I Bet This Place Looks Gorgeous in the Fall (12 Summer hikes worth taking again in autumn)

This summer I set out to find some new (to me) adventures in nature. My goal was to find them within 30-60 minutes of Milwaukee.  Turns out it was an easy reach, as Wisconsin is blessed and abundant with the beauty of parks and trails across the state.

Following is a list of twelve parks and trails I enjoyed this summer, and plan to return to this fall. I've no doubt that autumns beauty will be worth the return journey.

Stigler Nature Preserve
 170th and  W Liberty Ln, New Berlin, WI 53151

Stigler Nature Preserve is located  right smack in the middle of a New Berlin business park. The trail itself is just over a mile long, and mostly easy going. The paths are mostly cedar chips, and well plotted out. The surroundings are lush and full of green.  A creek flows through the preserve, and there is a meadow on the outskirts of part of the foot path.   I love that this bit of wilderness is nestled among urban development.  

Engel Conservation Area
S92W19656 Henneberry Dr., Muskego, WI 53150

Engel Conservation Area is 155 acres, including 4 miles of hiking trails, woodlands, wetlands, and prairie.   Scenery like this so close to the city is worth the effort.  It's a great spot for birding during spring and fall migration as well.  There is parking onsite for up to 16 vehicles, and a portable rest room is available.

Muskego Park
S83 W20370 Janesville Road, Muskego, WI

 Muskego Park is 193 acres of green,  featuring woodlands, wetlands, a beach for swimming, camping, hiking trails, fishing, and more.  A walk through the woods features well marked trails, lots of birdsong, and plenty of flora. If you are local to Southeastern Wisconsin, you could escape to Muskego Park for a weekend of camping and feel as if you were hours from home.  As part of the Waukesha County Parks system, there is a daily use fee. A year pass is also available.

Kohl Park Hiking Trail
7603 W. County Line Road, Milwaukee, WI

An urban forest. This oasis of green, 270 acres of towering pine trees, and well plotted trails, can be found in the heart of the city. The overall trail is just over a mile long. Along that mile you'll find forest, prairie grass,  an old silo nearly hidden by the growth of trees and brush. Birds call. Deer tracks are plenty. Flowers bloom. There are benches along the trail to have a seat and rest, take in the quiet beauty. It's hard to believe that just a short walk away city blocks bustle with everyday life. 

Lulu Lake Preserve and State Natural Area
N9564 Nature Road, East Troy, WI

The pristine Lulu Lake does not have a direct public launch point.  Boats, canoes, and kayaks must enter via a small channel from Eagle Spring Lake.  However, the hiking trails at Lulu Lake are accessible from a small parking lot off Nature Road and are open year-round until dusk.  Songbirds, dragonflies, butterflies, and rare and common flora abound.  The preserve is managed in a partnership by The Nature Conservancy and the Wisconsin DNR.

Nicholson Wildlife Refuge
 5 Mile Rd, Franksville, WI

This 127.4-acre wildlife refuge area may be a work in progress, but it's worth the visit.  The area often floods in the rainy seasons, but a recent addition of a boardwalk walkway has made it easier to traverse. Plans are in the works for an observation deck.  Used extensively by wildlife including  Great Blue Herons, Snow Geese,  Hooded Mergansers as well as Magnolia Warblers, Red Wing Blackbirds and Savanna Sparrows.  A worthwhile stop during migration season.  The refuge is located off of 5 Mile Road between Highway H and Nicholson Road.

Cudahy Woods State Natural Area
501 E College Ave, Oak Creek, WI

Cleverly hidden off of College Avenue, this old growth wood is a lush forest within the city.  Though planes can be heard taking off overhead the tops of old trees, you can still lose yourself in its beauty. A small stream separates the lowland hardwood forest from an old-growth beech forest.  Well marked hiking trails hold plenty of interest - flowers, trees, and birds.  It's designated an e-bird hotspot, too.

Scuppernong Trails - Kettle Moraine State Forest
County Highway ZZ just east of Highway 67 north of the Village of Eagle

There are three color-coded loop trails here, ranging from just over 2 miles to 5.  Difficulty varies as well. Lose yourself in the hills and valleys of the terrain as  songbirds sing from the pines. A pileated woodpecker has been seen and heard here on occasion, too.  The Ice Age Trail also intersects with these trails.  In winter months the snow covered trails are groomed for skiing and hiking is not allowed. Bikes are not allowed on this trail system.  The Scuppernong area provides convenient parking, water and a vault toilet. 

Lapham Peak Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest
S of Delafield, CTH C

The Lapham Peak Unit encompasses 1,000 acres of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The park includes three picnic areas, 25 miles of dirt and accessible paved nature trails, and a butterfly garden.  Visit the Hausmann Nature Center for exhibits, events, and the Children's Interactive Area.  A trek up the stairs of the 45 foot high wooden observation tower is worth the payoff - truly spectacular views for miles. Plenty of wildlife reside here - deer, black squirrels, songbirds, wild turkeys, and more. 

Crooked Creek Preserve
W3674 Bluff Road, Eagle, WI 53119

Crooked Creek Preserve takes its name from the winding river that runs through it. The preserve harbors a major portion of the headwaters of the Mukwonago River.  It is a landscape of steep ridges, kettle lakes, and wetlands inhabited by sandhill cranes and other interesting plants and wildlife. It’s also a great place to see and participate in restoration of the land as Conservancy volunteers remove pine plantations and restore parts of the preserve to prairie and oak savanna.  The trail can be a bit mucky at times, but there are scattered boardwalks to make it through.  A natural spring resides here, too, but, I confess, I was unable to find it.

Wadewitz Nature Camp
2728 Buena Park Road, Waterford, WI

Camp Wadewitz is 168 acres of beautiful trails in a mix of prairie, woodlands, and wildflowers. Lots of eastern bluebirds, butterflies, cedar waxwings, robins, and sparrows, too.  Primitive camping is available year-round. Cross-country ski trails are open in the winter months, too.

Lake Kegonsa State Park
Stoughton, WI

At 90 minutes from Milwaukee this is the furthest destination on my list.  But it's worth every extra mile. 
It's a beautiful park encompassing a lovely, family friendly beach,  well marked trails, picnic areas, lots of birds, flowers, and peaceful views.  Definitely worth the trip during spring or fall migration.