The fall foliage in Wisconsin creates an amazing canvas of vivid hues, making it the ideal season for outdoor exploration.
Trekking through Wisconsin’s varied parks and woodlands is a special way to take in the breathtaking fall scenery.
Come along with us as we explore some of Wisconsin’s top fall hikes, where you can take in the breathtaking scenery, the crisp air, and a tranquil break from the daily grind.
Lake Geneva: Lake Geneva Shore Path
The nearly 26-mile Lake Geneva Shore Path around the lake and passes through the well-kept gardens of the lake’s illustrious estates, many of which date back to the 1800s.
Hikers and walkers typically tackle the path in segments, joining and leaving at public access locations at Big Foot Beach State Park, Williams Bay, Fontana, and Lake Geneva. Take the paved route on either side of downtown Lake Geneva if you’re pushing a stroller or have mobility issues.
The south side of the path is a little more difficult than the north if you’re looking for a solid exercise. Whichever path you take, you’ll have the greatest seat in the house to view the leaves.
Door County: Peninsula State Park
Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek is a beloved destination for Wisconsinites year-round, but we are especially fond of it in the fall.
Twenty miles of hiking trails wind among golden birches and red sugar maples, offering hikers unparalleled vistas of Green Bay.
Don’t miss Eagle Tower for a view of the surrounding flora. It offers a completely accessible canopy walk that winds above the forest line, or you can ascend 100 stairs to the summit.
Baraboo: Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake, the most visited state park in Wisconsin, is ablaze with color in the fall. The park’s east and west bluffs typically change color after the park’s north coast, which usually does so first.
There are 29 miles of trails in the park that are appropriate for hikers of all ability levels.
The 1.7-mile East Bluff Trail offers views of the lake and bluffs from 500 feet above sea level, while the 2.4-mile Steinke Basin Trail, which is surrounded with trees, keeps you closer to the ground.
Minocqua to Tomahawk: Bearskin State Trail
An amazing gem in northern Wisconsin is the 21-mile Bearskin State Trail that connects Minocqua and Tomahawk.
Situated in a former railroad corridor, the trail (which will commemorate its 50th anniversary in 2023) winds through oak, maple, and pine forests, following Bearskin Creek and across 16 railroad trestles.
Neighboring streams and wetlands make stunning backdrops for fall photo possibilities.
Read Also:
- The California Beach You Should Avoid: Why This Beach is Nicknamed the Most Dangerous
- Haunted Indiana: Explore the State’s Creepiest Locations
- Dangerous Waters: Top Texas Beaches with the Most Shark Sightings and Encounters
St. Croix Falls: Interstate Park
The oldest state park in Wisconsin, Interstate Park, is located in the western part of the state and encircles the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway on both sides (extending into Minnesota).
Paths such as The Pothole, River Bluff, and Summit Rock wind through the forest’s shifting hues and offer breathtaking vistas of the St. Croix Valley, a precipitous ravine carved by glacial meltwater.
Learn about Wisconsin’s glacial past by taking a walk on the Skyline Nature Trail and visiting the Ice Age Interpretive Center.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor excursions are set against a stunning backdrop of Wisconsin’s fall beauty. These hikes provide a special chance to take in the splendor of fall in Wisconsin, from the picturesque paths of the Lake Geneva Shore Path to the vivid hues of Peninsula State Park and Devil’s Lake.
Thus, get on your hiking boots, savor the brisk autumn air, and take in Wisconsin’s breathtaking foliage.
Leave a Reply