8 Great Hiking Trails Near a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast

8 Hidden Gem Hiking Trails in Wisconsin Near a Bed and BreakfastAs we head into the busier and warmer spring season, it's time to think about all of those great things we can do outside in the beautiful state of Wisconsin. Wherever your travels happen to take you, one thing you can count on is breathtaking scenery along the way.  Wisconsin is home to over 2,500 miles of hiking trails, which include some of the better known statewide "rails to trails" pathways, a variety of state and local parks, and plenty of lesser known, but equally beautiful, hiking trails. These lesser known hikes are the ones we consider to be the hidden gems of the state, found in places where Wisconsin's true character is on display. Many of them also happen to be near at least one of our member Bed and Breakfasts! Search for your favorite Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast by region, then start planning your hiking adventures in Wisconsin today. 

8 Great Hidden Gem Hiking Trails in Wisconsin

It's easy to find hiking trails in Wisconsin. They are practically everwhere. You've likely already heard of the most popular places to hike, including Devils Lake State Park, Kettle Morraine State Forest, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and the Ice Age Trail. But what about those lesser known hikes; the ones that usually aren't crowded with people from start to finish? Those are the hikes that truly show off the best of Wisconsin. And better yet, many of them are located near at least one of our member Inns, making it easy for you to enjoy the state's unspoiled beauty, wilderness, and wildlife while on vacation. The next time you want to get out and explore Wisconsin, consider one of these 8 great hiking trails:

  • For an amazing view of the Mississippi River, head to Buena Vista Park near Alma. This hiking trail is accessible, and offers a great view of the river year-round. It also happens to be a spectacular location for birding, especially if you're looking to spot a majestic bald eagle.
  • Up in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Northern Wisconsin, hikers will enjoy the Ed Lakes National Recreation Trail. This trail follows old railroads from the 1900's through the forested hillsides.
  • 8 Great Hidden Gem Hiking Trails in Wisconsin Near a Bed and BreakfastAnother popular Northwoods Trail is the Oxbo Trail near Fifield. The trail is located within the Flambeau River State Forest, and offers quintessential views of Wisconsin's unspoiled Northwoods territory.
  • South of Milwaukee, you'll find Petrifying Springs Park in Kenosha. This park is exceptionally beautiful during peak fall foliage season.
  • Just north of the Wisconsin Dells, you'll find a spectacularly underappreciated portion of Wisconsin's Driftless Area that is perfect for hiking; the Quincy bluff and Wetlands Natural Area. One of the more popular places here is Lone Rock, which features 100 ft. tall Cambrian sandstone cliffs, and a diverse array of plant and wildlife. Look in any direction from the top of Lone Rock, and you won't see any traces of human habitation. Instead, you'll experience the wild beauty of Wisconsin as it was meant to be seen.
  • If you find yourself in the Madison area, there's a hidden gem right in the city that is the perfect respite from urban living, and a great place to spend the afternoon hiking. The arboretum on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus is a beautiful section of restored prairie, forest and wetlands, and is definitely worth exploring.
  • If you're looking to do a little urban hiking, then you can't miss the Hank Aaron State Trail in Milwaukee. This 12 mile path connects Milwaukee's lakefront to the city's west side, passing by some of the city's top attractions along the way.
  • In the La Crosse area, discover 10 miles of hiking trails in the Hixon Forest. The trails are beautiful and also connect up to other city parks, such as Grandad Bluff Park, which boasts stunning views of the Mississippi river valley.

After a tiring day on the trails, you'll be ready for the restful accommodations of a local Inn. Thankfully, the Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast Association has members all over Wisconsin, each of which have passed our inspection standards and are eager to supply you with exceptional hospitality and service. Our Inns range in style and ambiance. Whether you'd prefer to stay in one of Wisconin's cities or on a farmstead, vacation in a lakefront home or historic estate, you're certain to find a Bed and Breakfast that fits your needs pefectly. Better yet, our friendly and knowledgeable Innkeepers will offer plenty of insights and tips when it comes to making the most out of your stay at their Inn. Depending on where you want to go, you can browse through our diverse selection of Inns by region or city. We look forward to seeing you on the hiking trails around Wisconsin this spring and summer!

Head Out on the Highway

So often we tout the bike trails in Wisconsin and suggest ideas for biking between B&Bs. Time to give some due to the other two-wheeled form of travel – motorcycling. We just learned that seven communities in the region of western Wisconsin known as the “driftless area” - an area untouched by glaciers and the drift deposits left by glaciers, and notable for deeply carved valleys - have banded together to promote “Cycle Driftless Destinations.” The seven cities are Sparta, La Crosse, Black River Falls, Hillsboro, Tomah, Onalaska and Trempealeau, and they’ve pooled resources to produce an area map showing five interconnected routes that circle through the back roads of the region. Sounds like a wonderful way to while away a weekend. Of course, lodging will be required and that’s where our lovely Wisconsin B&Bs come into play. We recommend a stay at the Franklin Victorian B&B in Sparta for starters, where they offer inside secure motorcycle storage. There’s also Grapevine Log Cabins and Justin Trails B&B. In La Crosse, choose between two inns which are both listed on the National Historic Register – Four Gables B&B and Wilson Schoolhouse Inn. On to Onalaska, where the Lumber Baron Inn offers water views of Lake Onalaska, or you can opt for a farmhouse getaway at Rainbow Ridge Farms. Happy (motor) cycling.

 

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