0 Comments
Ferry Bluff Trail
This easy 0.8 mile hike will take you up Ferry Bluff on a steep incline and open up to an amazing overlook of the Wisconsin River. We have hiked this trail year-round and sometimes will have a picnic at the top. We also frequently see bald eagles in the winter here. Sunsets are breathtaking and because it is such a short hike, it is easy to find your way back to the car with limited light. Address: S11098 Ferry Crossing Bluff Rd Prairie du Sac, WI 53583 Stephens' Falls Trail This moderate 1.5 mile loop will take you to Stephens' Falls, then through a valley, and back through a prairie to the parking lot. This is a popular trail, open year-round. It is just over a 1/4 mile hike to get to the waterfall, with some steps to get down to it. Our favorite time to go here is in the fall, with the beautiful leaf colors. The park does require an entrance fee of $8 (out-of-state $11) or an annual park sticker $26 (out-of-state $38). There are many other things to explore in this park too. Check out the lake and rent a canoe or kayak or swim at the beach. Enjoy a picnic or hike some of the other trails through the bluffs. Address: 4175 Hwy 23 N Dodgeville, WI 53533
Pheasant Branch Fredericks Hill Trail
This easy 1.6 mile hike will take you to the top of Fredericks Hill (I grew up calling it Beaufontaine Hill). It looks over the Pheasant Branch Creek and the spring it starts from below the hill. You can choose to hike to the spring or up the hill, or both. Our favorite time to hike here is in the spring when the birds are migrating. You can see so many cool birds and other wildlife here. This is a popular partially paved trail in town that is open year-round. We have hiked this trail many times, and sometimes bring a picnic along to eat on the carefully placed benches along the trail. Address: 4898 Pheasant Branch Road Middleton, WI 53562 Cherokee Marsh Loop
This easy 2 mile loop will take you through a prairie to the marsh and overlooks of Cherokee Lake. It is a quiet and peaceful spot just north of Madison. There are plenty of opportunities to see birds, bugs, frogs, and plant life. The trail is accessible year-round, however spring and summer are the best. There are other hiking trails in the area as well, if you are looking for more than this easy loop. Address: 6049 N Sherman Ave Waunakee, WI 53597
Hemlock Draw Trail
Hemlock Draw is an isolated trail that is moderately challenging. It is a 2.5 mile out-and-back trail through dense woods. You will cross the creek several times, so bring the right footwear or a change of shoes for the ride home. You will find unique rock formations along the trail as well as wildlife. Bring the bug spray and check for ticks after exploring this spot. We have only hiked this trail in the summer, but spring or fall would be beautiful as well. There is limited cell service out here, so be prepared with your directions. Dogs are not allowed in this area. If you have time, Natural Bridge State Park is down the road from here. Address: S7983 Reich Drive Loganville, WI 53951
Table Bluff Segment This is a moderate 4.5 mile out-and-back trail on part of the Ice Age Trail. Once you make it up the bluff, there is a small pavilion for resting or a picnic. This would be a great place for birding, as you look down on the wetlands below. This trail is accessible year-round. Another great spot to stop is right down the road at Festige County Park. Address: 8801 Scheele Rd Cross Plains, WI 53528 Wolf Run Trail
This is an easy 3.8 mile out-and-back trail on a dirt path along the Black Earth Creek. We often just hike the trail to the end of Lake Marion and then circle back to where we began. This was also a favorite spot for us to bring the dogs in the summer or do some fishing for trout in the spring. In the winter months, the trail is great for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Someone usually builds an igloo at the beginning of the trail, and the kids love this! They also have some rope swings set up along the trail that my kids love. Address: 312 Crescent Street Mazomanie, WI 53560
|
WisconsinMadison, WI ArchivesCategories
All
|
Proudly powered by Weebly