Hike Wisco

27/10/2022

We’re wrapping up our coverage of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve by diving into its rich geological and archeological histories. Check out the field notes and visit http://kvr.state.wi.us to learn more about the Kickapoo Valley Reserve! 🌲

29/09/2022

If you enjoy wandering the woods, paddling on the river, sleeping under the stars, horseback riding, angling, or hunting, you should add the Kickapoo Valley Reserve to your list of places to visit! 🛶🥾 Check out the field notes to learn about the activities offered at KVR, along with details about camping and admission. 🏕 You can also visit http://kvr.state.wi.us for more information.

*Update from the KVR Website: “As of 10/17/2022, securing a campsite at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) is though online booking.”

20/09/2022

Journey to the Driftless Region with us as we explore the Kickapoo Valley Reserve! 🌳🌾 This 8,600-acre nature reserve is nestled between the villages of Ontario and La Farge, and offers something for everyone. With more than 50 miles of trails and miles of river to explore, there are endless ways to stay entertained and enjoy the stunning views of the valley. 🥾🛶🏕 Check out the field notes and visit www.kvr.state.wi.us to learn more!

12/08/2022

Governor Dodge State Park has a long history that dates back to millions of years! 🪨 Many of the sandstone bluffs in the area were formed when warm seas covered the area - a stark contrast to the cold winter weather we know now! ❄️ To learn more about the geology of Governor Dodge State Park and its history, check out our field notes! 🗒

04/07/2022

Summer time = family time. Governor Dodge State Park has all the activities to keep the family busy and having fun! 🏕🛶🐎Check out our field notes to learn more!

23/06/2022

Have you been here? 🥾

Pewit's Nest State Natural Area in Wisconsin is a nature preserve that holds a hidden place that’s worth seeking out.

23/06/2022

If you're looking to go BIG or go home, we suggest checking out Governor Dodge State Park. 📍It's one of the state's largest parks with over 5,000 acres of steep hills, bluffs and deep valleys plus two lakes and a waterfall! 🐟🌲🥾

Tag a friend in the comments you'd like to explore Governor Dodge State Park with! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

09/06/2022

At Lake Menomin Park, a short walk through the forest leads explorers to the shore of the 1000-acre Lake Menomin. 🛶This Dunn County park is a great place to stroll through the woods or pedal a mountain bike, as it offers several miles of trails that weave through 151 acres of forest, meadows and shoreline. Take a look at the field notes to learn more about this beautiful county park in Menomonie! 🌲

02/06/2022

The Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1936, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order deeming the area a feeding and resting ground for birds. 🦆🦢 Today, the refuge spans over 6,446 acres and offers a variety of activities to keep visitors busy. 🥾🛶 Check out the field notes and visit https://www.fws.gov/refuge/trempealeau/ to learn more about the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. 🌲

19/05/2022

The Area 178 Trail System, sometimes called the River Reserve Trail, serves as a great place to observe and enjoy the natural beauty of the Chippewa Valley. 🌲 Area 178 offers multi-use trails that weave through forests and fields, and run along the shorelines of the Chippewa River and Lake Wissota. 🥾You can take a swim at the beach, explore approximately 9 miles of trails or cast a line to catch some fish. 🎣 Check out the field notes to learn more about Area 178!

04/05/2022

With gas prices the way they are, we're all looking for a deal. ⛽️ How about a two-in-one trail deal? ✌🏼Located in the Kettle Moraine - Northern Unit, Butler Lake Trail winds three miles throughout the forest and syncs up with the Ice Age Trail for a portion of the route. 🌲🥾 Talk about a dynamic duo! 🤝 Tag a friend (or two) in the comments who you would like to explore the Butler Lake Trail with! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

14/04/2022

Looking for a new trail to hike in the Kettle Moraine Northern Unit? 🥾 We've got four for you! 🟫🟩🟥🟨
The Zillmer Trail System has four trail loops that vary in difficulty and length. You can hike these trails during warm months and ski them once there’s snow on the ground. 🌲❄️ Tag a friend in the comments you would like to bring along! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

06/04/2022

As one of the most diverse natural areas in Wisconsin, the Ridges Sanctuary in Baileys Harbor has over 1,600 acres of boreal forest with 25 native orchids and a dozen other rare plants. 🌼🌷🌸 This hiking spot has something for everyone so it's a must to check out if you're in Door County! 🌲 Check out our field notes for more information about the Ridges Sanctuary. 📓 🥾
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*Correction: Dogs are NOT allowed at the Ridges Sanctuary

24/03/2022

Interstate State Park is noteworthy for many reasons—it is Wisconsin’s oldest state park, is home to the western terminus of the 1,200-mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail, and it hosts unique geological features like basalt cliffs and potholes. 🥾🪨 Check out the field notes and visit the Wisconsin DNR website to learn more about Interstate State Park. 🚣🏽

15/03/2022

Interstate State Park offers plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. 🥾🌲 Whether you enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding, or hiking and climbing, Interstate Park has something for you. 🧗🏼🚣🏼‍♀️ Check out the field notes to learn about the activities and camping opportunities offered at Interstate State Park. 🏕
*Note: No biking is allowed at Interstate State Park.

09/03/2022

For our next state park highlight, we journey to St. Croix Falls, the home of Wisconsin’s oldest state park and the Western Terminus of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail — Interstate State Park. 🏞 Check out the field notes and follow along with our next posts to learn more about this historic park that’s loaded with natural beauty. 🌲

(FYI - Minnesota has an Interstate State Park located directly across the St. Croix River from Wisconsin’s Interstate State Park.)

05/03/2022

A good creepy hike to add to your hike list 📝😱

One hiking spot is like any other and will take you to a ghost farm – the eerie remains of a former farmstead.

02/03/2022

As the name suggests, Observatory Hill State Natural Area is a great place to observe the natural landscape, as it is the highest point in Marquette County. 🔭👀 This dry forest community has been long-known by naturalists and was a childhood favorite of "Father of the National Parks," John Muir. 🌲 Tag a friend to join you, then put your legs to the test by hiking up this 300-foot outcrop. 🦵For more information, check out our field notes! 🗒

10/02/2022

Nestled on a 423-acre lake, Long Lake Recreation Area is the epitome of Wisconsin recreation! 🌲🤸🏻‍♂️ Here you can fish for largmouth bass and walleye, camp in one of 200 sites or hike up to the highest point in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine Forest. 🎣🏕🥾 You'll definitely want to save this for your summer adventures! 📍 Tag a friend or two in the comments you'd love to hang out with at Long Lake Recreation Area. ✍️

03/02/2022

While exploring the Old Settlers’ Trail at Wildcat Mountain State Park, hikers pass by Cambrian sandstone, which is more than 500 million years old. 🪨 Check out the field notes to learn a couple quick facts about the geology and history of Wildcat Mountain and the Kickapoo Valley. For more info that can enhance your hiking conversations, visit the Wisconsin DNR website. 🥾

29/01/2022

Wildcat Mountain State Park offers hiking trails, numerous camping opportunities and several other recreational activities. ⛷🛶 A majority of the park’s campsites, trailheads and amenities are accessed from the top of Wildcat Mountain. ⛰ Check out our field notes to learn about the activities and campsites available at the park. 🏕 Don’t forget to tag a friend who you’d like to explore Wildcat Mountain State Park with in the comments! 🥾

25/01/2022

Wildcat Mountain State Park is nestled in the Driftless Region and overlooks the Kickapoo Valley. 🌄 The park offers more than 20 miles of hiking trails that take visitors past sandstone outcrops and scenic vistas. 🥾 Learn more about Wildcat Mountain State Park by viewing our field notes and following along with our next couple of posts! ✨

24/01/2022

Hiking isn’t just for the warm months! Check these winter hikes by candlelight 🕯

The only thing more magical than a winter hike is a winter hike by candlelight!

Find candlelight hikes happening in Wisconsin state parks, forests and trails near you:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/events?type=Candlelight%20Events.

15/01/2022

Looking for a few trails to add to your 2022 hiking bucket list? 👀 Check out this article! 🥾

This year, make a resolution to explore Wisconsin outdoor beauty, one step at a time. There are thousands of miles of hiking trails to explore

31/12/2021

The one-mile hike at Point Creek Conservation Area offers everything from meadows and wetlands to woodlands and coastal bluffs along the shore of Lake Michigan. 🌊 🌾 This conservation area began as a reforestation project in 2003 by students and faculty from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Manitowoc and Sheboygan. 🔬🌲
Who already made their 2022 hiking bucket list? Let us know where you want to go next year in the comments! 📝👇🏼

16/12/2021

Exciting news 🏕

Camping is great, but not everyone likes to get down and dirty in a tent. But now, the crew at Washington County Parks and Trails is making it easier than ever for people to enjoy an overnight stay in one of its parks.

14/12/2021

Want a quick hike in southern Wisconsin? 🧭 Check out Four Seasons Nature Preserve! 🌲 This preserve features various types of prairies, wetlands and a pond. 🌾 Bring your dog along to run around in the dog park and leash them up for a walk around the nature preserve. 🐕 Tag your hiking buddy in the comments! 🥾

22/11/2021

Looking for a trail system that can be used during all seasons? ❄️🌸☀️🍁 The Greenbush Recreation Area has five loops of hiking trails that total up to 13.5 miles. There are also 9 miles of mountain biking trails spread across four loops. 🥾 🚲 Once winter rolls around, the hiking trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and the mountain bike trails are switched to winter hiking and snowshoeing trails! ⛷ Have you used this trail before? Let us know what you thought about it in the comments! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

29/10/2021

Buena Vista Park may be small, but it provides a gorgeous view of Alma and the Mississippi River from its scenic vista, which stands 500 ft. above the town. 🌄 A 2.2-mile out-and-back trail leads hikers from Alma to the Buena Vista Park. The mile-long uphill hike to the overlook involves more than 500 feet of elevation gain. 🥾↗️ If you’d like to take in the view without an uphill trek, there is a parking lot near the overlook. Check out the field notes and visit cityofalmawi.com to learn more about Buena Vista Park! 🌲

21/10/2021

The Hixon Forest is a great place to visit if you want to explore the bluffs of La Crosse. 🌲 This city park is divided into two sections—Lower Hixon Forest and Upper Hixon Forest—and provides access to several overlooks, as well as Grandad Bluff. Swipe through the field notes to learn more about Lower Hixon Forest and its trails! 🥾

13/10/2021

The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in central Wisconsin draws nearly 150,000 visitors annually. 🌾 It covers more than 40,000 acres and provides several miles of hiking trails to explore, making it a great place to spend the day and enjoy nature. 🥾🌲 To learn more about the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, slide through the field notes and visit fws.gov. 🌾

30/09/2021

Back in June 1947, there was a search to find the best place in Wisconsin to create an artificial lake, which was determined to be the Yellowstone Valley. ⛰ 🌊 Head over to our field notes to learn more about the history of Yellowstone Lake State Park and a fun little fact as to why there is such a low mosquito population in this area. 🦟

27/09/2021

Yellowstone Lake State Park is popular for its year-round recreation. 🌸 ☀️ 🍁 ❄️ From camping to cross-country skiing, there is no lack of things to do. 🚴🏼‍♂️🏊🏻‍♂️ Check out our field notes to see everything available at this 1,000-acre state park! 📓

22/09/2021

If you are searching for a body of water in southwest Wisconsin, Yellowstone Lake State Park offers a 455-acre lake to cool off in during the summer after hiking its trails, which range between 0.6 to 3.5 miles. 🥾🌊To learn more about this state park, swipe over to our field notes! 📝

15/09/2021

Lake Dexter County Park is nestled in the center of the state and serves as a great place to hike, camp and enjoy Wisconsin’s great outdoors from the seat of an ATV, boat or snowmobile. 🌲🚣🏼‍♀️ Dexter Park covers more than 1,200 acres and sits along the shore of Lake Dexter, where visitors can swim, boat and fish. 🎣 Swipe through the field notes and visit www.co.wood.wi.us to learn more about Lake Dexter County Park! 🏕🥾

07/09/2021

Nepco Lake County Park in Wood County provides plenty of ways for visitors to escape to the outdoors and enjoy nature. 🌲🛶 The park’s mature trees are ideal for hanging a hammock and provide a beautiful backdrop for the adventures of autumn. 🍁🥾 Nepco Lake County Park offers a boat landing and beach area for those who want to fish, boat or swim in the almost 500-acre lake. 🎣🏊🏻‍♀️ Learn more about Nepco Lake County Park by reading through the field notes! ✨

25/08/2021

Next time you’re in the western part of Eau Claire County, take a detour and check out the Town of Union Conservancy Area. 🌲 This 125-acre conservation area has a couple miles of well-marked trails for visitors to explore. 🥾🧭 It also offers a 150-foot bluff that towers over the Chippewa River and provides a scenic overlook of the waterway. 🌅 Swipe through the field notes to learn more about the Town of Union Conservancy Area and tag a friend in the comments who you’d like to hike its trails with!👇🏼

17/08/2021

The Walla Hi Segment of the Ice Age Trail offers the stillness you might be craving from your busy life. 😌 On this trail, hikers will see diverse wildflowers, moss-covered erratics and a small stream. 🌲🪵 Check out our field notes to learn more about this segment of the Ice Age Trail! 📓

10/08/2021

Get ready to hike through peaceful woodlands and along a picturesque creek, a chain of ponds and a lake. 🥾🧭 All of this can be found on the West Bend Segment of the Ice Age Trail. 🌲 This 6.7-mile segment offers challenging dips and ridges that add a little extra cardio to your hike. 🥵 To learn more about this trail, scroll over to our field notes! 📒

23/07/2021

Winding through the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, the Stony Ridge Segment passes through pine plantations, oak forest and sections of dry prairie. 🌲 🌳 This segment goes around the Forest Headquarters which has a natural history museum with displays on glacial geology, Native American history and wildlife found throughout the southern unit. 📜 For more information on the Stony Ridge Segment, slide over to our field notes! 📝