Best Backpacking Destinations in Milwaukee, United States
1. Hank Aaron State Trail
A scenic urban trail that offers a mix of forest, wetlands, and city views. Ideal for backpacking and biking.
- Urban Wilderness: Offers an unique blend of urban life and natural wilderness.
- Diverse Terrain: Variety of landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and city views.
- Accessibility: Located within the city, making it easily accessible.
2. Root River State Trail
A long trail ideal for backpacking, running, and biking that stretches across southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
- Cross-State Adventure: Traverses two states, offering a unique perspective on both regions.
- Scenic Landscapes: Passes through picturesque valleys, forests, and farmlands.
- Length: One of the longest state trails in Wisconsin at over 61 miles long.
3. Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit
A vast forest with rolling hills, lakes, and hiking trails perfect for backpacking.
- Rolling Hills: Offers challenging yet rewarding hill climbs.
- Lakes and Wildlife: Abundant lakes for fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Scenic Drive: Features a scenic drive through the forest, perfect for exploring.
4. Interurban Bikeway
A multi-use trail that connects Milwaukee's suburbs and offers scenic views of the city.
- Suburban Connection: Connects Milwaukee's suburbs, making it easy to explore various areas.
- Urban Scenery: Offers views of the city and its surrounding areas.
- Length: Spans over 16 miles, offering plenty of space for backpacking and biking.
5. Lake Michigan Coastal Trail
A trail that follows the shoreline of Lake Michigan, offering stunning lake views and opportunities for fishing and birdwatching.
- Lakefront Views: Offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
- Fishing and Birdwatching: Great opportunities for fishing and birdwatching along the trail.
- Length: Stretches over 50 miles, providing ample space for backpacking.
6. Ozaukee Interurban Bikeway
A trail that connects Port Washington and Milwaukee, passing through scenic lakeside views, wetlands, and forests.
- Scenic Lakeside Views: Provides beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscapes.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly birds.
- Length: Spans over 32 miles, offering a long trail for backpacking and biking.
7. Pike Lake Recreation Area
A recreational area featuring hiking trails, a lake, and campgrounds perfect for backpacking.
- Hiking Trails: Offers various hiking trails of different difficulties.
- Lake Activities: Pike Lake provides opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.
- Campgrounds: Features campgrounds for overnight stays.
8. Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit
A forest with glacial hills, lakes, and hiking trails ideal for backpacking and horseback riding.
- Glacial Hills: Features glacial hills perfect for challenging hikes.
- Lakes: Offers various lakes for fishing and swimming.
- Horseback Riding: One of the few forests in Wisconsin that allows horseback riding on its trails.
9. Ozaukee County Parks Trail System
A system of interconnected trails passing through various Ozaukee County parks and offering scenic views.
- Interconnected Trails: Offers a network of trails, allowing for extended backpacking adventures.
- Scenic Views: Passes through scenic areas, including forests, wetlands, and lakes.
- Access to Parks: Provides easy access to various Ozaukee County parks.
10. Nicolet National Forest
A vast national forest with hiking trails, campgrounds, and opportunities for canoeing and fishing.
- Hiking Trails: Offers various hiking trails of different difficulties.
- Campgrounds: Features campgrounds for overnight stays.
- Canoeing and Fishing: Provides opportunities for canoeing on the Peshtigo River and fishing in various lakes.
11. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
A scenic drive through the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering views of glacial hills, lakes, and forests.
- Scenic Landscapes: Provides breathtaking views of glacial hills, lakes, and forests.
- Length: Spans over 36 miles, offering plenty of opportunities for sightseeing.
- Access to Trails: Allows easy access to hiking trails within the forest.
12. Harbor Trail
A trail along Milwaukee's lakefront that connects various attractions and offers scenic views of the city.
- City Attractions: Connects various Milwaukee attractions, including museums and parks.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
- Length: Spans over 10 miles, providing a long trail for exploring.
13. Riveredge Park Nature Center
A park featuring hiking trails, wetlands, and educational programs about local wildlife.
- Wildlife Education: Offers educational programs and exhibits about local wildlife.
- Hiking Trails: Features various hiking trails of different difficulties.
- Wetlands: Contains wetland habitats perfect for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
14. Root River State Recreation Area
A recreational area featuring hiking trails, campgrounds, and opportunities for fishing and boating.
- Hiking Trails: Offers various hiking trails of different difficulties.
- Campgrounds: Features campgrounds for overnight stays.
- Fishing and Boating: Provides opportunities for fishing in the Root River and boating on Pickerel Lake.
15. Kohler-Andrae State Park
A state park featuring sand dunes, a lake, and hiking trails perfect for backpacking.
- Sand Dunes: Features unique sand dunes that can be explored.
- Lake Activities: Offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing in Lake Michigan.
- Hiking Trails: Features various hiking trails of different difficulties.