Best Hiking in Wisconsin

Trying to find the best hiking in Wisconsin? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Michigan, Alger County

00 :23 hrs
0.5 mi
28.22293 ft
Easy

The trail to Laughing Whitefish Falls is a short out-and-back hike to one of the most popular and scenic waterfalls in all of Michigan. The second part of the trail provides railing and stairs that help hikers navigate the descent down to a good viewpoint of the falls. The hike is not very long but the trail down to the falls is a little steep. There is a spur trail located at the midway point of the falls trail that hikers can take to add mileage and explore the area further north to a scenic canyon.

2

Michigan, Baraga County

00 :35 hrs
0.7 mi
29.94931 ft
Moderate

This short out-and-back trail follows the canyon rim above the Sturgeon River to scenic lookouts of the lower and upper Canyon Falls. The scenery along the trail includes thick forest terrain with views of the rocky gorge and river below. The official trail only goes as far as the upper falls but there is rugged unmaintained trail that continues on to the lower falls for more experienced hikers looking for additional adventure and challenge.

3

Minnesota, Pine County

01 :39 hrs
4.7 mi
37.74301 ft
Moderate

The section of the Kettle River that runs through Banning State Park is exceptionally beautiful. Kettle River has been designated as a wild and scenic river, and offers great paddling, fishing and views. There are several hiking trail options in this state park. This hiking adventure begins at a picnic area and runs through hardwood forests in the river valley and then dives down to run along the river. This is an excellent place for birding too, because of the wetland areas.

4

Michigan, Ontonagon County

03 :17 hrs
3.1 mi
188.58368 ft
Hard

The Escarpment trail is located in the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness area and follows a ridge over a scenic valley providing great views of the Big Carp River and Lake of the Clouds below. The trail travels in and out of forested areas providing both solitude amongst the trees and open views of the valley below. Hiking along the exposed ridgeline can be more challenging during bad weather, especially high winds and thunderstorms, so prepare and plan ahead if possibly hiking in bad weather. The trail connects to the Lake of the Clouds trail and overlook so there is an option of adding mileage by hiking all the way to this area or even doing the hike as a one-way trip by shuttling vehicles between trailheads. There are multiple connecting trails within the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness area providing visitors with a number of different trip options.

5

Wisconsin, Suamico

01 :04 hrs
3.2 mi
1 ft
Moderate

A sign posted in the Barkhausen visitors center states that on this shore “lies the largest coastal wetland on Lake Michigan, spanning two states and over one hundred miles in length. It is a major spawning area for fish and supports countless numbers of shorebirds, waterfowl, and other animals.” This hike takes you along the Meadow Ridge Trail, which winds its way past several ponds and prairies and into a wooded area as it sweeps along nearly the entire perimeter of the preserve. It is a very easy hike in terms of terrain, but the grass can be rather high, and on hot days the sun-exposed trails can make the hike taxing.

6

Wisconsin, Juneau County

00 :40 hrs
1.4 mi
39.41385 ft
Expert

Cris cross trail. Good workout

7

Michigan, Marquette

00 :11 hrs
0.5 mi
16.082794 ft
Easy

The Thomas Rock Trail, formerly known as Gobbler's Knob, leads to a scenic overlook of the Keweenaw Peninsula wilderness area with views of Lake Superior in the distance. The nature trail is paved and universally accessible with interpretive signs, benches, and picnic sites along the trail. There is also a constructed stairway trail that leads up to the overlook platform that provides the best views of the valley below.

8

Minnesota, Chisago County

01 :28 hrs
4.2 mi
28.180328 ft
Moderate

This hiking trail located along the St. Croix River is only several miles northeast of the great city of Minneapolis. The highlights of the trip include excellent river and valley views, forests, bluffs and wildlife. Wildlife that may be seen in the area include a number of different bird species. For any who enjoy fishing this hike offers a chance to fish off of the shores of the beautiful St. Croix River.

9

Michigan, Ontonagon County

02 :25 hrs
5.8 mi
99.14636 ft
Hard

This loop trails provides lots of beautiful scenery and excellent solitude and it travels through rugged, thick old-growth forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Trap Hills are known for the multiple lookouts along high cliffs that provide impressive views of the surrounding forest terrain that goes on for miles and miles. The loop hike has multiple steep climbs and descents making it a challenging adventure. There are also lots of spur trails and trail junctions that lead to lookouts and other trails in the area that can be used to explore the Trap Hills but can also being confusing so pay close attention to the hiking route.

10

Michigan, Marquette County

02 :37 hrs
3.4 mi
52.713684 ft
Hard

The hike to White Deer Lake follows an old dirt road that passes through scenic wilderness terrain consisting of thick forests, high wetlands, rock cliffs, small streams, and multiple lakes. The end point of the hike is at White Deer Lake where there are remnants of an old lodge that was once owned by the McCormick family for which the wilderness area is named. The lake is very remote and peaceful and provides a great spot for birdwatching and resting before starting the return trip back to the trailhead. There are lots of spur trails along the main route including one that leads to Lower Baraga Lake providing hikers with the option of adding a little mileage.

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