Wisconsin Hiking
The Midwest is home to some fabulous hiking and wilderness adventure areas - you just have to know where to look – and Wisconsin hiking provides some of the best of the best of these spots.
Wisconsin Hiking
Wisconsin is a fairly large state, with an atmosphere that is similar to many of the areas that surround it – such as the states of Illinois and Minnesota. The state is considered to be the most “German-American” state in the US, with 42.6% of the population having German ancestry. While not a very mountainous state, Wisconsin does have plenty of two things – forests and bodies of water. 46% of Wisconsin's land is covered with forests, and there are many lakes and rivers in the state, ranging from small to large (such as Lake Michigan and Lake Superior).
If you want to enjoy some Wisconsin hiking, you will have to decide what sort of hiking you would like to do. The La Crosse River State Trail is an excellent starting point – just because of its length and multipurpose uses. Good for both biking and hiking, there are around 101 miles of trails and dirt roads that span the distance between the state's Perrot State Park near the city of Trempealeau and the city of Reedsburg, WI. This trail is a connecting link between the Great River State Trail and the Elroy-Sparta State Trail.
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The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is another great area for Wisconsin hiking. There are over 50 miles of maintained trails on the islands and the lakeshore. The Lakeshore Trail is being completed right now, with about two miles of the trail available and paved at this moment. If you choose to walk on the many pathways and trails on the Apostle Islands, you will be able to come to lighthouses, old rock quarries, abandoned logging camps, campsites that are still in use and beaches for relaxing and swimming in the lake.
Prefer a little climbing with your hiking? While Wisconsin is not home to large mountains or ranges, there are still some areas with cliffs and peaks that allow for some decent rock climbing. The Ledge Rocks Trails runs over the outcroppings of the Limestone Ledge – which is part of the Niagara Escarpment. Here is some of the most challenging terrain in all of Wisconsin, and the trek through this area also includes some interesting cave like formations.
Wisconsin hiking can be both challenging and fun, rewarding and exhilarating. If you find yourself in the Midwest for any reason, make a side trip to this state and enjoy some great hikes.