Hiking in North Central Wisconsin
Hiking is a great way to explore North Central Wisconsin all year long! Whether you’re looking for wooded trails or more of a leisure walk along paved pathways, you’re going to find it all here. Wisconsin has 25,000 miles of some of the best trails for you to hike.
Beautiful views are around every corner, whether you’re out on the trails in spring, summer, winter, or fall. Plan your trip today and discover some of your new favorite hiking trails in North Central Wisconsin.
Here are more resources for you to successfully hike in North Central Wisconsin:
- Season: Hike all year long! Note: This is subject to change depending on trail closures and weather conditions.
- Trail maps & passes: See below for each county’s specific, recommended hiking areas and hiking trails. Depending on where you are hiking, you may need car, or on-foot admissions passes. Here is Wisconsin State Park trail pass information.
While planning your trip to or around Wisconsin, see more information below by county on the best places to hike.
Popular Hiking & Walking Trails
- Ahdawagam Trail System
- Cone Memorial Fitness Trail
- Governor Thompson State Park
- Green Circle Trail
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail
- Mary Hofer Walking Trail
- Mountain Bay State Trail
- Nicolet National Forest Trails
- Potawatomi Nature Trail
- Red/River Trail
- Riverside Park in Niagara
- Standing Rocks County Park Trails
- Thunder Mountain Overlook Park
- Tomahawk Trails
- WIOUWASH Trail
Where to go Hiking in Wisconsin:
Hiking in Forest County
Hiking in Langlade County
Langlade County, The County of Trails, features over 120 miles of hiking trails at 10 different trail systems including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and 50 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. View pristine scenery and abundant wildlife while hiking northern Wisconsin County of Trails!
- Antigo Single Track Trail
- Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
- Gartzke Flowage Recreation Area
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail
- Hunter Walking Trails
- Jack Lake Recreation Area - Veteran's Memorial Park
- Moccasin Lake Recreation Area
- Noboken School Forest
- Springbrook Trail
- Wolf River State Trail
Hiking in Lincoln County
Get in the saddle and prepare to relax—this is a place you can explore on two wheels. Lincoln County is a paradise for bicyclists—there are miles of beautiful easy-riding rail trails, winding single-track trails and scenic country roads. Best of all, rides can take you past some of the best restaurants in the Northwoods.
There are many ways to explore Lincoln County, but one of the most rewarding is the simplest. Merrill and Tomahawk have a variety of hiking trails and walking paths that are open to anyone who feels like exploring. You’ll find trails that extend more than 1,000 miles to trails that meander to a beach just around the bend.
Hiking in Marinette County
Experience the untamed beauty of Marinette County's hiking trails and unleash your inner adventurer! Whether you're a passionate hiker, an avid mountain biker or a winter enthusiast craving some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing action, our forested trails have got you covered. Discover hidden gems like breathtaking waterfalls or embark on an exploration at Thunder Mountain Overlook Park, Governor Thompson State Park, Riverside Park in Niagara, or the Mary Hofer Walking Trail in Marinette. Get ready to conquer nature's challenges and create unforgettable memories along the way - because adventure awaits those who dare to seek it!
Hiking in Oconto County
Adventure-seekers have access to 139,000 acres of Nicolet National Forest land and 43,000 acres of public land full of all types of recreation – from hiking, camping, and paddling to wildlife watching, boating, and fishing.
Hiking trails in Oneida County:
- Almon Park Trail
- Bearskin State Trail
- Cassian County Two-Way
- CAVOC Trails
- Dr. Richard Nelson Recreational Trail
- Hanson Lake Walking & Snowshoeing Trail
- Hiawatha State Trail
- Holiday Trails
- Holmboe Conifer Forest State Natural Area
- Madeline Trail
- McNaughton Trail
- Minocqua Winter Park
- Newbold Town Trails
- Nose Lake County Trail
- Peninsula Trail
- Raven Trail
- Rhinelander Community Ski Trails
- Rookery Run Hiking & Snowshoe Trail
- Sam Campbell Memorial Trail
- Tara Lila Trails
- Three Eagle Trail
- Washburn Lake Trail
- Willow Flowage Trails
Hiking in Portage County
The Stevens Point Area has an expansive range of hiking and trail opportunities. The most popular being the Green Circle Trail, a 27-mile-long trail winding through forests, parks, wetlands and along two different rivers. Another stunning trail system is in Standing Rocks County Park. It includes 10 miles of trails that vary in difficulty and terrain.
Hiking in Shawano County
There are many options available for hiking throughout Shawano County including park-to-park trails within the City of Shawano, Rails-to-Trails including the Mountain Bay State Trail and WIOUWASH Trail.
Scenic hikes through the woods are available at many locations including Navarino Nature Center, Gibson Island.
The Cone Memorial Fitness Trail is a one-mile paved trail that has eight simple workout stations like those used on U.S. Army bases. It is located on the grounds of Hope Community Church, 302 Tristan Dr., Shawano.
Born Learning Trails located at Kuckuk Park, 700 Oak Dr., and Eberlein Park, 107 Eberlein Park Dr. in Shawano is geared toward preschoolers and families. They have engaging, interactive exhibits that are fun and educational. The trails highlight the unique cultural diversity of Shawano with signs in English and Spanish and many words in Menominee.
Hiking in Wood County
Explore the beauty along the Wisconsin River, travel through forests, past coffee shops, a brewery, and unique shops in downtown Wisconsin Rapids on the Ahdawagam trail system. The Red/River trail is a paved trail extending over 10 miles from Nekoosa on the south to Biron on the north. The 4.1 mile nature trail that circumvents Lake Wazeecha at South Wood County Park is popular year-round.
Don't miss amazing fauna and and flora at the state designated natural area of Powers Bluff, centrally located in Wood County. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Native American Cultural Sensitivity Area, Powers Bluff is the highest point in Wood County. There is 2 mile Potawatomi nature trail, 3 mile multi-use trail. Nepco Lake County Park has a 5.25 single track natural trail open year-round. Other great trail options include interpretive and multi-use trails at Dexter and North Wood County parks and the Richfield 360 County Forest.