Hike the Kickapoo Valley Reserve This Summer

In Southwestern Wisconsin, you’ll find a beautiful place known as the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. This natural area has a diverse landscape with an abundance of plant and animal life, picturesque forests of hardwoods, and interesting geological and archeological features. The Kickapoo River zig zags through the Kickapoo Valley Reserve creating many opportunities for water exploration and activities.

Hiking at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve is a very popular pastime, considering there miles and miles of trails to choose from, all varying in length and difficulty. The Kickapoo River offers calm and peaceful waters for paddling and kayaking. It’s a great way to get an up-close view of the significant rock cliffs that line the river. These stone formations are a classic topography of the Driftless Region of Wisconsin, an area that was spared from flattening in the last glacial period.

When you stay at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, you’ll be immersed in the gorgeous countryside of this area. The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is just under 40 minutes scenic drive from our resort. You’ll wake up rested in one of our luxury guests suites ready to head out early on your hiking excursion. Of course, only after enjoying a fresh and substantial breakfast from our kitchen at the Lodge. Book your room today!

The Kickapoo Valley Reserve is an amazing area to explore in the Wisconsin wilderness—from canoeing on the Kickapoo River to navigating the wooded trails you could spend a whole day here out in nature. There are also plenty of family-friendly hikes, places to stop off for a picnic, and spots along the river for nature viewing.

Here are five trails to check out either on foot, by bike, or on horseback at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve:

• Visitor Center Trails: This 1.5 mile loop starts at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve Visitor Center. On the easy hike, you’ll take the railroad tie steps down to the river bottom, cross small footbridges, and take in scenic vistas of the river.
• Wintergreen Bluff Trail: You’ll see a diverse mix of trees on this 1.5 mile hike, like hemlocks, conifers, pines, and hardwoods. This trail begins at the Visitor Center as well, but takes you to a series of rock ledges that were manmade during the construction of the dam.
• Billings Creek Trail: For a more rugged experience, this trail is only 2 miles, but much of the path isn’t as maintained as some of the other choices. The majority of the route takes you along a low wooded ridge and you’ll need to cross streams and eventually hop on stones in Billings Creek to reach the other side. Long pants are strongly recommended.
• Hanson Rock Hikes: These routes are a popular choice for horseback riding, the trail is wide and maintained so it’s easy to share the road. There’s a bit of an elevation gain, around 500 feet, but the vistas are impressive at the top of Hanson Rock. The three options range from 6.5-8 miles round trip.
• Hoot Owl Trail: This 3 mile loop takes you through big open stretches of prairie land, into wooded areas, and over streams. Be prepared to get your feet wet!

• The Kickapoo River, which translates to “crooked river” by the locals, is a lovely 125-mile expanse for canoeing and kayaking. The calm waters are perfect for family canoe rides and beginner paddlers. The river takes you through one of the most scenic areas of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Spend a day on this gentle and shallow river for a memorable addition to your vacation.
• If you’re interested in fishing, the Kickapoo river is a popular spot for anglers. The outlying creeks of Weister, Warner, and Billings are great for trout fishing.
• The 8,300 square foot Visitor’s Center is a wonderful stop to gain some incredible insight to this area of Wisconsin. With more than 15,000 guests per year, the center offers interactive displays and exhibits, as well as educational workshops.

The Justin Trails Resort, our premium Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, is nestled in the serene, hilly coulee near Sparta, WI. Our 200-acre resort offers more than 10 miles of maintained trails, all of which are family and dog-friendly. If you’re an avid outdoor lover, you’ll absolutely love our grounds, from two disc-golf courses to fat tire bike trails, you’ll be in heaven. Another favorite spot for our guests is making s’mores on the outdoor fire pit.

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious bed and breakfast-style stay or a more rugged vacation sleeping under the stars our Wisconsin Inn and Resort has a choice for everyone. We have convenient campsites, cozy cabins, and more traditional lodging and romantic guest suites. Our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast is truly a destination not to be missed. Start planning your next getaway and book your room today!