Explore some of the Most Stunning Wisconsin Hiking Trails

 

Hiking is one of the most popular pastimes in the Driftless Region, as it offers a unique and picturesque experience for adventures of all kinds! The area is characterized by its rugged topography, featuring deep river valleys, rolling hills, and limestone bluffs left untouched by glacial activity that shaped much of the surrounding landscape. These Wisconsin hiking trails create a diverse and beautiful environment for hikers of all skill levels and experiences to explore.

Plenty of nearby state parks and nature preserves offer a wide range of hiking trails, so sometimes the hardest part is choosing where to go. However, the exciting part is exploring the beauty of our State. If you’re looking for a great place to start, Justin Trails Resort near Sparta, WI, has an excellent trail system. Our 200-acre property is ideal for a leisurely hike, with fantastic birdwatching opportunities, two championship disc golf courses, and many other family-friendly activities.

As a guest at our Wisconsin rental cabins and bed-and-breakfast-style resort, you’ll have complimentary access to all of the above and more. For those who want to head out and explore, we’re centrally located near a long list of beautiful places for some of the best Wisconsin hiking trails. After a day full of adventure in the wilderness, your accommodations will welcome you back with luxurious amenities such as two-person whirlpool bathtubs, comfortable seating areas, and cozy beds with fine linens. Start planning your next vacation hiking in Wisconsin, and book your lodging today! 

Hiking in Wisconsin is one activity we can all enjoy this summer, as it provides the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and experience the best this State has to offer. The scenery of the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, which is characterized by its rolling hills, valleys, and sharply rising bluffs, is unmatched. It’s also what lends itself to such varied forms of outdoor recreation.

Here’s a list of the best Wisconsin hiking trails near our resort:

1. Wildcat Mountain State Park: Located near Ontario, this park boasts a variety of hiking trails that wind through dense hardwood forests and along the Kickapoo River. With over 25 miles of some of Wisconsin’s finest hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, the park is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Old Settler’s Trail and the Hemlock Trail are highly recommended for those looking for a challenging hike.
2. Kickapoo Valley Reserve: Between La Farge and Ontario, the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Trail System offers a variety of Wisconsin hiking trails with different terrains for both gentle and challenging hikes, including the famous Kickapoo Ridge Trail.
3. 400 State Trail: This 22-mile trail connects to the Elroy-Sparta Trail from Reedsburg. It’s a multi-use trail that weaves back and forth across the Baraboo River and offers some of the most accessible hiking in Wisconsin.
4. Elroy-Sparta State Trail: The trail in the Rails to Trails project was the first of its kind in the country and is now a popular destination for both visitors and locals. To explore all 32.5 miles of this beautiful trail, consider breaking it up into multiple days or hop on your bike. Just be sure to bring a flashlight and some extra layers for the walks through the tunnels.
5. Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge: This nature refuge spans over 6,400 acres of land on the eastern edge of the Mississippi River. It offers a variety of hiking opportunities. The sanctuary’s primary feature is a backwater section of the Mississippi River, which provides a perfect habitat for waterfowl and other birds.
6. Perrot State Park: This park covers 1,243 acres and boasts stunning views from its 500-foot limestone bluffs. The Brady’s Bluff Natural Area offers some of the best views of the river and Trempealeau Mountain, which Native Americans considered sacred.
7. Black River State Forest: This forest spans 68,000 acres and is home to two forks of the river. It consists of pine and oak located beneath high sandstone formations. Visitors can enjoy nature trails that feature interpretive signs, which begin at Pigeon Creek and Castle Mound campgrounds.
8. Justin Trails Resort Trails: If you don’t feel like traveling far at all, you can still access some of the best Wisconsin hiking trails here at the Justin Trails Resort! Our 200-acre property has a beautiful trail system that is perfect for exploring. Don’t forget to take your binoculars, as the birdwatching and wildlife here are exquisite. Keep your eyes peeled, and you may spy deer, wild turkeys, hawks, and other wildlife along the trail.

At the end of a long day on the best Wisconsin hiking trails, you’ll be ready to put your feet up and relax for the evening.  The comfortable accommodations, whether in our farmhouse suites or beautiful log cabins, are exactly what you’re looking for. Summer evenings at our resort are also perfect for bonfires and stargazing. 

One of our most exquisite log cabin rentals is the Paul Buyan Log Cabin (pictured above), and it’s one of the most unforgettable places to stay. Our dog-friendly Scandinavian-Scribe log cabin is built with huge aspen logs from our farm in rural Sparta, Wisconsin. The cabin is 1,000 square feet for family and friends to enjoy, making the perfect cozy oasis for your getaway needs. This open-concept Wisconsin cabin sleeps up to six people and makes for the perfect homebase after exploring the nearby Wisconsin hiking trails.

When you stay at our resort, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast every morning. It’s the perfect way to start your day before heading out to explore the beautiful hiking trails. Our breakfasts are homemade using family recipes that have been tried and tested over time. We offer both sweet and savory options to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Start planning your next vacation to the picturesque Wisconsin Driftless Region. and book your lodging today!