to moderate (rolling northwoods terrain)

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

Easy

Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.

Moderate

Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.

Hard

Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.

Expert

Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.

High

Sudden weather changes — always carry rain gear and warm layers.

Medium

Wildlife encounters — make noise on the trail and store food properly.

Medium

Trail conditions can deteriorate after rain — check recent reports before setting out.

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