milwaukee hiking trails

Milwaukee offers a diverse range of hiking trails for all levels of hikers, from leisurely strolls to challenging treks. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s a trail here to suit your needs.

Best Trails for Beginners

a. Oak Leaf Trail

The Oak Leaf Trail is a paved, 11-mile trail that winds through Milwaukee’s parks and neighborhoods. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, and it’s also a great option for families with young children.

b. Menomonee River Parkway

The Menomonee River Parkway is a 6-mile paved trail that follows the Menomonee River. It’s a great place to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise, and it’s also a popular spot for fishing and kayaking.

a. Oak Leaf Trail

The Oak Leaf Trail is an 11-mile paved trail that winds through Milwaukee’s parks and neighborhoods. It’s a great option for beginners, families with young children, and anyone looking for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.

The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it a good choice for hikers of all ages and fitness levels. It’s also a great way to explore Milwaukee’s many parks and green spaces.

Along the way, you’ll pass by lakes, rivers, and wetlands, and you’ll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife. The trail is also dotted with benches and picnic areas, so you can take a break and enjoy the scenery.

b. Menomonee River Parkway

The Menomonee River Parkway is a 10-mile paved trail that follows the Menomonee River through Milwaukee’s industrial valley. It’s a great option for hikers, bikers, and runners looking for a more challenging workout.

The trail is mostly flat, but there are a few hills along the way. It’s also a good choice for nature lovers, as it passes through a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and prairies.

Along the way, you’ll see historic bridges, dams, and other industrial landmarks. You’ll also have the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and deer.

Trails with Scenic Views

Milwaukee offers a number of hiking trails with stunning scenic views. These trails are perfect for hikers who want to enjoy the beauty of the city’s natural surroundings.

Some of the most popular trails with scenic views include⁚

• Lake Michigan Trail⁚ This trail follows the shoreline of Lake Michigan, offering hikers stunning views of the lake and the city skyline.
• Riverwalk Trail⁚ This trail follows the Milwaukee River through the heart of the city, offering hikers views of the river, the city’s bridges, and the historic buildings along the riverfront.

These are just a few of the many trails with scenic views that Milwaukee has to offer. So get out there and explore the beauty of the city’s natural surroundings!

a. Lake Michigan Trail

The Lake Michigan Trail is a paved trail that follows the shoreline of Lake Michigan for 18 miles. The trail offers stunning views of the lake, the city skyline, and the surrounding parks and beaches.

The trail is relatively flat and easy to walk, making it a great option for hikers of all ages and abilities. It’s also a popular trail for cyclists, runners, and dog walkers.

Along the trail, there are several parks and beaches where you can stop to rest, have a picnic, or go for a swim. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes along the trail where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink.

The Lake Michigan Trail is a great way to enjoy the beauty of Milwaukee’s natural surroundings. It’s a perfect trail for a leisurely walk, a bike ride, or a run.

b. Riverwalk Trail

The Riverwalk Trail is a paved trail that follows the Milwaukee River for 3 miles. The trail offers scenic views of the river, the city skyline, and the surrounding parks and bridges.

The trail is relatively flat and easy to walk, making it a great option for hikers of all ages and abilities. It’s also a popular trail for cyclists, runners, and dog walkers.

Along the trail, there are several parks and plazas where you can stop to rest, have a picnic, or enjoy the views. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes along the trail where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink.

The Riverwalk Trail is a great way to explore the heart of Milwaukee. It’s a perfect trail for a leisurely walk, a bike ride, or a run.

Trails for Experienced Hikers

If you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenge, Milwaukee has several trails that will put your endurance and skills to the test.

These trails are typically longer, steeper, and more rugged than the beginner and intermediate trails. They may also require some technical skills, such as rock scrambling or route finding.

Some of the best trails for experienced hikers in Milwaukee include⁚

• Seven Bridges Trail⁚ This 6-mile loop trail features seven bridges that cross the Milwaukee River and its tributaries.
• Kettle Moraine Ice Age National Scenic Trail⁚ This 110-mile trail follows the Kettle Moraine, a series of hills and valleys formed by glaciers during the last ice age.

Before hiking any of these trails, be sure to check the weather forecast and trail conditions. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear.

a. Seven Bridges Trail

The Seven Bridges Trail is a 6-mile loop trail that follows the Milwaukee River and its tributaries. The trail is named for the seven bridges that cross the river along the way.

The trail is rated as moderate in difficulty, with some sections that are steep and rocky. However, the trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.

The Seven Bridges Trail is a great option for experienced hikers looking for a challenging yet rewarding hike. The trail offers beautiful scenery, including views of the river, waterfalls, and forests.

To hike the Seven Bridges Trail, start at the trailhead on North River Road. The trail is well-marked with blue blazes.

Be sure to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before hiking the Seven Bridges Trail. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear.

b. Kettle Moraine Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The Kettle Moraine Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 115-mile trail that follows the Kettle Moraine, a series of hills and ridges formed by the glaciers that covered Wisconsin during the last ice age.

The trail is rated as moderate to difficult in difficulty, with some sections that are steep and rocky. However, the trail is well-maintained and easy to follow.

The Kettle Moraine Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a great option for experienced hikers looking for a challenging yet rewarding hike. The trail offers beautiful scenery, including views of forests, lakes, and prairies.

To hike the Kettle Moraine Ice Age National Scenic Trail, start at the trailhead on County Highway C in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The trail is well-marked with blue blazes.

Be sure to check the weather forecast and trail conditions before hiking the Kettle Moraine Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Also, be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear.