Top 12 Spring Hiking Trails in Northwest Wisconsin

Copy of hiking trails

Spring is on the horizon (we hope), and there is no better place to enjoy the change of seasons than Northwest Wisconsin.

As the last of the snow melts away, lace up those hiking boots and hit our favorite trails across the region. We’ve selected our favorite hiking trails from each of our partner counties – more information and trail maps can be found on their individual websites.

Osaugie Trail

Douglas County This paved trail is five miles long and runs along the Superior Bay from Barker’s Island in Superior to the beginning of the Tri-County Corridor.  This out and back trail is perfect whether you enjoy walking, running, rollerblading, biking or riding your ATV/UTV or want to take a spin in your snowmobile! Learn More

Cedar Side Walking Trail

Barron County The Cedar Side Trail runs alongside the Red Cedar River in Rice Lake, offering beautiful views and a serene walking, jogging or biking experience. Learn More

Timm’s Hill County Park

Price County The 9 mile High Point Trail system is located within the park and is the starting point for the 10-mile Timm’s Hill National Trail which connects to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.  At 1,951 feet above sea level, this is the highest natural point in Wisconsin.  At the top, you can climb the 60-foot observation tower for a 30-mile view of the Northwoods. Learn More

Kennedy Environmental Area/County Park

Polk County A 99-acre environmental area preserve located between Amery and Balsam Lake along the Balsam Branch which flows through central Polk County (located 17 minutes from St. Croix Falls). The park includes a prairie restoration walking path, playground, dam and millpond and restrooms. Learn More

Potato River Falls

Iron County One of the most beautiful falls in the Midwest. Drops 90 feet into the Potato River southwest of Gurney. The trails take you to gorgeous overlooking viewing platforms. own park with rustic campsites and a picnic area is available. Learn More

Crex Meadows Wildlife Area

Burnett County Originally part of the Wisconsin Pine Barrens, Crex is now the state’s largest remaining portion of this globally endangered ecosystem. Because of this habitat, Crex is home to over 280 species of birds, 720 species of plants, over 96 species of butterfly and a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. There are several hiking trails that are offered on Crex Meadows for visitors to enjoy. They vary in length, ranging from about 1 mile to 3.5 miles, but all are easy to walk. Stop into the visitor center and get a trail map before you begin! Learn More

Houghton Falls

Bayfield County This 1.5 mile round-trip trail will take you to a glen with a series of waterfalls. The site is important in maintaining unfragmented, undeveloped Lake Superior shoreline that supports many resident and migratory birds including bald eagle, merlin, least flycatcher, veery, wood thrush, and Canada warbler. Houghton Falls is owned by the Town of Bayview and was designated a State Natural Area in 2010. Learn More

HASTA Hospital Hiking Trails

Sawyer County Embark on several tranquil trails that meander around a small lake in Hayward.  The nine loop trails system has wider trails, gentle hills, curves and is family and pet friendly.  Overall distance is nearly seven miles.  Parking is available and no fees. Learn More

Ice Age Trail

Rusk County In Western Rusk County, hikers can enjoy a wild and beautiful stretch of a national treasure. The 1,000 mile Ice Age Trail follows the southern boundary of the most recent glacier to invade Wisconsin about 12,000 years ago, and it traverses some of Rusk County’s most beautiful areas. The trail section in Rusk County passes remote lakes and a number of truly unique rock formations, including felsenmeers, consisting of expansive fields of jagged rocks. Learn More

Copper Falls State Park

Ashland County Copper Falls State Park – Mellen, Wisconsin, is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The trail system in the park is easy to use for all ages, and paved for ease. Several portions of the trail are handicap accessible.  Springtime is the Ashland Chamber Staff’s favorite time to view the falls with the melting of the snow and the spring rains.  There is a fee to enter the park so why not be adventurous, and by a state park sticker and head to Amnicon in Superior, Big Bay State Park in Madeline Island or any of the other 66 state parks in Wisconsin.  Happy Spring! Visit their website for your free waterfalls brochure highlighting water falls in 4 counties in Northwest Wisconsin. Learn More

Old Abe State Trail

Chippewa County Old Abe State Trail: This paved 20-mile trail connects Lake Wissota State Park and Brunet Island State Park in Cornell. Perfect for walking, biking, inline skating, and horseback riding. Learn More

Hunt Hill Audobon Sanctuary Trails

Washburn County 13 miles of loops through a 600 acre nature sanctuary. Trails wind through dense forest, open meadows, and past glacial lakes where you’ll find a variety of rare Wisconsin plant life and plenty of wildlife. A variety of hands-on programs teach visitors about geology, plant life, and wildlife. Trails open daily sunrise to sunset. No fee to hike. Learn More

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