Hiking in Mukwonago

This post is sponsored by Lynch Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Whether you enjoy hiking in the spring, winter or fall, you are bound to find a hiking trail that you love in Mukwonago Wisconsin.

Devil’s Lake

Combing a state park trail and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, this thru-hike starts with sweeping bluff-top views at Devil’s Lake and ends with the intimate charms of the scenic gorge of Parfrey’s Glen.

Squaw Bay Sea Caves

The Squaw Bay sea caves are a magic place. The water was like glass, and with the setting sun, the sandstone cliffs glowed red in the most fantastic colors. (this also makes a very awesome place to go camping for a night or two)With the lake level at a record low, there were more arches and caves to explore than usual, and we were able to slide our kayaks hand over hand along the ceiling of deep passages that we had not entered in years. As a game we started to paddle through every sea arch, but we lost interest in the game and lost count somewhere after twenty-five arches. The previous month had been wet and rainy, and curtains of water cascaded from cracks in the cliffs, sparkling in the setting sun, and providing a cooling shower on a warm summer evening.

Sea Caves

A nearly 2.0-mile hike through the forest of the Apostle Islands National Lake- shore—partly on boardwalk and across a few intermittent streams—takes you to the spectacular mainland sea caves carved from the sandstone cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. Another half mile of trail skirts the edge, granting overlooks of caves, cliffs, and crevices.

American Birkebeiner Trail

The Birkebeiner is one big, wide, tough trail. One day a year this roomy, two-way trail through the pristine northwoods becomes very crowded and most definitely one-way. In late February about 7,000 skiers take to the trail in a test of speed, skill, and endurance called the American Birkebeiner. Your visit is sure to be much less crowded, but no less tough. Obviously, you have the choice of doing an out-and-back ski of what ever length you choose. And, even if you work things to ski point-to-point, you won’t have to ski as far as the Birkebeiner racers. Three miles are pared off the north end where the race starts adjacent to the Cable Airport; the south end trailhead is 4 miles short of the finish, across Lake Hayward on the town’s Main Street. Hundreds of truckloads of snow are dumped on the pavement to ensure that skiers can get their finishing award medal and a beer within a minimal amount of time.

Lost Creek Falls

A spot only a local might know about, this hidden waterfall tumbles over a sandstone edge in the heart of the forest.The path rises and falls gently but demands some instinct in the last 100 yards as it follows along the rough banks above Lost Creek Number One. Expect plenty of birds and other wildlife to be observing you.

Pike Lake and Those Holy Hills

Although the ride is hilly, there are few giant climbs. You’ll see your lowest gears frequently, but there’s as much down-and some of it spectacular-as there is up. And the scenery puts this ride in anyone’s top ten. Take your time and enjoy ever mile, even those that go up. Things to see: Pike Lake, Holy Hill, Friess Lake.

Chippewa Moraine Circle Trail

A shorter hike through Ice Age Trail country, this loop follows the national scenic trail a short distance before following a loop through kettle lakes and along the back of an esker.

John Muir Trails

The John Muir Trails, nestled in the heart of the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, are the gem of Wisconsin mountain bike trails. They are the best kept, most extensively ridden, and all around most enjoyable routes in the state. About 30 miles of singletrack are laid out in a variety of technical paths offering everyone from beginners to experts a loop to ride. In addition to being one of the best, this cluster is also the source of some of the highest traffic. In 1996, eighty thousand day passes were sold at this park, putting the number of riders well over one hundred thousand. The trail system is named after the legendary environmentalist of the same name who traveled the country around the turn of the century and founded the Sierra Club. While much of Muir’s research took place in the West, Wisconsin was a favorite state of his that cropped up often in his writing. Perhaps his book Steep Trails, published four years after his death in 1918, was a predecessor of sorts to mountain biking guides. Elevation Change: The riding is mainly done over rolling terrain which falls and rises 20 to 30 feet at a time. A couple of 50- to 60-foot climbs are encountered on the longer loops, with one climb of 100+ feet to make riders work for their fun.