Wisconsin is home to two national scenic trails, one sprawling national forest, and several state forests and parks. Wisconsin hikers can find dozens of backpacking routes ranging from single overnights to weeklong expeditions in this tranquil landscape of deep woods, rolling hills, and hidden valleys bounded by a pair of Great Lakes and The Mississippi River.
What follows is a directory and summary of Wisconsin backpacking routes and potential trip plans to help you get started in planning your hike.
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WHERE TO GO BACKPACKING IN WISCONSIN
Weekend Loops and Out-N-Backs
The beauty of backpacking is that once you own your gear kit you can get out into a wilderness campsite on short notice and usually without paying any fees at all. I'll often drive Up-North, leaving at 3am so I can get on the trail by 8am and in a camp by noon. The following set of hikes are loop hikes and out-and-backs that you can do with a single overnight - or go easier on the mileage and long on relax-time in camp and extend the trip to a long weekend.
Hidden Lakes Loop
DIFFICULTYBEGINNER
TOTAL MILES
15.5-MILE LOOP
REGION
UP-NORTH (NORTHERN WOODLANDS)
COUNTY
FOREST COUNTY
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
EAGLE RIVER
CAMPING TYPE
MIX OF RESERVED DRIVE-IN SITES AND PRIMITIVE DISPERSED CAMPING
WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS HIKE
Easy walking with beutiful camping beside small lakes
SIGHTS ALONG THIS HIKE
Franklin Lake, Echo Lake, Pat Shay Lake, Dense Pine Forest, Mature Hardwood Forest, Wetlands, White Deer Lake, Luna Lake, Mickinley Lake, Three Johns Lake, Four Ducks Lake
WILDLIFE
Loons, Trumpeter Swans, Bald Eagles, Black Bear, Coyote, White Tailed Deer
The Hidden Lakes Trail is an ideal introduction to backpacking, and it will be enjoyed by hikers of any level. A single-track trail circumnavigates Butternut Lake via a loop that meanders between many smaller secluded lakes. There are two major campgrounds separated by 5-miles along the trail route, Franklin Lake and Luna-White Deer Lake. Hikers can reserve drive-in campsites at either campground to use as a start and end point. In addition to these sites there are primitive campsites and primitive dispersed camping is allowed in the national forest.
Three-Day/Two-Night-Itinerary
DAY 1 (5-Miles): Begin at the Franklin Lake Picnic Area and head west on the trail, hiking the loop counterclockwise. Hike through dense pine forest beside Franklin Lake and then on wide two track trails through the Nicolet North XC Ski Area. Camp at a primitive site at Pat Shay Lake.
DAY 2 (6-miles): Hike 6-miles towards Luna / Whitedeer Lake Campground. Keep going and camp beside Butternut Lake at primitive site just before the bridge over the Pine River. If that site is full then move on to the primitive sites at Three Johns Lake and disperse camp if needed in the woods between Three Johns and Mckinley Lake.
DAY 3 (4-miles): Hike 4 miles to return to Franklin Lake Picnic Area.
ARTICLE (WISCONSIN-EXPLORER)
Governor Dodge State Park Loop
DIFFICULTYBEGINNER
TOTAL MILES
17.5-MILE LOOP
REGION
SOUTHWEST (DRIFTLESS AREA)
COUNTY
IOWA COUNTY
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
DODGEVILLE
CAMPING TYPE
MIX OF RESERVED DRIVE-IN SITES AND RESERVED REMOTE BACKPACKER CAMPSITES
WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS HIKE
Easy and long walks with a surprising variety of sights
SIGHTS ALONG THIS HIKE
Cox Hollow Lake, Stephens Falls, Lost Canyon, Twin Valley Lake, Old Cemetery, Thomas Cave, Pine Cliff State Natural Area
WILDLIFE
Songbirds gallore, squirrels and white tailed deer, racoons in your campsite at night, and the occasional fox
Governor Dodge State Park in Southwest Wisconsin’s driftless area is an immensely popular park with two man-made lakes and a surprising diversity of scenery. There isn’t really a need to wear a backpack when hiking here as the walk-in campsites are less than a mile from a parking lot where there are flush toilets and showers. But if you want to try out backpacking without committing to the risks of a wilderness trip then you can park your vehicle further away from the sites and make a physically challenging overnight backpacking loop.
Two-Day/One-Night-Itinerary
BEFORE ARRIVAL: Reserve a backpacking campsite.
DAY 1 (10-Miles): Park at Enee Point and head east along park roads towards Cox Hollow. Turn off and head north to the Cox Hollow Campground. Complete the Lost Canyon Loop by returning on the Meadow Valley Trail and continue on Meadow Valley to the Woodland Trail. Next take the Outer Hourse Trail to Hickory Ridge and arrive at your campsite.
DAY 2 (9.5-miles): Continue clockwise on the Outer Horse Loop and cut over to the Old Orchard and Woodland Trail. Take a loop on the Cave Trail to see Thomas Cave before retuning to Cox Hollow Beach. Cross the dam to reach the Lakeview and Pine Cliff Trails. The Pine Cliff Trail leads back to Enee Point.
ARTICLE (WISCONSIN-EXPLORER)
Rock Island State Park – Thordarson Loop
DIFFICULTYBEGINNER
TOTAL MILES
5.7-MILE LOOP
REGION
EASTERN
COUNTY
DOOR COUNTY
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
JACKSON HARBOR
CAMPING TYPE
RESERVED REMOTE WALK-IN CAMPSITES
WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS HIKE
An adventure on a magical island.
SIGHTS ALONG THIS HIKE
Rock Island State Park, Pottawatomie Lighthouse, fake petroglyphs, Viking Boathouse, historic water tower, follies, old cemeteries, Gate to the West, beach, birch, oak, and maple hardwood forest
WILDLIFE
Songbirds gallore, squirrels and white tailed deer, racoons in your campsite at night
Rock Island is an enchanted place accessed by taking a car ferry off the tip of Door County to Washington Island and then a passenger ferry from Washington Island to Rock Island. There are no vehicles on this island and the night sky is dark and glimmering with stars. I recommend spending at least two nights on the island to really soak in the island camping experience.
3 DAY/2-NIGHT ITINERARY
BEFORE ARRIVAL: Reserve a backpacking campsite (A,B,C,D,E) for night 1, and a traditional walk-in site (1-35) for your 2nd night.
DAY 1 (2-miles): After arriving at the Island dock, take the Thordarson Loop counterclockwise to reach your first campsite.
DAY 2 (3.5-miles):The next day continue counterclockwise around the island to return to the family campground.
DAY 3 (1/2-Mile): Return to the dock and leave the island.
ARTICLE (WISCONSIN-EXPLORER)
Newport State Park Triple Loop
DIFFICULTYBEGINNER
TOTAL MILES
12-MILE TRIPLE LOOP
REGION
EASTERN
COUNTY
DOOR COUNTY
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
ELLISON BAY
CAMPING TYPE
RESERVED REMOTE WALK-IN CAMPSITES
WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS HIKE
Boreal forest on the shore of Lake Michigan
SIGHTS ALONG THIS HIKE
Lake Michigan, Europe Lake, Rowleys Bay, Newport Conifer-Hardwoods State Natural Area
WILDLIFE
Songbirds, squirrels, and white tailed deer
Newport is a state wilderness park which is a bit of a twist on the idea of a state park. The park holds a significant portion of Lake Michigan shoreline in Door County. It is largely undeveloped, with a short drive in to two larger paved parking areas. There are 16 reservable walk-in sites and each has a fire ring, picnic table, and either a latrine or nearby to a vault toilet building.
3 DAY/2-NIGHT ITINERARY
BEFORE ARRIVAL: Reserve sites in advance with night-1 at one of the Europe Bay/Europe Lake sites and night-2 at the Rowley’s Bay sites.
DAY 1 (3-Miles): Park at the beach lot and hike north on the Europe Bay Trail to reach your first campsite.
DAY 2 (6-miles):Hike south on the Europe Bay Loop and continue to follow the shore on the Newport Trail, Sand Cove Trail, and Duck Bay Cove Trail and over the Rowleys Bay Trail to your second campsite.
DAY 3 (2.5-Mile): Return to parking via the Ridge Trail
ARTICLE (WISCONSIN-EXPLORER)
Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) Hanson Rock Loop
DIFFICULTYBEGINNER
TOTAL MILES
7-MILE LOOP
REGION
SOUTHWESTERN (DRIFTLESS AREA)
COUNTY
VERNON COUNTY
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
LA FARRGE
CAMPING TYPE
RESERVED REMOTE WALK-IN CAMPSITES
WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS HIKE
Bucolic countryside and challenging drifless area hills
SIGHTS ALONG THIS HIKE
Kickapoo River, Hanson Rock
WILDLIFE
Songbirds, squirrels, and white tailed deer
The Kickapoo Valley Reserve (KVR) is a massive land reserve in the driftless area along the scenic Kickapoo River between Ontario and La Farge. Hikers can connect a web of equestrian, mountain bike, and hiking trails together to form long multi-day hikes. KVR has several trailside rustic campsites that can be reserved at the Visitor Center. The area includes steep hill climbs and river and stream fords which hikers must negotiate. I’ll provide a beginner loop itinerary, but as always, feel free to use the KVR map to create your own multi-day plan.
2 DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
BEFORE ARRIVAL: Reserve campsite “F” at the KVR Visitor Center.
DAY 1 (4.5-Miles): Park at Campsite P on Weister Creek Road and hike the Weest Ridge Trail to the Hanson Rock Trail. Slimb several hundred feet to Hanson Rock overlook and descend the south face to reach Campsite F. This campsite is shaded by trees and set against a stream and has a spring box for drinking water. Beware that the valley can flood fast in heavy reainstorms.
DAY 2 (3-miles):Hike counterclockwise on the West Ridge Trail to the Ice Cave Trail and then proceed up the Little Canada Trail to regain the West Ridge Trail and return to parking at Campsite P.
ARTICLE (WISCONSIN-EXPLORER)
The Lauterman Loop
DIFFICULTYINTERMEDIATE
TOTAL MILES
14-MILE TRIPLE LOOP
REGION
UP NORTH (NORTHERN WOODLANDS)
COUNTY
FLORENCE COUNTY
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
FLORENCE
CAMPING TYPE
FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVE REMOTE BACKPACKING SITES
WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS HIKE
You'll have the whole place to yourself.
SIGHTS ALONG THIS HIKE
Artesian Well, Pine National Wild and Scenic River, Lake Lauterman, Perch Lake
WILDLIFE
Loons, Bald Eagles, Black Bear, Wolves
The Lauterman National Recreation Area combines three lakes, two campgrounds, and over a dozen miles of interconnected multi-use trails in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The Lost Lake campground is the hub of activity with drive-in campsites, a beach and a boat ramp. Across Lost Lake is an old youth camp where visitors can now rent individual cabins or the whole camp with a dining hall and staff cabins included. Hiking trails connect to the nearby Chipmunk Rapids campground set beside the Wisconsin Scenic Pine River. From the Pine River a network of ski trails branch off to the north connecting to Lake Lauterman and Perch Lake where hikers can snag one of ten scenic remote campsites. If the hike from Lost Lake to Perch Lake isn’t enough, the Whisker Lake Federal Wilderness is directly across the street from Perch Lake.
2 DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
DAY 1 (7-Miles): Park at Lost Lake and follow the Ridge Trail around counterclockwise for views of the Pine River, then connect to Chipmunk Rapids Campground. Fill up with water at the Artesian Well at Chipmunk Rapids. Then cross the Lost Lake Road bridge to the Lauterman Trailhead. Follow the Chipmunk Trail for 3-miles over hilly terrain to a warming shelter set high on a hill overlooking Lake Lauterman. Follow the Lauterman Trail around to the north end of the lake and connect with the Perch Lake Loop which will take you across Highway 70. Choose a primitive campsite on the shore of Perch Lake.
DAY 2 (7-miles): Return to Lost Lake using the same trails from your first day’s hike.
ARTICLE (WISCONSIN-EXPLORER)
Apostle Islands Lakeshore Trail Out-And-Back
DIFFICULTYINTERMEDIATE
TOTAL MILES
10-MILE OUT-AND-BACK
REGION
UP NORTH (LAKE SUPERIOR)
COUNTY
BAYFIELD COUNTY
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
CORNUCOPIA
CAMPING TYPE
THREE RESERVABLE REMOTE BACKPACK SITES
WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS HIKE
Boreal forest on high cliffs overlooking the Apostle Island sea caves.
SIGHTS ALONG THIS HIKE
Meyers Beach, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Lake Superior, Boreal Forest, Sea Caves, Lunch Beach
WILDLIFE
Songbirds, Black Bears, Whie Tailed Deer
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the closest thing we have to a national park in Wisconsin. It’s managed by the national park service even if it doesn’t get the national park designation. Most of the park is on islands that are accessible if you have a boat that is fit for Lake Superior. The park service included one hiking trail on the mainland that you can drive to without ferry service. From Meyer’s Beach a five-mile trail unfolds along the top of an imposing Lake Superior bluff. The trail is easy going and popular as it leads to some distant and obscured views of the famed Apostle Island sea caves. This Lakeshore trail terminates at a beach and primitive campsite.
2 DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
BEFORE ARRIVAL: Reserve the Mainland Campsite 30 days in advance of your trip.
DAY 1 (5-Miles): Park at Meyers Beach and hike along the edge of Lake Superior and stop to view some of the sea caves. Continue on to Lunch Beach and camp at the Lakeshore Trail Campsite.
DAY 2 (5-miles): Return to Meyers Beach using the same trails from your first day’s hike.
ARTICLE (WISCONSIN-EXPLORER)
Pattison State Park Loop
DIFFICULTYBEGINNER
TOTAL MILES
7.6-MILE LOOP
REGION
UP NORTH (NORTHERN WOODLANDS)
COUNTY
DOUGLAS COUNTY
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
SUPERIOR
CAMPING TYPE
RESERVABLE REMOTE BACKPACK SITES AND SHELTER
WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS HIKE
Boreal forest and awesome waterfalls
SIGHTS ALONG THIS HIKE
Big Manitou Falls, Little Manitou Falls, Interffalls Lake, Nemadji River
WILDLIFE
Songbirds, Bald Eagles, Black Bears, Whie Tailed Deer
Pattison State Park is famous for two waterfalls on the Black River, Big Manitou Falls and Little Manitou Falls. Big Manitou is the highest waterfall in the state. The North Country National Trail flows through the park, but unfortunately it is a disconnected segment. There are three reservable backpacking sites and a trail shelter. These sites happen to be across the river from the NCT. Nevertheless, an exciting beginner backpacking loop can be made in the park.
2 DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
BEFORE ARRIVAL: Reserve a backpacking site in advance.
DAY 1 (3.6-Miles): Park across from Big Manitou Falls in the lot off County Highway B. See Big Manitou Falls then cross Highway 35 and hike the Beaver Trail on the west side of Interfalls Lake. Travel south to the end of the trail to see Little Manitou Falls. Then backtrack to the CCC Bridge and cross it. There is a connector trail between the Beaver Loop and the Overlook Trail. Take that connector and follow the Overlook Trail to the Oak Ridge Trail and arrive at your campsite
DAY 2 (4-miles): hike counterclockwise on the Oak Ridge Trail and connect to the River View Trail. Then take the Overlook Trail back to the Beaver Trail to the beach area. Cross under the tunnel and return to your vehicle in the parking area
ARTICLE (WISCONSIN-EXPLORER)
Chippewa Moraine Circle Trail Loop
DIFFICULTYBEGINNER
TOTAL MILES
5-MILE LOOP
REGION
UP NORTH (NORTHERN WOODLANDS)
COUNTY
CHIPPEWA COUNTY
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
CORNELL
CAMPING TYPE
RESERVABLE REMOTE BACKPACK SITES
WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS HIKE
Easy trail past tons of small lakes and ponds
SIGHTS ALONG THIS HIKE
North Shattuck Lake, South Shattuck Lake, Chippewa Moraine
WILDLIFE
Songbirds, Whie Tailed Deer, the occasional black bear, coyote
The Chippewa Moraine is an Ice Age Trail Scientific Area where the terrain is sculpted with moraines and pockmarked with kettle lakes. The Circle Trail is a loop bifurcating off the Ice Age Trail. There’s a nice visitors center on the top of a grand hill overlooking the area. And there are two reservable primitive campsites on the trail, one on North Shattuck Lake and another on the shores of an unnamed lake. Yep, there’s so many lakes here they couldn’t even name them all. For those just getting into backpacking, the short length of this loop trail may be just the right place to start and get used to primitive camping along the trail.
2 DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
BEFORE ARRIVAL: Reserve a backpacking site in advance.
DAY 1 (4.5-Miles): Park at the David Obey Interpretive Center and get a permit for the campsite on North Shattuck Lake. Fill up with water and head out from the interpretive center onto the Ice Age Trail in a clockwise route around the loop. There’s a few trail intersections in this first mile before reaching the campsite on the unnamed lake, so stay alert. Cross County Highway M and continue south on the IAT until you reach the circle trail intersection, then follow the Circle Trail around to the west and eventually to a second highway crossing. Stay on track until you reach another intersection with the IAT and then turn right to loop around North Shattuck Lake. A short spur trail leads to the Hiker’s Campsite.
DAY 2 (1/2-mile): Finish the last half mile to reach the interpretive center.
ARTICLE (WISCONSIN-EXPLORER)
Chippewa Lobe Trail Loop
DIFFICULTYINTERMEDIATE
TOTAL MILES
12-MILE LOOP
REGION
UP NORTH (NORTHERN WOODLANDS)
COUNTY
TAYLOR COUNTY
NEARBY COMMUNITIES
RIB-LAKE, MEDFORD
CAMPING TYPE
DISPERSED CAMPING ANYWHERE ALONG THE TRAIL AND A PRIMITIVE FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVE CAMPSITE
WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS HIKE
The primitive campsite is worth the challenging terrain
SIGHTS ALONG THIS HIKE
Chequamegon National Forest
WILDLIFE
Songbirds, Whie Tailed Deer, black bear, wolves, loons
The Chippewa Lobe Loop (not to be confused with the Chippewa Circle Trail above) is one of the only backpackable loops along the Ice Age National Trail. The soil is poorly drained and the trail here is often mucky. Finding ways around mud pits and over streams adds athletic challenge to this hike. There is a well-regarded primitive campsite beside a pond and wetland about halfway around the loop. Good wilderness navigation skills are required - parts of the trail don't look like trail, it's easy to miss signs and blazes, and you'll be crossing many other trail intersections. Use the Map-My-Run app to track your route in case you need to backtrack.
2 DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
DAY 1 (5-Miles): Park at the Ice Age Trail parking lot on County Highway E and head westbound on the Ice Age Trail Jerry Lake Segment. After 1.5-miles be on the lookout for a Chippewa Lobe Side trail. Follow the blue blazes clockwise around the loop. Camp at the site by the pond about halfway around the loop
DAY 2 (7-mile): Continue the loop around and return on the Ice Age Trail Jerry Lake Segment heading eastbound.
OVERNIGHT SECTION HIKES ON THE ICE AGE TRAIL
Ice Age National Trail: Whitewater Segment to Blue Spring Lake Segment
DIFFICULTYINTERMEDIATE
MILEAGE
13-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
WAUKESHA
NEARBY COMMUNITY
EAGLE
CAMPING TYPE
Reservable Remote Shelters
|
| Shelter 3 |
The Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest hosts many continuous miles of the Ice Age Trail and provides large Adirondack shelters along the trail to enable backpackers. The Kettle Moraine Trails are the most popular backpacking routes in Wisconsin as a result. The scenery does not provide a sense of being in the wilderness, but the forest is dense and hilly, so the routes make for a good workout and escape into the woods. Bonus, these southern areas are nearby to major metropolitan areas, so they are easily accessible to more people. That does make it difficult to snag a shelter reservation. I recommend reserving a shelter eleven-to-eight months in advance for popular summer weekends.
The Whitewater Segment is the southern-most segment of the Kettle Moraine section. It connects directly to the Blackhawk Segment where there is a trail shelter. This first itinerary will cover Whitewater Lake to Emma Carlin Trailhead which will be the entire distance of the Whitewater, Blackhawk, and Blue Spring Lake Segments.
2-DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
Reserve Shelter #3 in advance of your trip. Park a car at the Emma Carlin Trailhead lot and shuttle drive down to Clover Valley Road. There is shoulder parking for a couple vehicles on Clover Valley Road. If you need to you can park at the Rice Lake Nature Trail which is a half mile away. Follow the trail northeast to Highway 12 to complete the Whitewater Segment. Keep going on the Blackhawk Segment to reach the Shelter for a total hike on day-one of 11.5-miles.
On day-two, continue hiking the Blackhawk Segment and the Blue Spring Lake Segment for 7.5-miles to reach the Emma Carlin Trailhead.
Whitewater Segment Trail Article
Blackhawk Segment Trail Article
Blue Spring Lake Segment Trail Article
Ice Age National Trail: Blue Spring Lake to Scuppernong
DIFFICULTYINTERMEDIATE
MILEAGE
15-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
WAUKESHA
NEARBY COMMUNITY
EAGLE
CAMPING TYPE
Reservable Remote Shelters
The next segments of the IAT in the Southern Kettle Moraine are the Stoney Ridge Segment, Eagle Segment, and the Scuppernong Segment. There’s a few more camping opportunities on these segments, with two great shelters, Pinewoods Campground, and the nearby Ottawa Lake Campground.
2-DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
Reserve Shelter #1 in advance of your trip.
Park a car at the Pinewoods campground and shuttle drive back to the Emma Carlin Trailhead. Hike 1.25-miles to reach the Kettle Moraine Forest Headquarters and stop and see the museum. Fill up with water and continue on the Stony Ridge Segment to Highway 59. Across the highway begin the Eagle Segment. Fill up with water at the Highway 67 Trailhead and then cross 67 and climb the spur trail to Shelter #1 for a total day-one hike of 9.5-miles.
On Day-two, complete the 5-miles of the Scuppernong Segment to reach Pinewoods Campground.
Stony Ridge Segment Trail Article
Eagle Segment Trail Article
Scuppernong Segment Trail Article
Ice Age National Trail: Milwaukee River Segment to Greenbush Segment
DIFFICULTYINTERMEDIATE
MILEAGE
31-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
FOND DU LAC
NEARBY COMMUNITY
KEWASKUM
CAMPING TYPE
Reservable Remote Shelters
Words
The Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest draws campers, bikers, mountain bikers, anglers, and hikers to its parks and sites. Its two major campgrounds, Mauthe Lake and Long Lake are connected by a newly installed crushed stone bike trail. The Ice Age Trail cuts a meandering path from south to north on three segments, the Milwaukee River segment, Parnell Segment, and Greenbush Segment. With major family campgrounds and five large Adirondack shelters, long distance hikers can make their way through this forest in one long weekend. Remember to reserve your sites and shelters many months in advance of your trip.
4-DAY/3-NIGHT ITINERARY
Reserve shelter #2 for night 1, shelter #3 for night 2, and shelter #5 for night 3 in advance. Park a vehicle at the Greenbush Segment Trailhead on Sheboygan County Highway P in Glenbeulah and shuttle down to the parking lot off Washington County Highway H (East side of the bridge over the Milwaukee River. This is very important … do not park on the west side of the river and attempt to walk the County H bridge across, you have a less than 50% chance of making it across the bridge alive). Proceed north towards New Fane. Stop at the New Fane Trails for lunch and to refill with tap water. Camp at Shelter #2 after hiking 8-miles.
On Day 2, Hike 1.5-miles to Mauthe Lake and refill with water and go for a morning swim and grab a hot shower at the beach. Continue on past Crooked Lake to Shelter #3 having hiked 7-miles. There are some streams near Shelter 3 where you can grab water to filter.
On Day 3, hike 5-miles to the Parnell Tower loop trail and take it to see Parnell Tower and refill with water. Hike three more miles to reach Shelter #5 for a total hike of 9-miles. Your legs will be very sore from climbing to and from Parnell Tower. Shelter #5 has a water pump nearby.
On Day 4, hike 7-miles to the Glenbeulah parking area.
Milwaukee River Segment Trail Article
Parnell Segment Trail Article
Greenbush Segment Trail Article
Ice Age National Trail: Mecan River Segment through Greenwood
DIFFICULTYBEGINNER
MILEAGE
13-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
WAUSHARA, PORTAGE
NEARBY COMMUNITY
HANCOCK
CAMPING TYPE
First-Come-First Serve Dispersed Camp Area
The Ice Age Trail gets more interesting in its northern segments, or at least, quieter and more like a wilderness trail. Hikers start to get a taste of these quieter trails on the Waushara County segments. The Mecan River Segment is a long segment that is easy to walk. It follows the Mecan River, but mostly at a distance. There is a campsite for one small group near its northern trailhead.
2-DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
Park at the lot on Highway 21 in Richford, or St. Peter’s Church. Then shuttle up to the 9th Ave Greenwood Segment Trailhead. Bring all of the water you will need for your two days. Hike 4.6-miles to 6th Lane and follow 6th Land to Buttercup Drive and over to the Mecan River Segment Trailhead. Hike 1 more mile to reach the Dispersed Camp Area for a total hike of 6-miles on day one. On day-2, hike the remaining 7-miles of the Mecan River Segment.
Mecan River Segment Trail Article
Greenwood Segment Trail Article
Ice Age National Trail: Emmons Creek to Skunk and Foster Lake
DIFFICULTYINTERMEDIATE
MILEAGE
16-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
PORTAGE
NEARBY COMMUNITY
WAUPACA, AMHERST
CAMPING TYPE
Reservable Drive-in Campground, Log Cabin
|
| Waupaca River |
Here’s a super fun one that most hikers don’t think about. Fun, and pleasant, and easy. A 3-day trip will cover Emmons Creek Segment, Hartman Creek Segment, Waupaca River Segment, and Skunk and Foster Lake Segment. A long portion of the trail passes through Hartman Creek State Park where there is a family campground beside Allen Lake. There’s a lengthy road connection of 2.2-miles between the Hartman Creek Segment and the Waupaca River Segment, but this walk is along quiet roads with plenty of room to accommodate pedestrians. The Waupaca River Segment doesn’t offer many views of the Waupaca River, but it does offer a very unique camping experience at a little log cabin with room for 3-4 inside and plenty of space around it for tents. A much shorter 3/4 -mile road connection connects to the Skunk and Foster Lake Segment. There’s spacious parking lots at both ends of this trail.
3-DAY/2-NIGHT ITINERARY
Reserve a campsite at Hartman Creek State Park for night-1 in advance. Park your vehicle at the Skunk and Foster Lake State Natural Area parking lot and shuttle down the Emmons Creek trailhead on 2nd Ave. Hike 5-miles to reach your site at Hartman Creek SP.
On Day-two, hike 6-miles along the Ice Age Trail and Nelson Drive and Cobbtown Road to reach the Waupaca River Segment and another 2-miles to reach the log cabin. The log cabin is between two large sand quarries, so don’t plan on sleeping in.
On Day-Three, follow Foley Road north and cross Highway 10. Follow the Skunk and Foster Lake Segment to its end and return 1/8 of a mile south on N. Foley Drive to reach the parking area for a total hike of 4.5-miles on Day-3.
Emmons Creek Segment Trail Article
Hartman Creek Segment Trail Article
Waupaca River Segment Trail Article
Skunk and Foster Lake Segment Trail Article
Ice Age National Trail Underdown Segment
DIFFICULTYINTERMEDIATE
MILEAGE
12-MILE OUT-AND-BACK
COUNTY
LINCOLN
NEARBY COMMUNITY
GLEASON
CAMPING TYPE
First-Come-First Serve Dispersed Camp Areas, Primitive Sites, Remote shelter, Dispersed Camping
|
| Dog Lake Shelter |
The Ice Age Trail forms a big hook of continuous trail in Lincoln and Langlade Counties. I haven’t hiked most of this area, so I can only tell you about the Underdown in Lincoln County. The Underdown is a 44,000-acre county forest and recreation area that is easily reached from Highway 51. The terrain is hilly, forested, and dotted with small lakes. Hikers can camp anywhere in the Underdown, but there are also three established primitive campsites, one with a three-sided trail shelter. There’s also a small drive-in campground.
2-DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
Park at Horn Lake and proceed east along the Ice Age Trail for 6-miles to reach Copper Lake Road then turn back and hike 3.5-miles to the Dog Lake Shelter. On Day-two finish the last 3-miles to return to Horn Lake.
ARTICLE AND TRAIL MAP
Ice Age National Trail: Grandfather Falls Segment through the New Woods Segment
DIFFICULTYADVANCED
MILEAGE
17-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
LINCOLN
NEARBY COMMUNITY
TOMAHAWK
CAMPING TYPE
Reservable drive-in sites, Primitive dispersed sites
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| Wisconsin River |
The Grandfather Falls Segment is an easy hike on a popular trail along a scenic section of the Wisconsin River. There is a long road connection to the Turtle Rock Segment where the trail turns into a wilderness adventure. There is a section of the Turtle Rock Segment that crosses a boulder field along the Wisconsin River where the trail is difficult to follow. Then it cuts uphill on a faint and narrow footpath. You’ll find an adequate campsite at Burma Road which is not close to water sources, next to a road, and not scenic at all. The trail continues across Burma Road onto the Averill-Kelly Creek Segment which cuts through dense woods on private property. Hikers must ford the Kelly Creek and the Averill Creek. The New Woods Segment is easier going on a trial with good tread through the massive New Wood State Wildlife Area. Mosquitoes, ticks, bears, and wolves thrive in this dense and remote woodland.
3-DAY/2-NIGHT ITINERARY
Park at the Camp 27 trailhead off Conservation Ave, then shuttle back to the New Woods County Park on Highway 107. Head north following the IAT along the Wisconsin River for 3-miles. Then follow Highway 107 for ¾-Mile to reach County E and take the bridge over the Wisconsin River and turn left to stay on County E for 1-mile to reach the Turtle Rock Segment. Follow the Turtle Rock Segment south and then west to reach a very primitive dispersed camp area at Burma Road.
On day-two, complete the 5-miles of the Averill-Kelly Creek Segment. Then head north for a few blocks on Lincoln County Rd E to reach the New Wood Segment. Hike 2.5-miles to the northernmost hook of New Woods Segment. From this hook hike north off the trail to find the New Wood River and there will be adequate space in the area to set up a primitive campsite.
On day-three, complete the remaining four miles of the New Wood Segment.
IAT GRANDFATHER FALLS SEGMENT ARTICLE
IAT TURTLE ROCK SEGMENT ARTICLE
IAT AVERIL KELLY CREEK SEGMENT ARTICLE
IAT NEW WOODS SEGMENT ARTICLE
Ice Age National Trail: New Woods Segment to Mondeaux Esker Segment
DIFFICULTYADVANCED
MILEAGE
45-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
LINCOLN, TAYLOR
NEARBY COMMUNITY
RIB LAKE
CAMPING TYPE
Primitive dispersed camping, first-come-first-serve drive-in sites
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| New Wood River |
The routes of the Ice Age Trail in Lincoln and Taylor Counties are among the most remote segments of the overall trail. This is an opportunity for immersion in the wilderness. Unfortunately, there are longer distances between camping areas and a few lengthy road connections. This 4-day backpacking trip covers, from east to west, the Camp 27, Timberland, Wood Lake, Rib Lake, East Lake, Pine Line, and half of the Mondeaux Esker segments of the Ice Age Trail.
4-DAY/3-NIGHT ITINERARY
Park at the main beach area and lodge at Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area., then shuttle to the Camp 27 Segment trailhead off Conservation Ave. Complete the New Wood Segment and Camp 27 Segment. Refill with water at the river ford over the North Branch of the Copper River before finishing the Camp 27 Segment. Hike 2-miles west on Tower Road to reach the trailhead for the Timberland Wilderness Segment and complete that segment, then on to the Wood Lake Segment and Camp in the Wood Lake Campground for a total hike of 12-miles on Day 1.
On Day 2 proceed westbound along the Ice Age Trail Wood Lake Segment. Cross Highwway 102 to begin the Rib Lake Segment. Camp at the Stille Nacht Campground on the Rib Lake Segment. Your Day-2 hike will be 12-miles. There is a water pump at Stille Nacht.
On day-3 complete the Rib Lake Segment by hiking half a mile to reach Rustic Road 1. Follow Rustic Road and turn south on Harper Drive and then walk north along County Highway D to reach the East Lake Segment. The road walk is 3-miles. Complete the East Lake Segment, fill up with water at the wayside and hike south along Highway 13 for 0.62-miles. Be very attentive as the Pine Line Segment trail sign is set off from the road among tall grass and shrubs. Take the Pine Line Segment ¼-mile to reach the eagle scout primitive campground. Total hike for Day-3 is 11-miles.
On day-4, finish the Pine Line Segment and hike 3.6 miles west along Fawn Ave to reach the trailhead for the Mondeaux Esker Segment at the intersection with Bunker Road. (You may want to take a 1-mile out-and-back side trip to Chelsea Lake Park after finishing the Pine Line Segment to retrieve water from a water pump there as there are no reliable water sources for the next 8-miles.) Hike 6 more miles westbound along the Mondeaux Esker Segment to reach the Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area parking lot for a total of 10-miles on Day 4.
CAMP 27 ARTICLE
TIMBERLAND WILDERNESS ARTICLE
WOOD LAKE ARTICLE
RIB LAKE ARTICLE
EAST LAKE ARTICLE
PINE LINE ARTICLE
Ice Age National Trail: Mondeaux Esker Segment through Lake Eleven Segment
DIFFICULTYADVANCED
MILEAGE
34-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
TAYLOR
NEARBY COMMUNITY
RIB LAKE
CAMPING TYPE
Primitive dispersed camping, first-come-first-serve drive-in sites
The Mondeaux Esker, Jerry Lake, and Lake Eleven Segments are among the most popular backpacking routes on the Ice Age Trail. You will likely encounter other backpacking parties on the hike and will be competing for the prime campsites, so you will have to be flexible. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere along this route outside of the Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area.
The trails roll up and down frequently and dip into long areas of soaked swampy areas. Hiking through these extended mud pits will add time to your daily trips and will rapidly drain your leg strength. Otherwise, this is a highly recommended wilderness excursion with plenty of Chequamegon National Forest scenery.
This hike is the kind of deep woods immersion you can’t find on the southern segments of the IAT. It’s important to stay animal and bear aware on this trail and have redundant supplies for water filtration, nutrition, and cooking as the challenges of this hike may cause your trip to exceed your planned number of days on the trail. It’s always a good idea to buffer your hike with an extra day which you can spend lounging in a campground if you complete your route on time.
4-DAY/3-NIGHT ITINERARY
On day-one, Park at the Lake Eleven Trailhead parking area off Highway 64 and shuttle back to the beach area at Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area. Hike 5-miles to complete the Mondeaux Dam Segment at Mondeaux Drive. Then hike on the Jerry Lake Segment for 2.5-miles to reach an unnamed lake near where the White Birch Trail intersects the IAT where you may find three established primitive campsites. These sites are off the trail, so you will have to scout them out. Total mileage for day-1 will be 7.5-miles.
On day-two, hike the Jerry Lake Segment to the South Fork of the Yellow River primitive campsite. This is an exceptional campsite at a bend in the river and directly trailside. Total mileage for day-1 will be 9-miles.
On day-three, hike to Jerry Lake and proceed onto the Lake Eleven Segment. Hike to Lake Eleven where you will find two primitive campsites on opposite ends of the lake. Total mileage for day-1 will be 9-miles.
On day-four, complete the remaining 9-miles to reach the Lake Eleven Segment trailhead and parking area.
LAKE ELEVEN SEGMENT ARTICLE
JERRY LAKE SEGMENT ARTICLE
Ice Age National Trail: Chippewa Moraine to Chippewa River Segments
DIFFICULTYINTERMEDIATE
MILEAGE
18.5-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
CHIPPEWA
NEARBY COMMUNITY
CORNELL
CAMPING TYPE
Primitive dispersed camping, first-come-first-serve drive-in sites
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| Harwood Lakes |
This hike is among the backpacking trips I recommend most often. It's a great wilderness hike that is easy to reach and has scenic primitive campsites along the trail. The Chippewa Moraine is a hilly area that is dotted with lakes. The first day of this hike hops from lake to lake and lands at a picture perfect campsite on a narrow isthmus between the two Harwood Lakes. Fishermen will love camping here. The next day brings hikers deep into wilderness forest along the Harwood Lakes Segment. There's a campsite overlooking Ruth Lake, or you can push on just a bit further to another site in the woods on the Firth Lake Segment.
The only unfortunate aspect of this set of trail segments is that a key trail connection between Firth Lake and the Chippewa River Segment is closed due to a change in property ownership. If you are up to a few miles of hiking along roads you can easily add the Chippewa River Segment to this hike. Plans are already in motion to reconnect Firth Lake and the Chippewa River with a new trail, but for now I will consider the Firth Lake boat ramp to be the end of this route.
3-DAY/2-NIGHT ITINERARY
On day-one, Park at the Firth Lake boat ramp off 250th Ave and shuttle to the Chippewa Moraine Segment trailhead on 267th Ave. Hike east for 7.3-miles on the Ice Age Trail to complete the Chippewa Moraine Segment at 260th Ave. Follow 260th Ave for a short distance and then turn south on Plummer Lake Rd and walk two blocks to find the Harwood Lakes Segment Trailhead. Hike 1-mile east on the Harwood Lakes Segment to reach the primitive campsite at Harwood Lakes. Total day-1 mileage will be 8.5-miles.
On Day 2 continue eastbound to complete the Harwood Lakes Segment on Chippewa County Highway E. Walk south along County E for ¾-miles. This road walk is precarious with little shoulder while the curvy road and hills will prevent vehicles from seeing pedestrians. Take care to walk against traffic and stay as far off the pavement as possible. Turn on to 245th Ave which is a wide gravel road without traffic and hike 1-mile east to reach the Harwood Lakes Segment. Follow this north hook of the trail around through some scenic wetlands and come to another intersection with 245th Ave. Hike ½-mile further along the Ice Age Trail and look for a flat clearing and primitive campsite just off the trail on your right side (south side of the trail). This campsite is less used, but ideal for backpacking. It is a short distance up the trail from a water source on a branch of the Bob River. Total day-2 mileage will be 7.5-miles
On day-3, complete 2.5-miles to return to the parking area at Firth Lake.
IAT CHIPPEWA MORAINE SEGMENT ARTICLE
IAT HARWOOD LAKES SEGMENT ARTICLE
IAT FIRTH LAKE SEGMENT ARTICLE
Ice Age National Trail: Pine Lake Segment to Trade River Segment
DIFFICULTYINTERMEDIATE
MILEAGE
16-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
POLK
NEARBY COMMUNITY
LUCK
CAMPING TYPE
Dispersed camping areas, reservable campsites
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| Straight Lake |
2-DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
Reserve a campsite at Straight Lake State Park.
On day-one, Park at the Trade River Segment Trailhead at 150th Street and shuttle to the Pine Lake Segment Trailhead parking area on 70th street. Hike 2.9-miles to complete the Pine Lake Segment at Round Lake Road. Then hike the 3.3-mile Straight River Segment. Take a left and head west on 270th Ave to County Highway I and walk south along County I to cross the bridge and find the IAT Straight Lake Segment. Hike 2.5-miles west along the Straight River Segment to reach Straight Lake State Park. Total day-1 mileage will be 9.5-miles.
On day-two, complete the remaining 2-miles of the Straight Lake Segment and then complete the Trade River Segment for a total of 6.5-miles hiked on day-two.
TRADE RIVER SEGMENT ARTICLE
STRAIGHT LAKE SEGMENT ARTICLE
STRAIGHT RIVER SEGMENT ARTICLE
PINE LAKE SEGMENT ARTICLE
OVERNIGHT SECTION HIKES ON THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL
North Country National Trail: Copper Falls Section
DIFFICULTYBEGINNER
MILEAGE
12.5-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
ASHLAND
NEARBY COMMUNITY
MELLEN
CAMPING TYPE
Reservable Primitive Campsite and first-come-first-served dispersed camping area
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| Brownstone Falls |
Copper Falls State Park hosts 10-miles of extraordinarily scenic trail, with one reservable primitive site, dozens of reservable drive-in campsites, and one first-come-first-served dispersed camping area. The park centers around a confluence of rivers cutting through deep stone canyons and features two of Wisconsin’s most scenic waterfalls.
2-DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
Reserve the North Hiker’s Campsite.
Day 1 Mileage: 5.5-miles, point-to-point, easy
On day-one, Park at the Highway 169 Trailhead parking area then shuttle to a park in Mellen at the intersection of E. Tyler Ave and Olson Road. From this park follow the North Country Trail into Copper Falls State Park, Hike through the park to the Dougboy’s Trail at a bridge over the Bad River. Take the bridge to divert onto the Dougboy’s Trail and away from the NCT. Follow the Doughboys Trail for best views of Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls. Cross the Bad River on the second trail bridge and climb the stairs to an intersection with the NCT and follow the NCT north. At the next trail intersection take the spur trail west to the North Hiker’s Campsite.
Day 2 Mileage: 7-miles, point-to-point, easy
On day-two, complete the remaining 7-miles of the Copper Falls section to reach the Highway 169 trailhead and parking area.
ARTICLE AND TRAIL MAP
North Country National Trail: Foster Falls to Wren Falls
DIFFICULTYINTERMEDIATE
MILEAGE
12.5-MILE LOOP
COUNTY
IRON
NEARBY COMMUNITY
GURNEY
CAMPING TYPE
first-come-first-served primitive sites
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| Tilted Gabro Site |
2-DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
Day 1 Mileage: 8.5-miles, point-to-point, moderate
On day-one, Park at the Foster Falls parking lot on the west side of the Potato River. Begin hiking south along the North Country Trail alongside the Potato River and climb the steep hills to Upson Overlook. Descend the hills to the old gold mine and continue on the trail to Casey Overlook. Descend towards Wren Falls. There is a great campsite on top of Wren Falls. If you would like more privacy, there is another campsite on the west side of the Tyler Forks of the Bad River reached by crossing a pedestrian bridge.
Day 2 Mileage: 4-miles, point-to-point, easy
On day-two, hike along the Winding and hilly Wren Falls Road to reach Casey Sag Road. Take a hard right onto Casey Sag road and hike east to an intersection with the Sullivan Fire Road, take the Sullivan Fire road northeast to reach the Foster Falls parking area. Ford across the Potato River at Sullivan Fire Road to get the best views of Foster Falls.
ARTICLE AND TRAIL MAP
North Country National Trail: Penokee Mountain Ski Trails to Beaver Lake
DIFFICULTYADVANCED
MILEAGE
14.5-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
ASHLAND, BAYFIELD
NEARBY COMMUNITY
MELLEN
CAMPING TYPE
first-come-first-served remote shelter, dispersed primitive camping, first-come-first-served drive in sites
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| Brunsweiler River |
2-DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
Day 1 Mileage: 2.5-miles, point-to-point, moderate
On day-one, Park on the shoulder near the NCT access trail at Beaver Lake Campground and shuttle back to Penokee Mountain Ski Trails Trailhead and parking area. Climb to the Penokee Overlook for views of the forest and then return to the lot to begin the NCT. Follow the NCT to the Penokee Shelter and camp there.
Day 2 Mileage: 11.5-miles, point-to-point, difficult
On day-two, follow the NCT west and descend to a rushing stream with a bridge crossing. Refill with water. Climb to the overlook and then down to Hanson Field. Then climb a significant hill and descend to the Brunsweiler River, this is a good place for a lunch break. Climb again and descend to Lake Three. Proceed to the Beaver Lake Campground.
ARTICLE AND TRAIL MAP
North Country National Trail: Two Lakes to Lake Three
DIFFICULTYADVANCED
MILEAGE
25-MILES POINT-TO-POINT
COUNTY
BAYFIELD
NEARBY COMMUNITY
DRUMMOND
CAMPING TYPE
first-come-first-served remote shelter, dispersed primitive camping, first-come-first-served drive in sites
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| Juniper Overlook |
This epic hike is sure to be memorable. Hikers will cross through the Porcupine Federal Wilderness Area and then climb to Longmile Lookout. The trail climbs and descends significant hills before reaching Juniper Overlook where you will want to hang out for a bit and enjoy a view of the forest from above. The trail then dips into the Marengo Valley before climbing steeply for 600 feet to two other overlooks and the abandoned Swedish Settlement. The trail continues up and over long hill climbs before descending to Beaver Lake. It’s an easy go the rest of the way to Lake Three.
4-DAY/3-NIGHT ITINERARY
Reserve a campsite at Beaver Lake for night-3
Day 1 Mileage: 3-miles, point-to-point, moderate
On day-one, Park a vehicle at the Lake Three boat ramp parking area and shuttle back to Two Lakes. There is a small three-vehicle lot near the NCT Porcupine Wilderness Trailhead off Porcupine Road / FR213. Hike south and east along the NCT for three miles to reach Porcupine Lake . There is a primitive campground just off the trail on the shore Porcupine Lake and another atop the hill on the north end of the lake.
Day 2 Mileage: 10-miles, point-to-point, difficult
On day-two, hike east to reach East Davis Lake and Longmile Lookout. Longmile Lookout is a good place to sit down and grab a lunch. Then continue to Juniper Overlook and take some great photos. Descend into the Marengo Valley and camp at the Marengo Shelter. If the shelter is occupied continue along the NCT up the hill to a large pine plantation where there is plenty of open ground for setting up camp.
Day 3 Mileage: 6-miles, point-to-point, difficult
On day-three, hike east for 6-miles to reach the Beaver Lake Campground.
Day 4 Mileage: 2.5-miles, point-to-point, easy
On day-four, complete your hike to Lake Three.
ARTICLE AND TRAIL MAP
North Country National Trail: Gordon Dam to St. Croix River
DIFFICULTYBEGINNER
MILEAGE
10-MILES OUT-AND-BACK
COUNTY
DOUGLAS
NEARBY COMMUNITY
GORDON
CAMPING TYPE
first-come-first-served primitive site, dispersed primitive camping, first-come-first-served drive in sites
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| St Croix River |
2-DAY/1-NIGHT ITINERARY
Day 1 Mileage: 5-miles, point-to-point, easy
On day-one, Park a vehicle at Gordon Dam. Hike across the dam and follow the trail north to the NCT intersection and then turn west to follow the NCT to the Gibson Cabin and camp at the Scotts Rapids Campsite. Enjoy the rest of your day fishing from your campsite.
Day 2 Mileage: 5-miles, point-to-point, easy
On day-two, return to Gordon Dam.
ARTICLE AND TRAIL MAP