Plan Now to See Door County Fall Colors

Stunning Door County Fall Colors in WisconsinThere are plenty of incredible places in which to see the vibrant hues of fall throughout the state of Wisconsin, but there is perhaps nothing more beautiful than Door Country fall colors. The Door County peninsula is located at the northeastern tip of Wisconsin. It's one of the most popular getaway destinations in Wisconsin and a frequent bucket-list destination for leaf-peeping enthusiasts.

Visitors to Door County will enjoy 300 pristine miles of shoreline, incredible orchards, wineries, and breweries, beautiful state parks, and a variety of historic lighthouses to visit, among other things. It also happens to be the perfect place to get away from all of the modern-day stress and noise many of us experience from day to day. Whether your days are spent adventuring in the beautiful outdoors, wine tasting, or relaxing at the area's charming Inns, it won't take you long to fall in love with beautiful Door County and to see why people return here year after year. 

From the southern jumping-off point of Green Bay north to Sturgeon Bay, there are a number of wonderful Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts to choose from, each one offering unique accommodations and exceptional hospitality. Our Inns are, after all, among the best places to stay in Wisconsin. Come enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Door County fall colors with us this fall. Browse our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts in northeastern Wisconsin, and book your getaway today!

Stunning Door County Fall Colors on the coastline

10 Places to See Door County Fall Colors

Door County is best known for its access to an abundance of pristine nature, but it's also home to a rich arts and culture scene. This unique combination of leisure and adventure is what makes it such a great getaway destination from sunrise to sunset. Add to it fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow when Door County fall colors reach their peak, and you have a delightful recipe for an unforgettable getaway this fall. 

Door County fall colors are some of the best in the entire Midwest. Whether you'd prefer to see Door County fall colors from the warmth of your car, up close and personal on the trails, or even from the water, we have plenty of ideas to help you make the most of your trip this fall. The best time to see Door County fall colors is from late September through mid-October, though there's plenty to see throughout the entire fall season.

When you're ready to travel, here are 10 of the best ways to experience the breathtaking beauty of Door County fall colors: 

  1. There are a lot of great scenic drives to take in Door County which perfectly showcase fiery autumnal hues. The most famous scenic drive is a 25-mile stretch of County Road 42, part of the Door County Coastal Byway. Door County's Department of Tourism has also put together several wonderful scenic drives to consider.
  2. Get outside and take a hike!  Hiking is a great way to experience Door County fall colors up close and personal, and with 5 state parks and 28 state natural areas, there's definitely no shortage of trails to explore. One good choice is Potawatomie State Park in Sturgeon Bay, which gives hikers access to scenic stretches of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
  3. Hit the water, and enjoy the many shades of red, orange, yellow, and green from the water.  With over 300 miles of shoreline to explore, there's no shortage of water-bound adventures to be had in Door County!
  4. Enjoy Door County fall colors by bike! Bay Shore Drive on the western shore is a great choice for bikers, as is Washington Island.
  5. Visit Peninsula State Park - it's truly a must for lovers of fall. You can enjoy a scenic drive through the park, or get out and enjoy the many hiking and biking trails, enjoy the views from lookout towers and lighthouses, and even enjoy some coastal kayaking from here.  It truly has it all!
  6. Attend one of the many fall festivals in Door County, including the Harvest Festival in Sturgeon Bay.
  7. Wine tasting might not be the first thing you think of when planning a trip to enjoy Door County fall colors, but the vineyards are spectacular in the fall - and who doesn't love a little wine tasting?  You'll love the Door County Wine Trail.
  8. Take a ferry ride to Washington Island, at the very tip of Door County. It's home to beautiful beaches, great hiking and biking, local farms, and plenty of great views and adventures to enjoy.
  9. Take in the sweeping views from Mount Baldy at Whitefish Dunes State Park. It's the state's tallest sand dune and offers great views in the fall of Lake Michigan and Clark Lake. 
  10. Sunrises and sunsets are always special in Door County, but never more beautiful than when accompanied by the glow of Door County fall colors. Here's a great list of places to enjoy the start and end of a beautiful day in this incredible place. 

Fall is also apple season at Door County's orchards. If you're in the area to enjoy fall colors, don't miss the opportunity to visit a local orchard or two while you're here. Pick your own apples, celebrate the annual harvest, and otherwise enjoy this extraordinary place.

Scenic Drives and Stunning Door County Fall Colors await this fall!

Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts in Door County

If you plan to see Door County fall colors this year, then you really should start planning your adventure now. Fall weekends can be busy, but you'll find fewer crowds on the roads and in the parks throughout the week. Apart from enjoying delicious breakfasts, welcoming hospitality, and an unparalleled getaway, our Innkeepers also serve as the perfect resource to help you enjoy all of the best hidden gems in Door County. It's one of the many reasons our Inns consistently ranks as the best places to stay in Wisconsin. 

There are three incredible Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts to choose from in Sturgeon Bay, a charming town centrally located on the Door County Peninsula. Coastal Living Magazine named Sturgeon Bay as one of the 10 Happiest Seaside Towns, which perfectly sums up what to expect on a getaway here this fall. With great sightseeing and fun activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, sailing, and more to enjoy in the area, you won't be bored for one second of your getaway. 

Where to stay: White Lace Inn, The Scofield House, Garden Gate Bed and Breakfast

We also have one member property in Green Bay, which is located just south of the Door County Peninsula, offering a larger city from which to base your adventures. Green Bay may be famous for its dedicated football fans, but it's also a vibrant city filled with beautiful parks, great restaurants and breweries, and so much more.  Basing your vacation from here would give you a wonderful mix of bigger-city amenities and stunning Northwoods beauty. 

Where to stay: Astor House Bed and Breakfast

Depending on what you're looking for in your getaway, we know one of these properties will feel like a place to come home to after a full day of adventure. Door County fall colors are waiting, and so, too, are the best places to stay in Wisconsin. Check regional availability, and then book your room at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

This Fall, Experience some of the Best Hiking in Wisconsin

This Fall, Discover the best hiking in WisconsinIf you're looking for some of the best hiking in Wisconsin this fall, these trails won't disappoint! There's truly nothing as beautiful as Wisconsin in the fall. While New England is at the top of many fall foliage bucket lists, you shouldn't be too quick to discount the beauty of the fall colors around our home state!  In fact, Wisconsin has earned itself quite the reputation when it comes to fall foliage, with visitors from around the Midwest making the journey each year.  

Wisconsin's fall colors will gradually take shape starting in the northernmost counties and working their way south, bringing with them jaw-dropping shades of amber, orange, and crimson. As the colors sweep across the state, it's time to get outside and enjoy some of the outdoors! Fall is also an exciting time of year for Wisconsin Innkeepers, who are eager to share the beauty of our state with their guests, while also sharing the bounty of this traditional harvest season.

There's a reason our collection of Inns are rated as some of the best places to stay in Wisconsin. Find your favorite Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, and book your fall getaway today.

The Best Hiking in Wisconsin This Fall

There is some truly great hiking in Wisconsin, much of which can be enjoyed year-round.  In the spring and early summer, these hiking trails are bursting with wildflowers. Come fall, the wildflower blooms give way to fall colors.  But in the winter, an entirely new experience can be had on these trails, which are often accessible by snowshoe and/or cross country skiing. 

Some of the best hiking in Wisconsin is found at State Parks, of which there are 43 (66 if you count State Recreation areas!). These trails are great, of course, but often our Innkeepers know of lesser-known but still equally as impressive trails.  Our Wisconsin Innkeepers truly are the best resource when it comes to knowing their local area - we always recommend asking them for their favorites!

This Fall, Discover the best hiking in Wisconsin

We've compiled a list of what we consider to be some of the best hiking in Wisconsin - it's a great place to start planning your fall adventure!  Each of these hikes will lead the way to some truly spectacular fall foliage and will showcase the very best of Wisconsin. Keep an eye on the fall color tracker to plan your trip, and otherwise enjoy these incredible hikes!

  1. The Kettle Moraine State Forest, just north of Milwaukee, is home to some of the best hiking in Wisconsin. Head to this area, and try the Parnell Tower Loop in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.  This hike won't disappoint. This loop takes you to a 60-foot observation tower that gives you a breathtaking 360-degree view from the top. You can hook up with even more trails in the area if you want more hiking opportunities.
  2. Door County is another great place for some of the best hiking in Wisconsin. The Sentinel Trail at Peninsula State Park is a great place to see Door County's exceptional foliage. This hike is on the easier side and provides a nice two-mile loop through stands of maple, beech, and pine trees.
  3. Head to Wyalusing State Park near Prairie du Chien, where you'll find the Sand Cave Trail and Little Sand Cave Loop, both of which offer beautiful views of the Wisconsin River below, surrounded by the glorious hues of autumn. 
  4. The Old Settlers Trail at Wildcat Mountain State Park near Sparta offers exceptional views of Wisconsin's Driftless Area and its unique topography in the fall. 
  5. Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo, perhaps one of the most popular state parks, is home to some of the best hiking in Wisconsin, especially during these beautiful months of fall.  One of our favorites is the East bluff Trail, which offers inspiring views of the lake below, all surrounded by the brilliance of fall foliage. 
  6. There aren't that many high points in Wisconsin from which to enjoy broad fall views. One such place is Timm's Hill in Ogema, which also happens to be the highest point in the state of Wisconsin.  The view is breathtaking just about any time of year, but it is absolutely magical in the fall. 
  7. Another place with delightful views is Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau, home to the famed Granite Peak Ski Area. You can even take a chair lift ride to the top in the fall if you aren't up for the hike. 
  8. Though it's a bit more difficult, the Perrot Ridge Trail at Perrot State Park near Trempealeau easily ranks as some of the best hiking in Wisconsin. 
  9. If you haven't yet seen the St. Croix River in the fall, now is the time.  It's simply amazing. A great place to experience all this area has to offer is Interstate State Park near St. Croix Falls. Here, you'll enjoy great views of the Dalles of the St. Croix.
  10. Escape the urban center of Madison for the day, and enjoy nature at the UW Madison Arboretum! It's absolutely beautiful in the fall and includes a variety of habitats, including restored prairies, savannas, woodlands, and wetlands. There are 17 miles of easy trails in the area, too.

This Fall, Discover the best hiking in Wisconsin

The Best Places to Stay in Wisconsin This Fall

September and October are the perfect months to visit a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast. where you'll enjoy all things fall.  Yes, you'll likely discover some of the best hiking in Wisconsin, but there's so much more to fall than just hiking. Crisp, cool fall breezes race through the air, vibrantly colored leaves blanket the ground, and the scents of fall, with their delicious notes of pumpkin spice and apple pie, permeate the air.  It all serves its purpose; to beckon us into the outdoors before the long days of winter ensue, to dress in warm layers, and savor it all under a pile under cozy blankets at your favorite Inn.

This fall, we invite you not just to enjoy some of the best hiking in Wisconsin, but to experience the best places to stay in Wisconsin. Here, you'll find unbeatable hospitality. Let us take care of you this fall. Book direct at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

Discover 24 of the Best Wisconsin Bike Trails This Summer

Wisconsin Bike Trails to ExploreTravel studies are showing us that, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers tend to prefer staycations and other destinations close to home for this summer.  Wisconsinites are pretty lucky, then, as there are so many wonderful places to explore right here in our own back yard. From Great Wisconsin bike trails and plenty of hiking to canoeing, kayaking, and exploring Wisconsin's majestic state parks, there's definitely no shortage of fun things to do in Wisconsin this summer. 

If you're looking for the best places to stay in Wisconsin, turn to our incredible and unique collection of Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts.  As traditionally small properties, you can rest assured knowing each of them is licensed, inspected, and insured.  With unmatched standards for cleanliness and professional innkeepers dedicated to hospitality and service, choosing a Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast is truly choosing The Safer Way to Stay

As you start to plan your travel around the state of Wisconsin this summer, look to our collection of Inns for your perfect home away from home.  You won't be disappointed. Browse our incredible collection of Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts today!

Wisconsin Bike Trails you Really Must Ride This Summer

There are a number of ways to enjoy Wisconsin, but one of our favorite activities that can be enjoyed virtually anywhere in the state is biking.  Whether you're an avid cyclist training for an event and need to log some miles on your vacation, or whether you just enjoy leisurely rides in the countryside, there are plenty of delightful Wisconsin bike trails to explore around the state. What's better, is that many of these incredible trails wind their way through some of the most scenic parts of the state, giving you a true appreciation for just how pretty the state of Wisconsin is.

Wisconsin Bike Trails to Explore This Summer

In fact, Wisconsin is one of the best states in the nation for biking, thanks in large part to the nation's Rails-to-Trails Conservancy program. There are 41 state-level Wisconsin bike trails, and most of them are rail-trails.  Altogether, there are more than 90 Wisconsin bike trails stretching across the state - and truly probably many more we don't even know about. Needless to say, you have a lot of options before you. 

Of course, there are a few big-name Wisconsin Bike Trails, like the Elroy-Sparta Trail, that we think you just shouldn't miss.  But, apart from that, there are a number of small and equally as incredible trails to enjoy. As always, your Innkeeper is your best local resource! We've gathered up 24 of our favorite Wisconsin bike trails from around the state by region, starting off with the most popular trails in the area, and highting a few others you may not have heard of.  We've also linked to the nearest Bed and Breakfasts, to make finding and choosing an adventure even easier.  Happy riding!

Southwestern Wisconsin Bike Trails

The Elroy-Sparta State Trail in Sparta, first built in 1965 and the first of the popular rails-to-trails program is one of the most popular Wisconsin bike trails, and for good reason. The trail is famous for its 3 intact rock tunnels, which are each over 140 years old. Their dark, cool interiors provide a welcome respite on a hot day, too.  Along the way, scenic views of Wisconsin's rural communities will certainly delight. 

Other great trails in southwestern Wisconsin include the following:

  • The 400 State Trail near Reedsburg offers a beautiful ride through Wetlands, wildlife, sandstone bluffs, rolling croplands, and pastures. In other words, it's the best of Wisconsin on one great trail. 
  • Great River State Trail offers incomparable views of the backwater areas of the Mississippi River, and also offers extraordinary opportunities for bird watching along the Mississippi Flyway. 
  • La Crosse River State Trail near La Crosse serves as a great connector trail to those looking to do longer rides in the area, especially if you want to tackle the Elroy Sparta Trail and the Great River State Trail. 
  • Mountain bikers won't want to miss their opportunity to bike the Kickapoo Valley Reserve here. It's one of the most beautiful parts of Wisconsin's Driftless Region. 

Great places to stay near these trails include the following Inns: Justin Trails Resort in Sparta; Westby House Inn B&B in Westby; Four Gables Bed and Breakfast in La Crosse; Cream Pitcher Bed and Breakfast in Blue River; Sheer Memories' Guest Cottage in Muscoda.

Biking in Southern Wisconsin (South-Central and South-East)

The Badger State Trail starts in Madison and heads south to the Illinois border, passing farmlands, woods, rolling hills, scenic meadows, and plenty of small rural communities along the way. One of the most popular features on the trail is a 1,200-foot tunnel, unique in that it curves in the middle so you can't see the opposite end of the tunnel as you enter it. 

Other great trails in this region include the following:

  • The Capital City State Trail in Madison offers a beautiful way to tour the city, and also connects up to many of the other trails mentioned here for extended trips. 
  • Governor Dodge State Park is a truly beautiful park to explore. Spend a day biking among the steep hills, bluffs, and valleys, stopping along the way to enjoy a restful afternoon break at the area's waterfall and lakes. It's one of the most popular Wisconsin State Parks for a reason!
  • Military Ridge State Trail near Blue Mounds is an old military trail dating back to 1855. There are several observation areas just off the trail, too, which allows you to view the wildlife and other geological features of the area.
  • The Sugar River State Trail in New Glarus is part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail and is a great place to see wildlife.  There are also a number of scenic bridges to ride over along the way. 
  • Riding along the Wild Goose State Trail, near Horicon Marsh, is one of the best ways to experience the Marsh and enjoy the 250+ bird species found in this area. 

Great places to stay near these trails include the following Inns: The Buckingham Inn in Madison; Hotel Ruby Marie in Madison; The Livingston Inn in Madison; The Speckled Hen Inn in Madison; Honeybee Inn in Horicon; Silver Star B&B in Spring Green; Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn in Belleville.

Central Wisconsin Bike Trails (and east-central)

Glacial Drumlin State Trail offers 52 miles of trails between Wisconsin's two biggest urban areas, Madison and Waukesha (just outside of Milwaukee). Don't forget to stop and take a selfie at Rock Lake Bridge near Lake Mills.  As you move out of the city, there are plenty of ponds, rivers, and marshes to enjoy, along with the variety of wildlife that calls them home. 

More Wisconsin bike trails in central Wisconsin include:

  • Devil's River State Trail, near Manitowoc, is a beautiful rural trail that features two dramatic railroad trestles crossing the Devil's River and tributaries.
  • Kettle Morain State Forest - Northern Unit near West Bend is an incredibly beautiful area renownded for its scenic natural beauty and home to incredible biodiversity.  
  • Kohler-Andre State Park in Sheboygan explores the scenic shoreline of Lake Michigan with its majestic sand dunes, miles of stuning beach, and sparkling blue water. 

Great places to stay near these Wisconsin bike trails include the following Inns: Westport Bed and Breakfast in Manitowoc; Red Forest Bed and Breakfast in Two Rivers; Rochester Inn in Sheboygan Falls; Fargo Mansion Inn in Lake Mills; Sweet Autumn Inn in Lake Mills.

Beautiful Wisconsin Bike Trails to Explore

Wisconsin Bike Trails in Northeastern Wisconsin

Ahnapee State Trail, in Door County, starts in downtown Sturgeon Bay and makes its way south to the charming lakeside town of Algoma. The habitats you'll encounter here include evergreen glades, farmland, and prairies, all of which are positively brimming with wildlife and native wildflowers.

A few more Wisconsin bike trails to consider here include:

  • Fox River State Trail near Green Bay follows the beautiful Fox River, an area rich with Native American history and scenic beauty. 
  • Mountain-Bay State Trail, starting at Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau, is one of the longest rail-trails in Wisconsin, ending in Green Bay.
  • Peninsula State Park is situated on the shores of Door County, offering exceptional biking, wildlife viewing, and other recreation in one of the most scenic parts of the state. 
  • Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area in Wausau is one of the most popular areas for hiking and biking in the Wausau area. The area also hosts a number of mountain bike races throughout the year. 

Great places to stay near these Wisconsin bike trails include the following Inns: The Scofield House in Sturgeon Bay; White Lace Inn in Sturgeon Bay; Garden Gate Bed and Breakfast in Sturgeon Bay; Stewart Inn in Wausau.

Northwestern Wisconsin Biking Trails

Gandy Dancer State Trail near St. Croix Falls is a truly breathtaking trail.  It travels north for 98 miles, even popping across the border into Minnesota for a period of time, crossing a 520-foot trestle across the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway.

Find these additional Wisconsin bike trails in northwestern Wisconsin:

  • Old Abe State Trail near Chippewa Falls is a relatively flat trail, as most old rail-trails are, and winds its way through agricultural and forest land and along the beautiful Chippewa River.
  • Chippewa River State Trail near Eau Claire also navigates along the Chippewa River and takes riders across a number of varied habitats, including prairies, sandstone bluffs, and wetlands.
  • Madeline Island, just off the coast near Bayfield, is certainly a unique place to do some biking!  It's absolutely beautiful though and easily reached via ferry from Bayfield. It's the largest of the Apostle Islands and offers a number of scenic rural roads and Wisconsin bike trails to explore.

Great places to stay near these trails include the following Inns: Inn on Lake Wissota in Chippewa Falls; The Cobblestone Bed and Breakfast in Birchwood; Old Rittenhouse Inn in Bayfield.

Wisconsin Bike Trails to Explore This Summer

The Safest & Best Places to Stay in Wisconsin

We talk a lot about how great Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts are, and it's true. There's a reason so many of them are ranked as the best places to stay in Wisconsin.  They really are a delightful alternative to big and impersonal hotel chains where your stay is often nothing but a warm (and only sometimes comfortable) bed. 

Alternatively, when you stay at one of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts, you not only have a comfortable place to stay, but we'll feed you each morning with a freshly made breakfast, we'll welcome you with big smiles and honest hospitality, and we'll go the extra mile to make sure your stay is anything but ordinary. 

Though we think our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfasts are always among the best places to stay in Wisconsin, we think the distinction between our collection of Inns and other lodging is something that really matters in today's environment.  In a post-pandemic world, odds are you're going to be looking for someplace that is clean and as safe as possible; that's what you'll find at our Inns.

Our Inns are small, meaning you won't be surrounded by large and unexpected crowds.  We've always been all about cleanliness and the guest experience, but this is at the forefront of what we do every day, now more so than ever. Go ahead. Seek the unique, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime on these Wisconsin bike trails this summer.  Book a room at the best places to stay in Wisconsin today!

Where the Rapids Are

  If you prefer lazy rivers over whitewater rapids, then this story isn’t for you. However, if you love an adrenaline rush, try rafting in the spring when the waters are high. Adventure travel has a cousin and it is achievement travel. If rushing through whitewater rapids is on your to-accomplish list, then Wisconsin’s Peshtigo and Wolf rivers should both be on your radar. Spring is the time, when some rapids reach Class IV status. Translation: Look out for rocks and drops, and sharp maneuvers may be needed. [caption id="attachment_2257" align="aligncenter" width="427"] Peshtigo River riffles[/caption] The Peshtigo River State Forest offers 25 miles of river and more than 9,000 acres of forest, making it a natural gem of Marinette County. Here’s a little tidbit: It was established in 2001, making it Wisconsin’s newest state forest. And here’s why it should be on every paddler’s list: It is the Midwest’s longest continuous whitewater rapids. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the short Roaring Rapids section of the Peshtigo River, Farm Dam Landing to Boat Landing #12, is for skilled paddlers only. [caption id="attachment_2256" align="aligncenter" width="432"] Dalles of Wolf River[/caption] The Wolf River is another waterway that earns “premier” status among paddlers. Its path tracks 240 miles north to south, from Forest County to Winnebago County. A super-rugged 37-mile upper stretch between Lily and Big Smokey Falls is not for rookies. [caption id="attachment_1922" align="alignright" width="330"] Eagle Harbor Inn[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1920" align="alignleft" width="262"] White Gull Inn[/caption]                     After a wild day on either river, head to a peaceful B&B in the adjacent Door County, separated from Forest and Marinette counties by another body of water, Green Bay. Enjoy White Gull Inn in Fish Creek, a historic coastal village with a natural harbor that separates it from Peninsula State Park , and Eagle Harbor Inn, who are proud to be part of the landscape of picturesque Ephraim. You can also find a complete list of Door County Inns on the WBBA website.   WBBA Seek the Unique

Are you ready to Seek the Unique?

 

Inside Scoop on Great Hiking Trails Part 2

We promised to pass along more innkeeper recommendations on nearby hiking trails and here they are! First we invite you to explore the trails close to the Eagle Harbor Inn, in Ephraim. Right in Ephraim there is a path that wanders through the town and up the bluff down small quiet back roads past all kinds of summer cottages and year around homes. The Bay of Green is never far from view. In fact at many places along the way it’s possible to dip your toes into that bay. There is a route that is mapped it takes a couple of hours. But, it is possible to walk small parts of the route at a time.   Also located close by is one of the best state parks in the state, Peninsula State Park. There are trails for all skill levels and they vary in length as well. The park is loaded with so much to see.  If those are trails too traveled for your taste there is Newport State Park a mere a 20 minute drive north. There you’ll find more secluded and rugged trails on the shores of Lake Michigan.  Also Whitefish Dunes State Park is located south of Jacksonport. Along with miles of trails over sand dunes and into the thickly wooded areas of the park, there are dunes along the shore for picnicking and sunning while you try to brave the icy cold waters of Lake Michigan.   A little further south in Appleton Judy Halma of the Franklin Street Inn shared with us that guests often enjoy hiking the Heckrodt Hiking Trail-76 acres of forested wetland, 3+ mile trail system allows access without getting your wet feet, located less than 5 miles from the inn.   Nearby in Oshkosh, Brayton B&B recommends The Wiouwash State Trail is a rail trail just a few short blocks from the inn. Its name is derived from the first two letters of the four counties it traverses: Winnebago, Outagamie, Waupaca, and Shawano. The trail is used by walkers, hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and snowmobilers during the winter months. The trail is split into two sections. The northern section runs from Aniwa to Split Rock. The southern section runs for 21 miles from Oshkosh northward to Hortonville and offers opportunities for biking, walking, jogging and bird-watching.  As it traverses the countryside, the southern section of the Wiouwash passes through a number of interesting natural habitats. Segments of the trail run through prairie and wetlands, attracting hundreds of species of birds, including sandhill cranes. The trail also crosses Dagget’s Creek, the Rat River and Black Otter Creek. It’s a scenic and relaxing journey, whether you’re on foot or two wheels.  That's all for now! Stay tuned for Part 3 for more hiking recommendations!   [caption id="attachment_1246" align="aligncenter" width="506"]Heckrodt Hiking Trail in Menasha offers great views of the diverse life in the wetlands. Heckrodt Hiking Trail in Menasha offers great views of the diverse life in the wetlands.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1247" align="aligncenter" width="490"]Peninsula State Park Peninsula State Park[/caption]

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