Category: Wisconsin State

Schmeeckle Reserve
Schmeeckle Reserve is a 280-acre conservancy area on the campus of UW-Stevens Point, set aside to protect natural communities of central Wisconsin. 
“Nearly 5 miles of trails meander through Schmeeckle Reserve.  Most trails are surfaced with soft woodchips, creating a quiet and peaceful walk. Extensive boardwalks have been constructed over wetland areas. Rustic benches are scattered throughout the trail system.”  Some of these trails sound like easy walking, but check with the Visitor Center first.
Here is the Reserve website. Phone   715-346-4992    Trail Map   Trail Descriptions
Trail of Reflections 0.5 mile loop starts and ends at the Visitor Center

Harrington Beach State Park
“Harrington Beach State Park has more than a mile of beach along Lake Michigan. This 715-acre park also features a white cedar and hardwood swamp, old field grasslands with restored wetland ponds and a scenic limestone quarry lake.”
Here is the Park website.  Phone  262-285-3015 Map    Trail Descriptions
Quarry Lake Hiking Trail  0.75  circles Quarry Lake  “The deep, serene waters of the 26-acre lake are surrounded by limestone ledges lined with white cedar trees.”
? “The shuttle bus trail also offers an excellent way for people with disabilities to see the woods and its wildlife.” This does not say “accessible” but it sounds like it.  Call to inquire.
? White Cedar nature trail 0.5 mi., Meadowlark trail 0.25 mi., Lakeview Trail 0.75 mi., Whitetail Trail 0.5 mi., Hardwood Swamp Trail 0.25 mi., and Bobolink Loop Trail 0.5 mi. all are short and sound pretty easy but you should check with the Park to be sure.

Wisconsin State Trails  There are 41 state trails, most of which are rail/trails.  See the post below under Miscellaneous for the link to descriptions of these trails.

Northern Highland American Legion State Forest
This more than 232,000 acre State Forest protects the headwaters of the Wisconsin, Flambeau and Manitowish rivers in northern Wisconsin. 
Here is the Forest website.  Phone  715-356-3668  or 715-542-3923  Map   Trail  Descriptions
Tom Roberts Nature Trail  0.55 mile   This paved “….loop ambles through a mixed coniferous-deciduous forest of balsam, red pine, white pine, sugar maple, white birch and large-toothed and trembling aspen. The overlooks offer beautiful views of Muskellunge Lake. It’s an ideal spot to look for spring flowers and birds. Also keep an eye out for deer, ruffed grouse, coyote tracks and fisher tracks.”
? North Trout Nature Trail 1 mile.   “…one of our easiest nature trails to hike. This trail is a 1-mile loop trail that meanders around a mature black spruce-tamarack bog. The trail also winds its way along the Trout Lake shoreline, offering a beautiful view of the lake. This is a wonderful trail to hike in spring because of the abundance of wildflowers. Watch for the moccasin flower, trailing arbutus, Canadian mayflower, start flower, blueberry and barren strawberry.”   Call ahead to be sure it is easy enough for you.

Willow River State Park
“With nearly 3,000 acres of prairie, forests and panoramic river scenery, Willow River State Park offers year-round recreation opportunities in western Wisconsin. The park is about five miles northeast of Hudson.”
Here is the Park website.  Phone  715-386-5931  Map   Trail Descriptions   There are several other short trails that might be easy for you, but call ahead to be sure.
Hidden Ponds Nature Trail 0.5 mile  “…goes through oak forest and wetlands. Located behind the Nature Center, this is an excellent trail to observe white-tail deer and birds. Trail guides are available at the beginning of the trail…”
Trout Brook Trail 1.4 mile loop “fairly level and easy to walk”

Little Falls Trail 0.7 mile paved and roller blades allowed.

Roche-A-Cri State Park
“Roche-A-Cri State Park, established in 1948, protects a 300-foot-high rock outcropping and Native American petroglyphs and pictographs..”
Here is the Park website.  Phone  608-339-6881 (summer)  608-565-2789 (off-season)   Map   Trail Descriptions
Chickadee Rock trail 0.3 mile “…follows a game path through oaks and jack pines. There are six interpretive signs along the trail. Blueberry and huckleberry bushes and various ferns grow along the trail.”
? Spring Peeper Trail 0.25 mile  May be closed during high water.

? Turkey Vulture Trail 0.9 mile Sounds easy, but check first.

Mill Bluff State Park
This 1337 acre state park protects tall sandstone buttes that were sea stacks in Glacial Lake Wisconsin during the Ice Age, 12,000 years ago.
Here is the Park website.  Phone  608-427-6692 (summer)  608-337-4775 (off-season)   Map   Trail Descriptions
Nature Trail 0.4 mile  “Hikers will learn about wildlife, trees, wildflowers and geology. Part of this trail is accessible for people with disabilities.”

Lake Kegonsa State Park
Lake Kegonsa State Park lies beside a glacier-hewed lake which encompasses 3,209 acres and has excellent fishing. Park visitors enjoy more than five miles of hiking trails along the lake and through prairie, forest and marsh habitats.
Here is the Park website.  Phone  608-873-9695  Map   Trail Descriptions
Prairie Trail 1.3 miles  “The prairie plants are spectacular in the summer. This trail is wonderful for prairie enthusiasts and birders.”
White Oak Nature Trail 1.2 miles  “….with it’s stately oaks and diverse habitats, gently winds through the 80-acre white oak woods. … It features 14 stops, each containing interesting information about the woods and the surrounding areas.”

Wildcat Mountain State Park
“On a steep ridge overlooking the scenic Kickapoo River Valley, Wildcat Mountain State Park offers hiking trails with spectacular views…”
Here is the Park website.   Phone  608-337-4775    Map   Trail Descriptions
Prairie Trail  925 feet “…winds…through a patch of re-established prairie. While in the prairie, surrounded by big bluestem grass and wildflowers, visitors can view the breathtaking Kickapoo Valley.”

Kohler-Andrae State Park
“Kohler-Andrae State Park in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is the home of majestic sand dunes, miles of golden beach, shimmering blue Lake Michigan water, whispering pines, and an abundance of wildlife….”
Here is the Park website. Phone  920-451-4080  Map    Trail Descriptions
Black River Marsh Boardwalk  0.25 mile  “…features wetland plants and waterfowl. Signs explain the importance of wetlands.”
Woodland Dunes Nature Trail  1.0 mile  “Signs describe the trees of this forested dune area.”
Fishing Pond Trail .30 mile  is flat and has a crushed limestone surface and many benches for resting.
?  Creeping Juniper Nature Trail 0.5 mile and Marsh Trail 0.5 mile sound as if they may be easy, but you should check first.