4 minute read
Spring Hikes Without The Mess
Emma Macek
Emma Macek is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.
It's the spring season, and as the temperatures rise, you might be eager to get outside for springtime hiking adventures. But as Wisconsin thaws from a frosty winter, trails can be muddy.
If you want to enjoy fresh spring air without messy shoes, check out this list of scenic but paved trails to try.
These are universal trails, or trails that may be suited for visitors of all abilities, including those using mobility devices. However, not all trails are suitable for all users. Please see a property’s trail page for detailed descriptions or call the property for conditions and usability.
State Parks And Forests
Butterfly Pond Nature Trail | High Cliff State Park
This 1.1-mile interpretive trail features wetland, prairie and forest ecosystems and travels around Butterfly Pond. Heads up: Pets are not allowed on this trail.
Echo Rock Trail | Mirror Lake State Park
Take in the beauty of Mirror Lake with this half-mile trail, which offers scenic views and a 150-foot bridge over the gorge.
Urban Trail | Lakeshore State Park
Lakeshore State Park in downtown Milwaukee has a 1-mile paved trail with views of the skyline, Lake Michigan and grass prairies. For a longer hike, continue on the Hank Aaron State Trail and the Oak Leaf Trail, both of which have paved portions.
Explore The Forest | Kettle Moraine State Forest
Pine Grove Path in the Lapham Peak Unit near Delafield is a 1.8-mile interpretive trail that journeys through a prairie and wooded area.
Paradise Springs Nature Trail in the Southern Unit at Eagle is a half-mile trail that travels past a catch-and-release trout pond and to the Fieldstone spring house, former resort hotel, dam and former trout holding tank. Pets are not allowed on this trail.
Tom Roberts Memorial Nature Trail | Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
This is a half-mile paved nature trail that passes through a mixed coniferous-deciduous forest with overlooks of Muskellunge Lake. Pets are not allowed on this trail.
State Trails
Chippewa Valley Trails
The Chippewa River State Trail travels 30 miles through various habitats from downtown Eau Claire along the Chippewa River. The trail is paved for 18 miles, both from downtown Eau Claire to Caryville and between Durand and the Red Cedar State Trail junction in the Dunnville Wildlife Area.
The Old Abe State Trail is a paved 20-mile trail that connects Lake Wissota and Brunet Island state parks. It is on an abandoned railroad grade and travels through agricultural land and forestland while following the shoreline of the Chippewa River.
Great Sauk State Trail
This trail parallels the Wisconsin River in Prairie du Sac and Sauk City, passing through the Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area. Also a former rail corridor, the paved trail is 10.5 miles long and features beautiful river views.
Madison Area Trails
There are several paved state trails in the Madison area. The Badger State Trail is paved for 6 miles from its northernmost portion on Lovell Lane in Madison to Purcell Road in Fitchburg. The trail connects to many local parks and the Capital City and Sugar River state trails.
The Capital City State Trail has 17 miles of paved trail through Madison that links the Badger, Military Ridge and Glacial Drumlin state trails. The Military Ridge State Trail is paved for 2.5 miles between Fitchburg and Verona.
Glacial Drumlin State Trail
Along an abandoned rail corridor, the trail goes through farmlands and glacial topography and is paved for 13 miles from Waukesha to Dousman.
Find property details on the DNR’s “Find a Park” webpage.
