Grandad Bluff Park is hands down one of Wisconsin’s most beautiful hikes. Hike your way to the top of Wisconsin’s most scenic bluff. Overlook the city of La Crosse, the Mississippi River, and our neighboring states. A newly renovated shelter at the top makes this hike a perfect weekend destination. Be sure to check out other cool views through their coin-operated binoculars.
Devil’s Lake is a highly sought out hiking destination—and for good reason. There are a few different trails you can choose from ranging from beginner levels all the way up to a more challenging hike. You’ll see tons of rock formations, forest, and let’s not forget the unmatched views of Devil’s Lake. Call up a couple of friends, bring the pup, and make a day out of it!
The Scuppernong Trail System is a great way to get outside for a beautiful hiking experience. There are three different trails ranging from intermediate to advanced, totaling around 12 miles in length. Explore all that Wisconsin has to offer, from thick forested areas to fun bustling creeks. The trails are always well maintained and offer bathrooms for your convenience.
If you’re ever near the Adam’s County area, Quincy Bluff and Wetlands is the most picturesque place to take a hike. The bluffs offer beautiful rock formations unlike anything you’ve seen. Follow a trail surrounding their notorious wetlands. Don’t forget your camera because you’re going to need it at Quincy Bluff.
Near Devil’s Lake State Park, lies Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area. Hike along the cliffs. View miles of rolling hills and the beautiful farm land that Wisconsin is so known and loved for. You’ll love the challenge that hiking to the top offers. You’ll even be able to catch views of Lake Wisconsin. Strap on your boots and pack a snack because you’ll want to stay all day.
]]>Devil’s Lake State Park is a beautiful spot to go hiking. From rock formations to the beautiful views of Devil’s Lake—it doesn’t get much better than this. They have just under 30 miles of trail for hiking. Devil’s Lake State Park hosts a bunch of different children’s activities throughout the year, making it a great place to get your kids familiar with before your big exploration. Devil’s Lake Adventure Hikes are perfect if you’re new to the area and want a guided day tour!
Brady’s Bluff Trail offers tons of cool stops for you and your group to take. On the western portion of the trail, be on the lookout for the rock steps and walls that were constructed by Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. As you reach to the top of the bluff the views of Trempealeau Mountain and Trempealeau Bay are stunning. Pack a snack, some drinks, and take a break in the shade. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Located within Iowa County in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, lies Governor Dodge State Park with almost 40 miles of hiking trails. One of our favorite hiking trails is the Meadow Valley Trail which can be walked or biked on. Meadow Valley is a nice, easy five-mile loop trail which eases its way through forest, beautiful open Wisconsin meadows, prairies, and wooded ridges.
The Horicon Marsh is a true wonder, teeming with wildlife and offering magnificent beauty. The trails are open to the public for use from dawn to dusk. They offer several miles of trails that wind through and around marsh, prairie, and forest habitats. If you and your family are looking for something a little more off the beaten path—choose the Bud Cook Hiking Area where off-trail hiking and exploring is fully encouraged!
The Scuppernong Springs Trail located within the Kettle Moraine State Forest is the perfect one and half mile loop. Along the trail, you will find tons of different wildlife and may even spot a fish or two. Clean and clear springs run throughout the area. You and your family will be walking on history when you’re at Scuppernong Springs. Learn about the railroad grade, marl works, the marl pit, a Native American campsite, and so much more by picking up your very own Scuppernong Springs Self-Guiding Nature Trail packet.
]]>No matter the season, the Bearskin Trail is a gorgeous running route. You’ll find a wide gravel trail large enough to pass others. Parts of the trail are shaded by towering trees and others are open for a crisp, much needed breeze. Just off the trail you will find restrooms, a bubbler, and the ever-so-cozy downtown Minocqua. It’s the perfect place to catch your breath and continue on your run!
The Glacial Drumlin Trail is a 52-mile-long path running from Cottage Grove to Waukesha. It’s perfect for all types of runners. Whether you’re looking to run a couple of miles or train for a lengthy marathon—this is the perfect stretch. Not to mention the fact that this is a beautiful natural space, and there are coffee shops just off the trail!
The Elroy-Sparta Trail is a 32-mile-long running trail between Elroy and Sparta. It’s a great spot for runs of any length. Take a recreational run with a friend or make a challenge to beat your best time. Don’t forget to take in the tunnels, wetlands, prairies, and farmland. This trail is also directly linked to the La Crosse River State Trail and the 400 State Trail.
Military Ridge State Trail runs conveniently between Dodgeville and Madison. This 40-mile-long gravel trail is wide enough to pass others and offers stunning views. There are several observation platforms near the trail if you are looking to break up your run. Other trails conveniently cross the Military Ridge State Trail if you’re looking to mix up the route.
This 18-mile-long trail on a former rail corridor is situated in northwestern Wisconsin. Running this trail affords views of lush forestry, open farmland, prairies, and much more incredible scenery. It’s important to keep in mind that this is a multi-use trail where ATVs are allowed as well as cyclists and horseback riders. Some parts of the trail can be relatively rough terrain-wise, so make sure you have the proper shoes and endurance.
]]>Travel on over five miles of off-highway dirt biking trails in Douglas County. Trails open during the summer months and are an extremely popular spot for dirt bikers. This trail connects to an extensive network of trails that offer an additional 45 miles of off highway trails, however they travel into our neighboring state, Minnesota.
The Cheese Country Trail is one of the most highly-recommended off-highway motorcycling trails in the state. The 47-mile trail extends south and east through Iowa, Lafayette, and Green counties. Be prepared for one of the most beautiful rides of your life. Rolling hills, heavily forested woods, stately bluffs—Cheese Country Trail is truly the mecca of dirt bike bliss.
Pecatonica State Trail shaped an old railroad grade through some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful areas. This 10-mile twisting trail will take you from one of our state’s oldest communities to our former capital city. You’ll see the breathtaking Pecatonica River, farmland, historic buildings, and much more!
Bong State Recreational Area in Kenosha County is the perfect 10-mile trail for dirt bikers. With three dirt loops snaking throughout prairies and wetlands, you’ll love the adventure of the twists and turns.
Meander through Clark County on the Knobby Ridge Trail. There is over 16 miles of looped trail system within beautiful Clark County Forrest. Passes must be purchased before riding on the Knobby Ridge dirt bike trail and the best part is, the trail system is only used for motorcycle type vehicles—no ATV/UTVs allowed!
]]>If you’re looking for a birding experience like no other, head to the Horicon Marsh. You’ll be welcomed by the United States’ largest freshwater cattail marsh. Over 300 different bird species are attracted to this area. Typically spotted in the marsh are the Black-crown night heron, purple martin and osprey. Some rare species to keep your eyes peeled for are the horned and eared grebe, red shouldered hawk, and the vesper sparrow.
Located on the eastern shores of the Door Peninsula, Whitefish Dunes State Park provides an 865-acre area right on Lake Michigan. The park offers a diverse habitat that’s perfect for birding. You’ll find tons of different waterfowl, blue-gray gnatcatchers, and rough-winged swallows. On a good day, you might even spot a snowy owl, Bonaparte’s gull, or a Caspian tern. Choose how exotic your hike for birding will be at the Whitefish Dunes State Park.
Bark Lay Slough is nestled between Lake Superior and the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Head toward the shoreline for some of the best birdwatching in the state. Keep an eye out for our country’s signature bird—the majestic Bald eagle. Other species to keep on your radar are the northern harrier, American bittern, and yellow rail. Soak up the spectacular views and don’t forget your camera for this one!
Take a brisk hike across the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, which has been noted as one of the best places to birdwatch in the state. The sanctuary essentially provides the perfect habitat for our winged wildlife. Their forest, fields, marsh, nature trails, and ponds attract birds during every season. Over 250 species have been spotted in the sanctuary including black duck and white-eyed vireo. on a good day, you might even spot a summer tanager and Ross’s goose.
The Retzer Nature Center is another perfect area for attracting and watching birds. Forest, streams, ponds, restored prairies, pine plantations, and grassland allow for an ideal birding experience. The Adventure Trail is a five-mile hiking trail offering 30 interactive stops that educate on Wisconsin’s wildlife. Want more of an organized birding experience? Join their weekly bird hike on Fridays during the spring. You’ll see upland sandpiper, bobolink, northern harrier, and Henslow’s sparrows. Stay around long enough and you might spot a mockingbird, yellow-breasted chat, or yellow-throated vireo.
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The Lone Rock Trail is a nine-mile loop part of the Quincy Bluff State Park. This moderate hike will really get you moving. If you are looking for an exhilarating, long, and rustic trail, Lone Rock Trail is perfect for you. This hike will take you a while to get through so pack some food and pace yourself for a beautiful end destination.
The West Bluff Trail is a challenging hike part of Devil’s Lake State Park. The 3.5-mile loop is an energizing course but the views are spectacular. The trail combined with the Tumbled Rocks Trail will take nearly an hour and a half to complete. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment like none other when you’ve completed the route.
Come visit Wisconsin’s highest natural point on this 10-mile hike. The Timm’s Hill Trail is a moderate trail but lengthy to say the least. This trail connects to the National Ice Age and Rib Lake Trails. The trails are open year around so the fun never stops. You’ll love the 360-degree views from atop Timm’s Hill.
Lost Canyon Trail is a moderate hike within Governor Dodge State Park. This three-mile loop has several steep grades. Your blood will be pumping and a couple of stops may have to be made on the way up. You’ll find thick forested areas along your hike and a waterfall! Best times for hiking are March to October. Bring layers during the fall months because it gets chilly!
Located in Perrot State Park, Brady’s Bluff Trail is a moderately challenging hike. You’ll feel a new sense of energy upon completing this .7-mile route. This beautiful hike is part of Wisconsin’s Driftless area and will take you above the gorgeous Mississippi River. The hike may be tiring but the views are breathtaking. You’ll catch a second wind atop Brady’s Bluff.
]]>High Cliff State Park is located in Sherwood, Wisconsin. The park bumps right up to Wisconsin’s largest lake—Lake Winnebago. There are tons of beautiful views to take in throughout the 1,187-acre park. Hike, camp, bike, snowshoe, and more at High Cliff State Park.
While there are tons of different trails for all levels of hikers at High Cliff, we’d recommend the Red Bird Trail. You can start your hiking at the family campground or the tower parking lot. The Red Bird Trail runs parallel to the stunning Niagara Escarpment. You’ll find beautiful views of Lake Winnebago and unique rock structures like limestone quarries. Hike 3.4 miles through heavy forest, but don’t forget to stop at the Chief Red Bird Statue and the park observation tower.
A historical statue of Red Bird, Chief of the Winnebagos, can be found along Red Bird Trail. This beautiful statue of Chief Red Bird depicts the fearless leader in authentic costume dating back to 1827. Brush up on your history of the Ho-Chunk Native American Tribe and one of the most dramatic incidents in Wisconsin history.
Catch beautiful views from High Cliff State Park’s observation tower. The observation tower is located at the top of the escarpment near Red Bird Trail and Historical Red Bird Statue. Watch the sunset over the west side of Lake Winnebago from this 40-foot tower. Catch views of all of the Fox Valley (Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, and Kaukauna.) Don’t forget to take your camera along for the perfect selfie.
Even when the temperatures drop, there is fun to be had at High Cliff. Winter activities at High Cliff include skiing, fat tire biking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. When the trails are snow-covered, certain trails in the park are designated for skiing. On the segment of the Red Bird Trail from the Red Bird Statue to the Family Campground, fat-tire bikers are welcome to explore. Snowshoeing is allowed anywhere in High Cliff except on designed ski trails. Explorers will also find a three-mile snowmobiling trail through the park, connecting Lake Winnebago with the Calumet County snowmobile trail system.
Located just north of the campground off the Indian Mount Trail you’ll find signs for the Effigy Mounds. They were built by nomadic woodland tribes dating back to 1000 A.D. and 1500 A.D. Some mounds were used for burial and funeral purposes, while others remained empty for ceremonial purposes. Originally there were 30 mounds within High Cliff State Park. Unfortunately, only nine remain.
Dishing up delicious Chicago-style pizza with “that guaranteed Sicilian taste,” Pagoni’s is the perfect place to stop and fill up your belly after a long adventure! Their delicious stuffed pizzas feature two layers of crust, stuffed with mozzarella, red sauce, and your favorite ingredients, and topped with chunky marinara and parmesan cheese. Yum!
If camping isn’t in the books, stay overnight at the quaint and charming Roost Bed & Breakfast in Appleton. Featuring five contemporary suites with gas fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and private baths, this will be a relaxing way to close your adventure.
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Governor Dodge State Park is located within Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, making it a beautiful stop for camping. For those who can’t get enough of the outdoors, Governor Dodge offers bluffs, hiking trails, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Set up camp and go explore the wonders of Governor Dodge. Rumor has it there might just be a natural waterfall within the grounds!
You truly cannot beat a summer camping trip at Peninsula State Park. Their campground offers a fire ring, clean bathrooms, a fun outdoor theater, a playground for the kiddos, and an easy five-minute walk to the beautiful shore line of Lake Michigan. There are so many added excursions that the Door County area offers, but the campground’s true selling point is the stunning views of Wisconsin’s nature in its purest form.
Devil’s Lake State Park is the biggest park in Wisconsin. The park offers great camping sites and a fun adventure in the Baraboo area. Whether you’re looking to tent it with no electricity or you’re looking for a spot to park your motor home, Devil’s Lake is must this summer. Make a reservation up to 11 months in advance because these sites fill up fast!
Silver Springs is a perfect campground to hit this summer with the family. Swim, fish, paddle boat, and canoe on their spring-fed pond. Silver Springs is notoriously popular for being a family friendly camping spot—maybe because they have been family owned and operated for over 40 years. There have been so many additions to the grounds that make families come back year after year including poolside dining at the S’More Snacks Shack.
Make Indian Trails Campground your “home away from home” this summer. The campground offers over 300 different campsites, an indoor swimming pool, two sandy beaches, a safe swimming area, and a camp store to stock up on things you need. Indian Trails also offers a restaurant and snack bar on site in case hot dogs and s’mores can’t hold you over for the weekend. You’ll be eager to make your reservation for your next trip!
]]>Previously known as Hidden Valley, Milton/Madison SE KOA is the perfect place to park the RV for the weekend. Rates are as low at $39 per night and there are seven different campsite options. This campsite offers grills, laundry, internet, tables, a pool, and a playground. This KOA is pet friendly, so don’t forget your four-legged friends this weekend!
Stoney Creek has tons of big rig RV-friendly sites. You can count on Stoney Creek for being a completely family-friendly area, too. Full hook-up and water/electric are available. Other features of the RV sites are a cable hook-up and concrete patios. The resort is perfect for families that are always on the move. Basketball and volleyball courts, a mini golf course, pool, laser tag, and more, are available on the grounds. Bring the entire family for a fun-filled weekend!
The Door County area is a highly sought out destination in Wisconsin. Take your RV to the Egg Harbor Campground and RV Resort. They offer many family-friendly amenities like a game room, TV and reading room, playgrounds, store, and Wi-Fi. You’ll meet tons of great people and your family will love all of the activities available.
Plymouth Rock Camping Resort is an award-winning destination in Wisconsin. Their RV park is gated and the weekends are action packed. Themed activities will keep your family busy. Enjoy a pool, clubhouse, picnic area, playground, laundry facilities, an on-site restaurant and clean bathrooms. Four-legged family members are more than welcome to come along.
Fox Hill RV Park is ranked number one on TripAdvisor. With fair rates and tons to do, you’ll quickly understand why. Their RV sites are designed to hold the largest RVs and trailers. You and your family will feel right at home using their great amenities. Check out their heated pool, showers, volleyball and basketball courts, nature trails, and pet play area.
]]>Stock up on outdoor gear for hiking, camping, and backpacking at the Hiker Box. Their high-quality hiking gear will have you coming back every time you need to re-vamp your hiking equipment. Whether you’re heading out for a couple hours or planning an extended backpacking trip—they’ve got you covered.
Clear Water Outdoor loves adventure just as much as you. Their knowledgeable staff can direct you in purchasing the best quality gear for the job. Find backpacks, boots, clothing, culinary supplies, knives, sunglasses, flashlights and more. Find locations in Lake Geneva and Delafield, with a rentals-only location in Milwaukee. At Clear Water Outdoor, adventure is a lifestyle.
You’ll find great service at Yellow Wood in Whitefish Bay. Their staff has a passion for the outdoors—just like you. Stop by to chat about new products for your hiking collection. Their gear is bluesign certified which will make shopping a good brand a breeze.
Fontana Sports is your premier hiking retailer in the Madison area. Stock up on gear from the best name brands in the business. Purchase hiking boots and cold-weather gear perfect for your next outdoor hiking adventure.
Solstice Outdoors provides top-quality gear, clothing, and accessories for an active life. Not limited to just hiking gear, their staff can point you in the right direction for all outdoor equipment you need to stock up on. From great pieces of clothing, top-notch backpacks, to the best boots for the hike—stop in for more than just a closet update.
Outdoor enthusiasts rejoice and enter the world of Outdoor Ventures in Hayward, Wisconsin. Find premier brand name clothing, gear, and footwear for you next adventure. You’ll also find helpful staff able to provide you with great recommendations.
Take hiking by the horns at Erehwon Mountain Outfitters in Glendale. Their camping and hiking selection is unparalleled in the area. Stock up on top-of-the-line gear like CamelBak bottles to keep you hydrated. Erehwon’s staff will make sure you don’t miss a beat, like packing for emergency situations. Stop in to Erehwon in Glendale today!
Head north to Superior, Wisconsin, for a great selection of hiking and outdoor gear. At Northwest Outlet, you will find first-rate brands for an exceptional price. Load your closet with layering pieces and stop in for great recommendations on hiking products that you’ve had your eye on. Northwest Outlet is the perfect place to find the basics for your next hiking trip.
]]>Cedar Lake a beautiful 1,120-acre lake perfect for fishing. Throw a bobber in or trolley around casting for walleye, musky, pike, panfish, and bass. The lake itself only get to about 32 feet-deep, but you will have hours of fun fishing on the stunning Cedar Lake.
Rock Lake is a perfect fishing spot to frequent this summer. Grab your gear and fishing accessories and get your line in the water as soon as possible. Between seaweed beds and rock beds, you’ll find tons of great spots throughout the 1,365-acre lake to pull up panfish, bass, walleye, and northern pike.
Hope Lake is a small lake within Jefferson County that is home to tons of fish. No motorized motorboats are allowed. Grab your canoe and your favorite fishing partner and spend some time on the peaceful Hope Lake. The lake is moderately clear and get to about 24 feet-deep. You’ll find panfish, bass, and northern pike. If you need bait, stop at the Sandy Beach Bait Shack in Lake Mills. Here, you will find various boat rentals. The shack is not open during the winter months.
Minocqua is a mecca for fishing—especially the chain of lakes. Lake Minocqua has a ton of cozy little bays and rock beds that are perfect for dropping anchor and reeling in a big one. Maximum depth gets to about 60 feet. Frequent fish are musky, panfish, pike, bass, walleye, and perch. For the freshest bait around and top-notch guide services, visit Kurt’s Island Sport Shop. Head out in early morning, wait until the noon bell chimes, head in for lunch, and get back out on the water for some night fishing!
Lake Wisconsin is about 25 feet at its deepest point. This 7,197-acre lake located in Columbia County is the perfect place for a great weekend for fishing. Small and largemouth bass, trout, catfish, panfish, walleye, and pike are available to catch. Deemed “your Lake Wisconsin destination,” the Moon Valley Resort Bait Shop will bring you everything you need as far as fresh bait, boat rentals, licenses, and snacks go.
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Walleyes aren’t so picky, and all the traditional waters such as the Mississippi River, Big Saint Germain Lake in Wisconsin, Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota and Great Lakes feeder streams give up tons of ’eyes in the fall.
One Last Salmon Fling
The big attraction nowadays is king (chinook) salmon that make their fall spawning runs up rivers and creeks. Whether fishing from a small boat or a Great Lakes charter boat, latching on to a 20- or 30-pound king can quickly warm up an otherwise chilly fall day.
Hot Spots To Fish: Michigan’s Grand River, which empties into the eastern side of Michigan, is a prime destination for salmon. Getting Bit Guide Service (616-570-2946, gettingbitguideservice.com) in Grand Rapids is a good starting point. In fact, any port of call along Lake Michigan on either the east or west sides is likely to have plenty of knowledgeable salmon guides or charters. Fishing from jetties or piers – such as the famed McKinley Pier in Milwaukee – is also productive during the fall salmon runs.
In northwestern New York, the Salmon River lives up to its name through mid-October, but the run might linger into November in the Lake Ontario feeder, depending on the weather. Coho and steelheads also are in the mix too.
The Yankee Angler (315-963-2065, yankeeangler.com) in Pulaski, N.Y. keeps tabs on the fishing. In the big waters of Lake Ontario’s southern shore at Rochester, N.Y., give Reel Em In Sportfishing Charters (585-317-5325, reeleminsportfishing.com) a call.
Farther to the northwest, the waters and feeders of Lake Superior near Sault Ste. Marie are teeming with big salmon. One of the benefits here is that you can always slip in to the St. Mary’s River System to get away from those rough autumn nor’ westers. Live To Fish Charters (906-440-7797) can help make it happen.
Tackle You’ll Need: Salmon tackle and striped bass tackle (see above) are practically interchangeable. Fish might range from a few pounds to well over 20 pounds, and rods and reels should be in the medium- to-heavy range. A light- to-medium spinning outfit capable of holding a couple of hundred yards of 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament or 30- to 50-pound-test braid should do for most applications, especially when casting lures. Try the Okuma Epixor XT-20 with a matching rod.
Quick Tip: Just to hedge your bets, tie a foot-long section of 2x mono to your streamer hook and add a beadhead Prince nymph or similar pattern to the other end. When salmon are finicky, they might flash at a streamer, but not take it. Sometimes, a smaller mouthful such as a nymph trailer will seal the deal.
Best Lures/Bait: For the most part, spawn-run salmon hit spoons, crankbaits or roe bags out of reaction rather than hunger. Shiny lures, such as the Luhr-Jensen Twinky Rig behind a flasher, the Acme Kastmaster Spoon and a variety of soft-plastic swimbaits or hard crankbaits, will elicit strikes. Fly fishermen favor Dahlberg Divers, Wooly Buggers, Hex Nymphs and Glo Bugs.
Find the best fishing spots near you:
Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:
Walleyes Are Hungry and Willing
In similar fashion to bass, walleyes follow baitfish from the bigger lakes to feeder creeks and rivers with current.
Hot Spots To Fish: The Van Hook Arm of Lake Sakakawea (701-421-0360, vanhookguideservice.com) in North Dakota is a prime walleye destination, as is Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago (920-598-0586, walleyepatrol.com)
Tackle You’ll Need: Power fishing it’s not. Though walleyes might fatten up to well over 10 pounds, 2- to 4-pound fish are more the rule. Depending on the average size of the fish, 4- to 10-pound-test monofilament or fluorocarbon will do.
For spinning enthusiasts, the Quantum Vapor PT with matching rod will work. If you prefer trolling to casting, or bouncing a weight and natural bait on the bottom, try a baitcasting outfit such as a Fenwick/Pflueger Night Hawk or Iron Hawk combo.
Quick tip: Trolling at night with diving jerkbaits, such as the Storm Original ThunderStick or Lucky Craft Pointer 110, is a great way to catch walleyes. Troll in patterns from deep to shallow and back again, as the fish tend to relocate up and down drop-offs and channel runs depending on bait movement.
Best Lures/Bait: Leeches, nightcrawlers, minnows and everything from crankbaits to spinners will find favor with hungry fall walleyes. Top picks include: Rapala’s Shad Rap, Berkley’s Flicker Shad, Mepps’ Black Fury, Rapala’s Husky Jerk and Northland Fishing Tackle’s Forage Minnow Jigging Spoon.
Related articles that may interest you:
Fish Here This Fall—5 Reel-Screaming Adventures
How to Choose the Best Times to Fish
If you live in Madison or the surrounding area and want to get into rock climbing, check out Devils Lakes Climbing Guides. With this small, local guide service, you’ll be able to top-rope climb in a variety of places at Devils Lake. Go with large groups, small groups, or solo. The instructors at Devils Lake Climbing Guides are experts and will help you to get acclimated and comfortable during your climb.
Governor Dodge State Park has multiple rock faces that are perfect for climbing. The sandstone walls have become a jungle gym to those who are experienced climbers. We recommend this rock climbing location for our more advanced rock climbers. It’s a perfect place to test your abilities. However, some of the rock at Governor Dodge State Park is fragile and it is requested that no more bolts be placed in the sandstone.
This dual state park joins Minnesota and Wisconsin in the Interstate Park. Routes at the park are usually top-rope but offer short lead climbs. At Interstate Park, you will climb basalt rock. Because Interstate Park offers many low range climbs and short approaches, all experience levels are able to climb.
There are beautiful rock climbing opportunities at Willow River State Park. Willow River State Park has been named one of the best places to rock climb in the Wisconsin region by ClimbMidwest. This climb is considered difficult with tricky clip moves.
Grandad Bluff located in La Crosse is a beautiful yet challenging rock climbing experience. The crag features about 40 clean sport lines. Between rock climbing enthusiasts all around the Midwest and local university students, there are a wide range of climbers found at Grandad Bluff.
]]>The Sentinel Trail at the Peninsula State Park is the perfect two-mile loop. You’ll find maple, beech, and red pine trees along the trail loop. This trail offers breathtaking views inside one of Wisconsin’s favorite natural spots. We recommend taking your hike at sunset for even more stunning views.
The entire Bearskin State Trail runs 18 miles-long through three different communities in Northern Wisconsin. If you don’t want to commit to its 18-mile length there are tons of areas that are great to shorten your trek. While on the trail, you will stroll along a few different bridges across Minocqua’s chain of lakes. Catch beautiful sunsets sneaking between the tree-lined trail. We recommend coming during the fall months for some of Wisconsin’s most beautiful shades of autumn.
There are tons of hiking trails within Devil’s Lake State Park. We recommend the East Bluff Trail at Devil’s Lake for some of the best seasonal foliage. The hike itself is a moderate feat at about 1.7 miles in length and will take you 45-90 minutes to complete. You’ll find inspiring views of Devil’s Lake, along with its most prized views of hardwood forest landscape.
If you are looking for more of a difficult hiking trail, but don’t want to sacrifice the beautiful views—try the Perrot Ridge Trail. Located in Perrot State Park, this 1.5-mile-long trail has beautiful views of Trempealeau Bay. Heavy foliage of wildflowers and trees fill the steep trail that makes Perrot Ridge Trail.
Rib Mountain State Park is best experienced in the fall, when the vibrant colors of autumn bring the trees to life. For an easier hike, try the Blue Trail. Along the way, hikers will be afforded views of striking rock formations. There is also asphalt along the trail, making it less labor-intensive.
]]>Peninsula State Park has eight lovely miles of Lake Michigan shoreline to show for itself. The trails throughout the campground make for the perfect fall scenery. The campground has over 450 sites that feature quiet woods and beautiful foliage. Peninsula State Park is Wisconsin’s treasure year-round.
Perrot State Park combines the beautiful Trempealeau and Mississippi Rivers in one campground. The towering 500-foot-tall bluffs are the perfect place to catch favorited fall views. There are a little over 100 campsites at Perrot State Park open for reservation. Start a warm fire in the ring right before the crisp fall weather hits at night. Perrot State Park offers some of the best natural, archeological, and historical resources including Brady’s Bluff.
Willow River State Park near Hudson is the perfect place to camping this fall. Be sure to bring your camera and enjoy the cascading rapids and water falls of Willow Falls. There are year-round recreational activities to experience as well as just over 150 campsites. Bring some blankets to snuggle up with around the fire after that chilly fall sunset.
Copper Falls State Park lives up to its name. It holds some of the most beautiful waterfalls, lava flows, gorges and historical 1930s wood cabins—making it one of the most sought out camping destinations in the state. There are exactly 51 campsites available for reservation for this fall. Catch some of the most beautiful fall views in Northern Wisconsin at Copper Falls State Park Campground.
Big Bay State Park is perfect for a fun fall camping experience. Gigantic cliffs overlooking Lake Superior surrounded by colossal color from the autumn trees is the most picturesque fall you could possibly ask for. Head over to the Madeline Island to walk their boardwalk, view their sandstone bluffs, and adventure on Big Bay’s 61 sites.
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