Some of the Best Hiking in Wisconsin is Near our Resort

These times of social distancing and staying at home have been tough on all of us.  Like you, we long for the days when we can get back to moving freely around the state and visiting our favorite parks and places, and maybe even doing a little hiking in Wisconsin! Currently, the restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in Wisconsin look to be in place until May 26, but that's always subject to change, of course. When it does ease, we're going to be ready to welcome guests back to our resort with open arms.

We imagine you're probably feeling the same way, too. After months at home, a change of scenery will be nice. That's where our luxurious resort in the heart of Wisconsin's Driftless Region comes in!  Imagine 200 stunning acres to explore, comfortable guest rooms to lounge in, some of the state's best scenery, and so much more. As we look forward to the summer ahead, let yourself start dreaming and book a room at our Wisconsin Resort today!

Hiking in Wisconsin is one activity we can all enjoy this summer, as it provides the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, experience the best this state has to offer, all while maintaining proper social distancing guidelines. There's nowhere better to hike than the stunning beautiful Driftless Region. 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.

If you're looking to find some of the best hiking in Wisconsin, you can't go wrong with a visit to the Driftless Region. With State Parks, natural preserves, and hiking trails aplenty, it can sometimes be challenging to choose which hikes to take. From the trails right here at our Resort near Sparta, WI, to the areas surrounding us, we truly think this region offers some of the best hiking in Wisconsin.  Here are a few of our favorite trails:

1. If you like rustic trails, then the Kickapoo Valley Reserve is for you! There are three hiking-only trails in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve and a number of multi-use trails. It's a place where sandstone outcroppings tower over the Kickapoo River, and where wildlife roams freely. We love the natural feel of this place, and it's what makes it one of our favorite places to go hiking in Wisconsin.
2. One of our favorite places to go hiking in Wisconsin is Wildcat Mountain State Park. Wildcat Mountain State Park, a little over 30 minutes from our resort,  sits perched on a bluff overlooking the meandering Kickapoo River. To say this part is beautiful is a massive understatement. Wildcat Mountain State Park perfectly encapsulates the beauty of the Driftless Region, and really must be seen to be believed. Within the park, there are just over 25 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. The most popular hiking trails within the park are the Old Settler's Trail, the Hemlock Nature Trail, and the Ice Cave Trail.
3. Hike and enjoy nature at Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is located on the eastern edge of the Mississippi River and offers a number of hiking opportunities on its 6,400-acres of land. The refuge is primarily a backwater section of the Mississippi River, thus offering the perfect habitat for waterfowl and other birds.
4. Nearby the Wildlife Refuge, you'll find Perrot State Park. The Park encompasses 1,243 acres and offers magnificent 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, a mountain considered sacred by Native Americans.
5. It may not be what first springs to mind, but the Elroy-Sparta Trail is just as suitable for hiking as it is biking. As the inaugural trail in the Rails to Trails project in the country, it's very popular with visitors and locals. Break the trail up into multiple days, and you can easily discover all 32.5 miles of this beautiful trail. Just be sure to take a flashlight (and maybe some layers) for the walks through the tunnels.
6. Get a varied taste of Wisconsin's most beautiful habitats, including wetlands, wildlife, sandstone bluffs, croplands, pastures, and forests of beautiful white pines along the 400 State Trail. This 22-mile trail connects to the Elroy-Sparta Trail before taking off on its route back and forth across the Baraboo River.
7. The La Crosse River State Trail travels 22 miles through the beautiful La Crosse valley, traveling through a variety of Prairie remnants, farmland, trout streams, hardwood forests, and wetlands along the way.
8. The Great River State Trail meanders for 24 miles through prairies and backwaters of the upper Mississippi River valley.
9. Another great place to go hiking in Wisconsin is the Black River State Forest. Not only will you enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, but you might even have the chance to see the elk that have returned to these lands over the last few years.
10. And, if you don't feel like traveling far at all, you can still have some access to some of the best hiking in Wisconsin, right here at the Justin Trails Resort!  Our 200-acre property has a wonderful trail system around it that is perfect for exploring. Don't forget to take your binoculars, as the birdwatching and wildlife here are exquisite.

At the end of a long day on the 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.

As we get back into the swing of life and settle into our new routines, make sure you carve some time out for yourself this summer. Spend a few days at our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, where you'll discover more than just the best hiking in Wisconsin; you'll discover a sense of place that will leave you thirsting for more.  Book your room at our Wisconsin Resort Today!