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Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Looking for the best hiking in Milwaukee? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Milwaukee. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Milwaukee

  • Delafield, Wisconsin

    Hike the Kettle View Trail at Lapham Peak

    5.0
    5.8 mi
    Head 30 minutes west from Milwaukee along I-94 and you'll find yourself in the quaint town of Delafield, WI. Head south down Genesee St. for a half mile and you'll see the entrance to Lapham Peak, part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Once there, you can head up the winding road to the parking...
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  • Hubertus, Wisconsin

    Walk the Stations of the Cross At Holy Hill

    5.0
    1.3 mi / 450 ft gain
    Holy Hill National Shrine is a landmark within the Wisconsin area, both as a tourist spot and a great location for fall colors. Located outside of Hubertus, WI, it is east of the Kettle Moraine Scene Drive and Cty Rd 167 intersection. Once arriving, there are three parking locations: the top of t...
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  • Hubertus, Wisconsin

    Scenic Tower at Holy Hill

    4.5
    1 mi / 200 ft gain
    The scenic tower at Holy Hill is one of the highest accessible peaks in the area if you do not own a drone! The views are endless! There are many glacial drumlins, bluffs, and hills everywhere that fill the eye to meet the horizon. You can park in any of the main parking lots at Holy Hill. You w...
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  • Nashotah, Wisconsin

    Hike the Grass and Forest Lake Loop at Nashotah Park

    3 mi / 200 ft gain
    Park Hours: 6AM to 10PM  Official Nashotah Park Website Excerpt from the website: Nashotah Park is a 444-acre park nestled among rolling hills, woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands that offer habitat for deer, waterfowl and a variety of songbirds. Nature trails lead through easily identifiable lan...
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  • Hartford, Wisconsin

    Catch A Sunset from Powder Hill

    5.0
    2.2 mi / 1350 ft gain
    At 1350 feet, Powder Hill is the second highest point in southeastern Wisconsin. You can start the hike to Powder Hill from the Nature Trail parking lot (0.5 miles) or from the beach/picnic area parking lot (1.1 miles). There is an observation tower near the top of the peak that provides a pano...
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  • Dousman, Wisconsin

    Ice Age Trail: Scuppernong

    6.8 mi / 545 ft gain
    Ice Age Trail: Scuppernong is a point-to-point trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Dousman, Wisconsin.
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  • Belgium, Wisconsin

    Hike the North and South Beach Trail at Harrington Beach State Park

    2 mi / 10 ft gain
    This state park is about a 30 minute drive north from Milwaukee on I-43. It has beach access along it's entire length, multiple hiking trails, and a great quarry lake that can be used for fishing, hiking, or general exploring. From the parking lot, you can go and hike one two areas (of course the...
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  • Belgium, Wisconsin

    Hike the Quarry Lake Trail at Harrington Beach State Park

    1 mi / 15 ft gain
    This state park is about a 30 minute drive north from Milwaukee on I-43. It has beach access along it's entire length, multiple hiking trails, and a great quarry lake that can be used for fishing, hiking, or general exploring. From the parking lot, go south toward the signs for Quarry lake. There...
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  • Kewaskum, Wisconsin

    Backpack the Milwaukee River and Butler Lake Segments of the Ice Age Trail

    16.8 mi
    The Milwaukee River Trailhead for the Ice Age Trail (IAT) is located on WI-28, east of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. Before the hike, make sure to pack water, or hike off-trail to the New Fane trailhead (1.1 mile round trip, we got caught doing this) for an early water source on the trail. The...
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  • Palmyra, Wisconsin

    Hike the Bald Bluff Trail

    3.2 mi / 475 ft gain
    Parking There is a small parking lot off of County Rd H. The trailhead is marked at the back of the lot. Please be advised that there are no facilities here. Trail Description The Bald Bluff Trail starts at the trailhead marked behind the parking lot. From there, the trail traverses 0.5 miles up ...
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  • Lake Villa, Illinois

    Hike Hastings Lake LCFP

    5.0
    2.37 mi / 88 ft gain
    Park in the lot off of Butler Lane (see map) to access the trail. This trail is open year round, is dog-friendly, and offers a variety of activities. In the winter, bring your snow gear!
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  • Sheboygan, Wisconsin

    Hike through the Dunes at Kohler-Andrae SP

    4.5
    4 mi
    This park is known for its sand dunes, which rise above the blue waters of Lake Michigan. In addition to the well-known dunes, the park features many forested areas with towering pines that makes for absolutely beautiful and fantastical scenery. There are 7 trails ranging from 0.25 miles up to 2....
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  • Horicon, Wisconsin

    Hike through the Wetlands of the Horicon Marsh

    4.5
    5.25 mi
    Horicon Marsh is located about an hour north of Milwaukee. The wildlife refuge features several trails ranging from a quarter mile up to nearly 3 miles long. Terrain can vary slightly, but most of the land, especially around the wetlands, is flat. The marsh features an abundance of wildlife. Hund...
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  • Adell, Wisconsin

    Visit the Parnell Observation Tower

    4.0
    0.5 mi / 200 ft gain
    Located southwest of Plymouth, WI, the Parnell Observation Tower is located just west of the intersection of Cty Road A and Cty Road U. At the trail-head, the parking lot has a restroom facility, drinking water, and a picnic area.The start of the trail has well established wooden steps along the ...
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  • Ringwood, Illinois

    Hike the Glacial Park Loop Trail

    2.3 mi / 216 ft gain
    Glacial Park is located in McHenry County Conservation District, near Richmond, Illinois. The park features prairies, a flowing river, and over 40 endangered plant and animal species. The park is open for hikers, horseback riders, fishers, and those wishing to canoe. Glacial Park is part of the H...
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