SHE IS BEAUTY, SHE IS GRACE, SHE IS WISCONSIN’S OUTDOOR SPACE

Explore Wisconsin’s hiking trails, biking paths and luminous overlooks

By Lauren Aguila

There is more to exploring Wisconsin than eating cheese and touring breweries. The state’s natural beauty is seen just about everywhere — its hiking trails, biking paths and luminous overlooks. No matter what season, Wisconsin’s infinite outdoor excursions are here to be visited. Here are five destinations to check out the state’s unseen wildlife, scenery and accessible outdoor exploration.

According to Travel Wisconsin, the overlook bridge at Willow River State Park is the ultimate selfie spot. This waterfall park located on Wisconsin’s western border gives outdoor enthusiasts stunning views of the Willow River Gorge, plenty of space for hiking and family-friendly camping sites. Be sure to check out the park’s hunting and fishing locations, and remember to bring along your license for both activities. 

Located near two essential Madison spots, Henry Vilas Zoo and Lake Wingra, the UW–Madison Arboretum is the place in Wisconsin for ecological restoration and scientific research. Many plant formations — from lilacs, shrubs and vines to various forest types — live here at the arboretum, and its 1,200 acres of land are open to the public. The Arboretum offers many volunteer and educational opportunities to allow the community to thrive and support conservation — especially with the thousands of species living in the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens.

Photo of hiker on a sign surrounded by fall leaves
The UW–Madison Arboretum boasts many hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Photo by Lauren Aguila.

You can find the perfect place for cross-country skiing in northwest Wisconsin in Barronett, at the Timberland Hills Ski Trail. There are two sections of this trail: Timberland Hills is 30 kilometers, and Timberland West is 2.5 kilometers. They offer a serene skiing excursion for all levels. Not only is this trail known as a great ski trail, but it is also enjoyable for other sports, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hunting. There are even cabins open for reservation in the southeastern location of the area where adventurers can rest and rejuvenate before hitting the trail.

According to the Wisconsin Travel Guide, Amnicon Falls State Park has many favored spots for picnics. Known for having one of the most accessible waterfall sites in Wisconsin, the park, located just south of Superior, is a place for adventure and memory-making for young families, solo travelers or couples. The park also features four different waterfalls: Upper, Lower, Snake Pit, and Now & Then Falls. Going through the Lower Falls is the 55-foot Horton Bridge, where visitors can walk or hike on for an unforgettable experience of the Amnicon Falls.

In central Wisconsin, the Black River State Forest spans 68,000 acres of vibrant pine and oak trees. The forest is historically known for its backpacking, hiking and biking trails, as well as its captivating overlooks. There are 300-foot-high glacial mounds surrounding this forest — almost comparable to little islands in a sea of capacious trees standing on mountainous land. If you are lucky, you may be able to see an abundance of wildlife such as elk.

Check out this map to learn more about these spots!


Cover Photo: Leaves begin to change color at the University of Wisconsin—Madison Arboretum. Photo by Lauren Aguila.

Tile Photo: A bench at the University of Wisconsin—Madison Arboretum for visitors to enjoy the trees and plants. Photo by Lauren Aguila.