Hiking is one of the best ways to explore a new place, experience nature, and get some movement in. It has also been proven to make you happier! Wisconsin is a hidden treasure when it comes to scenery, and has plenty of beautiful trails to walk all year round. Here are a few you can take throughout the state this fall:
Devil’s Lake State Park
Lake Loop – 4.5 miles around
Devil’s Lake is nestled between two bluffs in south-central Wisconsin and has some of the best hiking trails in the state. This hike loops all the way around the lake and has great views of the entire park and some of its well-known rock formations such as Devil’s Doorway and Balanced Rock. The route connects the West Bluff and East Bluff trails and has some steep inclines, which pay off when you see the views!
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail – 4.6 miles roundtrip
This hike combines a boardwalk with wooded trails and takes you to amazing views of Lake Superior and some of its sea caves along the shore. This trail is considered only moderately challenging, and allows dogs so you can bring your furry friends!
Peninsula State Park
Eagle Trail – 2 mile loop
This hike is set in beautiful Door Country overlooking Lake Michigan and is a nice loop that takes you past breathtaking cliffs and geology. This trail is considered to be difficult at times since there are many uneven, rocky spots that can make walking tricky. However, the views make the challenging hike worth it!
Lake Geneva
Lake Loop – 21.6 miles around (recommend walking as far as you’d like and then turning around)
If you want to gawk at gorgeous mansions the size of the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center, then this is the trail for you! It winds through the backyards of some of the largest homes you will ever see, and follows the shoreline all the way around. For the most part, this hike is flat and accessible, although there are some sections where the terrain is more difficult. The lake is beautiful and there is so much to look at! The distance is customizable, and if you decide to do the entire hike, there are shops and restaurants to stop at along the way for water, food and bathroom breaks.
Hiking is a great way to stay active while enjoying the beautiful nature and scenery around you. Connecting with the environment has been proven to reduce stress levels and blood pressure. With midterms around the corner, it is important to take time for yourself and support your physical and mental wellbeing during times of high stress. Take advantage of the health benefits hiking offers and hit the trails this fall!