good hiking in Michigan or Wisconsin?
Sep 24th, 1999, 04:09 PM
#1
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good hiking in Michigan or Wisconsin?
I will be in Chicago next summer for work and would like to spend a week hiking after that. Can anyone tell me where the best hiking is in Wisconsin or Michigan (or maybe Minnesota if it's not too too far). I like pretty strenuous hikes, (at least strenuous by my middle aged standards), in the 15 mile range. I assume there's not a whole lot of elevation gain in that part of the country, but the higher the better. Thanks
Sep 24th, 1999, 06:21 PM
#2
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I am a total couch potato and can tell you nothing about hiking itself, but I am from Wisconsin, currently living in Chicago.
Even a non-hiker like me can tell you you must check out Devil's Lake, about 50 miles north of Madison. It's beautiful and even has some decent rock climbing (so I've been told!). Actually, Wisconsin has quite diverse terrain, thanks to the glaciers -- unlike the "flatlands" of Illinois.
I don't know how long you have to spend on this pursuit while visiting Chicago, but to drive to Devil's Lake will take about four hours. I'd say Minnesota is out of the question if you're driving.
You can read about Devil's Lake at Sauk County.com. It is especially worth visiting this time of year.
Even a non-hiker like me can tell you you must check out Devil's Lake, about 50 miles north of Madison. It's beautiful and even has some decent rock climbing (so I've been told!). Actually, Wisconsin has quite diverse terrain, thanks to the glaciers -- unlike the "flatlands" of Illinois.
I don't know how long you have to spend on this pursuit while visiting Chicago, but to drive to Devil's Lake will take about four hours. I'd say Minnesota is out of the question if you're driving.
You can read about Devil's Lake at Sauk County.com. It is especially worth visiting this time of year.
Sep 27th, 1999, 08:57 AM
#3
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The best hiking in Michigan is in the Upper Peninsula, but that's a pretty long haul from Chicago. Recommend checking out Taquamenon (sp?) Falls, the Pictured Rocks along Lake Superior, and, in the western part of the state, the Porcupine Mountains/Lake of the Clouds.
Jun 20th, 2001, 11:07 AM
#4
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I second the above posts. Devils Lake is great although I don't know if it will provide 15 miles of continuous hiking (around the lake at least). I'm sure there are many beautiful side trails as well.
Porcupine Mountains in western UP Michigan is really great. You can hike to your hearts content there. Rocks, climbing, and basic hiking are all part of the terrain. There is camping in rustic areas and less-rustic, which ever you prefer. My family of four teenagers really enjoyed themselves and wished we could stay longer. One drawback was the bugs, they were nasty that year!
A final thought might be the bluff areas of LaCrosse (near WI-MN border.) I've never hiked there, only driven. But it's beautiful and I'm sure there must be some great parks in which to hike.
Porcupine Mountains in western UP Michigan is really great. You can hike to your hearts content there. Rocks, climbing, and basic hiking are all part of the terrain. There is camping in rustic areas and less-rustic, which ever you prefer. My family of four teenagers really enjoyed themselves and wished we could stay longer. One drawback was the bugs, they were nasty that year!
A final thought might be the bluff areas of LaCrosse (near WI-MN border.) I've never hiked there, only driven. But it's beautiful and I'm sure there must be some great parks in which to hike.
Jun 20th, 2001, 02:02 PM
#5
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To follow up on what D said, I went to school in LaCrosse (Wisconsin) and there are some great hiking/biking trails there. In particular, there are a myriad of trails on/around "Grandad's Bluff". I would consider some of the trails there quite strenuous. The LaCrosse area is very hilly, and the bluffs are beautiful.
Also, there is a hiking/biking trail that goes from LaCrosse to Sparta (WI). This trail is less strenuous but very beautiful -- try going in the fall when the leaves are changing.
Feel free to email me with further questions.
Also, there is a hiking/biking trail that goes from LaCrosse to Sparta (WI). This trail is less strenuous but very beautiful -- try going in the fall when the leaves are changing.
Feel free to email me with further questions.
Jun 20th, 2001, 07:17 PM
#8
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Hi Lena,
As everyone has mentioned, Devils Lake State park in Baraboo, Wi is definitely a must - it's considered Wisconsin's premiere state park because it is just great.
About it being near Wi Dells - yup! They are neighboring cities. Exit 92 off interstate 90 will take you right into Baraboo and exits in the 80s will put you in the Dells. Also, there are two state parks in the Dells - Rocky Arbor and Mirror Lake.
Re: La Crosse! Yes, it is wonderful here - This whole area of the state never saw the glacier, so we have all of the rolling hills, or as we call them, coulees that make it so beautiful here. From Chicago to LaX, it's 273 miles - around four hours or so - just fine for a weekend or so.
Any other questions, feel free to ask!
becca
As everyone has mentioned, Devils Lake State park in Baraboo, Wi is definitely a must - it's considered Wisconsin's premiere state park because it is just great.
About it being near Wi Dells - yup! They are neighboring cities. Exit 92 off interstate 90 will take you right into Baraboo and exits in the 80s will put you in the Dells. Also, there are two state parks in the Dells - Rocky Arbor and Mirror Lake.
Re: La Crosse! Yes, it is wonderful here - This whole area of the state never saw the glacier, so we have all of the rolling hills, or as we call them, coulees that make it so beautiful here. From Chicago to LaX, it's 273 miles - around four hours or so - just fine for a weekend or so.
Any other questions, feel free to ask!
becca
