Best Trail Running in Wisconsin

Trying to find the best trail running in Wisconsin? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Michigan, Baraga County

00 :35 hrs
0.7 mi
29.94931 ft
Moderate

This short out-and-back trail follows the canyon rim above the Sturgeon River to scenic lookouts of the lower and upper Canyon Falls. The scenery along the trail includes thick forest terrain with views of the rocky gorge and river below. The official trail only goes as far as the upper falls but there is rugged unmaintained trail that continues on to the lower falls for more experienced hikers looking for additional adventure and challenge.

2

Minnesota, Pine County

01 :39 hrs
4.7 mi
37.74301 ft
Moderate

The section of the Kettle River that runs through Banning State Park is exceptionally beautiful. Kettle River has been designated as a wild and scenic river, and offers great paddling, fishing and views. There are several hiking trail options in this state park. This hiking adventure begins at a picnic area and runs through hardwood forests in the river valley and then dives down to run along the river. This is an excellent place for birding too, because of the wetland areas.

3

Michigan, Ontonagon County

03 :17 hrs
3.1 mi
188.58368 ft
Hard

The Escarpment trail is located in the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness area and follows a ridge over a scenic valley providing great views of the Big Carp River and Lake of the Clouds below. The trail travels in and out of forested areas providing both solitude amongst the trees and open views of the valley below. Hiking along the exposed ridgeline can be more challenging during bad weather, especially high winds and thunderstorms, so prepare and plan ahead if possibly hiking in bad weather. The trail connects to the Lake of the Clouds trail and overlook so there is an option of adding mileage by hiking all the way to this area or even doing the hike as a one-way trip by shuttling vehicles between trailheads. There are multiple connecting trails within the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness area providing visitors with a number of different trip options.

4

Wisconsin, Juneau County

00 :40 hrs
1.4 mi
39.41385 ft
Expert

Cris cross trail. Good workout

5

Wisconsin, Polar County

01 :08 hrs
4.3 mi
17.015533 ft
Hard

There is a lot of variety here for such a small trail system. Looping east from the parking lot, you’ll pass through an extraordinarily tall sumac grove, through a stand of Norway pine, and you’ll see a ginseng farm to the left through the trees. The trail swings down onto a beautiful old logging road cut into the side of a wooded hill before heading up the valley side and down to the shelter and bridge. You will cross a very soft, boggy section and then be faced with a very steep climb. On top, some wonderful terrain rolls through a dense hardwood forest, before a steep descent to ride along the bottom edge of the slope back to the river crossing.

6

Wisconsin, Vernon County

06 :57 hrs
14 mi
91.37166 ft
Hard

At Kickapoo Valley Reserve, a vast mountain-biking playground awaits in one of the most beautiful, unspoiled parts of the state. The trails are quiet and scenic with breathtaking scenery that includes a ridge and valley through mostly a deep hardwood forest with periodic open fields. Many opportunities for viewing wildlife are also present here. The terrain is hilly with a mix of long, moderate grades and short, steep grades and short sections along the flatter river bottom roads. The trail surface is rough with some soft, muddy low spots and some sections with severe erosion, creating trail hazards.

7

Wisconsin, Price County

02 :25 hrs
5.7 mi
25.168121 ft
Hard

Located in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, this is a very popular trail system that is gentle enough for the intermediate skill level, yet challenges the experienced. This is a very scenic trail as it passes through a diverse forest of pine, aspen, birch, balsam fir, and northern hardwoods. It is groomed for both classic and skate skiing. There is a warming house at the trailhead.

8

Wisconsin, Bayfield County

01 :45 hrs
3.6 mi
89.4032 ft
Moderate

The Mt. Ashwabay trail system covers about 25 miles of classic and skate trails with a variety of options from beginner to expert. The trails are flanked by groves of maple, oak, and pine and tremendous panoramic vistas of the Apostle Island Chain and views of the Lake Superior Shoreline can be seen. The Seagull trail contains some intermediate terrain and some very easy terrain. There is one steep incline and one steep downhill section.

9

Minnesota, Chisago County

01 :28 hrs
4.2 mi
28.180328 ft
Moderate

This hiking trail located along the St. Croix River is only several miles northeast of the great city of Minneapolis. The highlights of the trip include excellent river and valley views, forests, bluffs and wildlife. Wildlife that may be seen in the area include a number of different bird species. For any who enjoy fishing this hike offers a chance to fish off of the shores of the beautiful St. Croix River.

10

Michigan, Marquette County

02 :37 hrs
3.4 mi
52.713684 ft
Hard

The hike to White Deer Lake follows an old dirt road that passes through scenic wilderness terrain consisting of thick forests, high wetlands, rock cliffs, small streams, and multiple lakes. The end point of the hike is at White Deer Lake where there are remnants of an old lodge that was once owned by the McCormick family for which the wilderness area is named. The lake is very remote and peaceful and provides a great spot for birdwatching and resting before starting the return trip back to the trailhead. There are lots of spur trails along the main route including one that leads to Lower Baraga Lake providing hikers with the option of adding a little mileage.

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