Wisconsin's state and national parks have some of the finest trails in the world, but what about the rest of Wisconsin's trails? They sure hold their own - and don't require trail passes. Check out these five great Wisconsin trails for a free trip to see nature's summer offerings.
Baird Creek Greenway
Green Bay
Extending for five kilometers along Baird Creek, the greenway provides an oasis in the concrete jungle. With trails that pass through lowlands, prairies, and forests, users will see a variety of wildlife. The greenway also plays an important role within the economic preservation of the Green Bay area, as Baird Creek Preservation Foundation has mapped out a master plan for nurturing natural growth, restoration and recreation.
Hixon Forest and La Crosse River Marsh
La Crosse
Hixon Forest and the La Crosse River Marsh offer more than 13 miles of trails for hikers and cross-country skiers, with some accessible by bike. The trails take users through a variety of habitats; the Mississippi River, marshlands, forests and prairies. The river-to-bluffs trail allows users to go from the shore of the Mississippi to the summit of Grandad Bluff, a staple of the La Crosse skyline, without ever crossing a road. Trail difficulty runs the gamut - some are shaded and flat, while others provide little cover, some run up mountain-like climbs over rough terrain.
Timm's Hill Trail
Taylor and Price Counties
This 10-mile trail serves as a connector between the Ice Age Trail and Timm's Hill (Wisconsin's highest natural elevation point), but is a beauty in itself. Available for hikers, mountain bikers, skiers, and snowshoers, the trail is open year round. The first few miles are fairly gentle, but from there the ascent can be challenging. The trail's northern terminus is at Timm's Hill County Park in Price County, with the southern end lies at the Rusch Preserve at Highway C in Taylor County. Each terminus provides access to several other trails.
Blackhawk Ridge
Mazomanie
Another 10 miles of trails are located at the Blackhawk Ridge Unit of the Wisconsin State Riverway. Located near the town of Mazomanie (west of Madison), the trails run through woods dotted with meadows. Hikers and skiers will encounter rolling hills, but the trails are large enough to go two-wide. The trail has spectacular views of the Wisconsin River Valley, and encounters the historic Wisconsin Height battlefield, where the penultimate battle of the Black Hawk War was fought.
Green Circle Trail
Stevens Point
The Green Circle Trail loops around the Stevens Point area for more than 30 miles. Winner of the 2008 Citizens for a Scenic Wisconsin Beauty Award, the trail connects several area parks and preserves. While more than 80 percent of the trail is in secluded areas, all urban residents are within 10 minutes of the trail system. Surfaces range from crushed granite to blacktop to woodchips, with wood-planked bridges. Check out the wildlife at the Schmeeckle Reserve, or sneak into town for a break.
