Kevin Revolinski - Best Easy Day Hikes Milwaukee

Best Easy Day Hikes Series

Best Easy Day Hikes Milwaukee

Kevin Revolinski

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Every effort has been made by the author and editors to make this guide as accurate and useful as possible. However, many things can change after a guide is publishedtrails are rerouted, regulations change, facilities come under new management, etc.

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Thanks for your input, and happy trails!

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ISBN 978-1-4930-0525-3

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Contents

The Hikes

Acknowledgments

A hearty thanks to the various park managers and personnel who helped me keep this guidebook accurate and suggested better routes than the ones I had in mind. I remain a big fan of all the people at the Ice Age Trail Alliance and the trail that gives them their name and purpose. Get out there and support it!

Once again I am forever grateful to the Friends Hotel Network, especially Erica Chiarkas, Veronica and Alexandra, and Mark Dimeo. A big thanks for a trail drop-off (not to mention a great Turkish dinner!) goes out to Tom and Bezmi Kranick. My old pal Bob Wilson kept me company on a trail, as did the lovely Miss Peung, who did the same for a previous book.

Peung, you know this book is for you, right?

Introduction

When you think Milwaukee, the first thing you think of is... well, beer. I might be foolish to think hiking would be up there near the top of the list, but well it should be. This major metropolitan area spreads out from its perch on the shores of Lake Michigan, but good city, county, and state park systems have preserved green spaces within its limitssome natural Wisconsin beauty for the urbanites. And just outside the metro areas reaches lies a trekkers playground crafted by glaciers over 12,000 years ago.

Much of the land here, in fact, has the MADE IN THE ICE AGE label on it. The lovely dunes at Kohler-Andrae State Park are the product of the carving out of Lake Michigan and the wave action of a giant glacial lake left behind. As the waters retreated, the dunes were built by the winds.

Parks within the Kettle Moraine State Forest show a variety of dramatic formations left behind by the last advance of the ice sheets. The towering kame at Lapham Peak Park grants views into other counties. Ive included the easier hikes from those areas but these are merely suggestions. Youll find other optionsespecially in the Kettle Morainefor more challenging treks, and Wisconsins own Ice Age National Scenic Trail provides a rustic footpath roughly along the last glaciers farthest reach.

Wildflowers are abundant in Wisconsin and the colors of the landscape change from spring to summer and into fall, when the autumnal fires set the hardwood forests ablaze with red, orange, yellow, and gold. And hiking is not limited to the warmer seasons either. The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center offers a tour of unique ice formations from waters blown in off Lake Michigan, and several other parks offer trails for hiking and snowshoeing.

Whether you are looking for a quick stroll through the citys lakeside Grant Park or a days hiking along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, this book can get you there.

The Nature of Milwaukee

Milwaukees hiking grounds range from wide mowed park paths to rustic footpaths marked by rocks and tree roots climbing over the rugged ridges. Hikes in this guide offer a little bit of each and everything in between. While by definition a best easy day hike is not strenuous and generally poses little danger to the traveler, knowing a few details about the nature of the Milwaukee area will enhance your explorations.

Weather

Spring can start in March or May, depending on the whims of Wisconsin weather. But in general you can expect temperatures to get above freezing in March and stay there by April. In April and May temperatures in the 50s, 60s, and even 70s can be expected. Mosquitoes start coming out later in Mayor if youre lucky, June.

Summer temperatures can range from 60s and 70s in June up to 80s and 90s in July and August. But dont be surprised if its 85 degrees one day and 65 degrees the next dayor even a couple hours later. Mosquitoes and summer go hand in hand, Im afraid. Watch for thunderstorms or the occasional windstorm or tornado.

Fall brings amazing colors starting in late September and perhaps hanging on past Halloween. Some 70- and 80-degree heat can linger through September, but generally temperatures are mild and the mosquitoes have gone for the year.

Winter means snow. This does not, however, mean the end of the hiking season. Most trails are still open in the winter and snowshoe enthusiasts are happy. However, watch for trails that are closed to hikers when cross-country skiing is possible. Groomed trails as a rule prohibit hiking.

Critters

Theres not much in the way of dangerous wildlife around Milwaukee. Dont find yourself on the business end of a skunk. Youll encounter mostly benign, sweet creatures on these trails, such as deer, squirrels, rabbits, wild turkeys, and a variety of songbirds and shorebirds. More rarely seen (during the daylight hours especially) are coyotes, raccoons, and opossums. Deer in some of the parks are remarkably tame, and may linger on or close to the trail as you approach.

One potential critter risk comes from the smallest of the lot: the tick and the mosquito. Lyme disease and West Nile virus can be transmitted through their bites. Protect yourself with light-colored clothing and good insect repellent.

Also, if you decide to incorporate some camping into your hikes, please do not move firewood from site to site: Wisconsin forests are at risk from the emerald ash borer.