AllTrails has 19 great hiking trails, trail running trails, forest trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. The trails here are color-coded and there is even a connecting trail that leads to the John Muir section of the forest. The total elevation gain of the hike is 200 feet, most of which is accomplished in a quarter of a mile. One of the most popular trails is the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit S91 W39091 State Hwy. During the last ice age, the hills, valleys, and ridges of this land were pushed into place. And I’d wait until later in the year to stay in the kettle moraine shelters since the mosquitos were pretty bad in late August. Some trails have rocky sections and comparatively steep inclines making them popular with mountain bikers. The hike will be guided by a seasoned naturalist. DIFFICULT 5.4 mi. Great for family hikes. Lapham Peak Unit— Kettle Moraine State Forest W329 N846 County Hwy C Delafield, WI 53018 262-646-3025 The Observation Loop is only a half-mile journey but ends at a nice overlook with views of Ottawa Lake. If you are looking for hikes with views, the best trails are Dundee Mountain, Parnell Tower, and the Observation Loop in Scuppernong. We will hike over and around drumlins, moraines and kettles, impressive geologic remnants of the Wisconsin Glaciation lasting from about 100,000 to 10,000 years ago. DIFFICULT 6.2 mi. 79 Miles 126 Kilometers of Trail 1 Recommended Route 2 Easy Trails ; 10 Intermediate Trails ; 0 Difficult Trails ; Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. 2 9 0. For the safety of all park visitors, please keep dogs leashed and under physical control at all times. If you are looking for a short and easy walk, check out the Brown Loop. EASY 2.3 mi. The hike consists of a forest trail and then a series of stairs that lead to the base of the tower. After climbing the tower, you will be at the highest point in all of the Kettle Moraine Forests. A shelter, toilets & parking available. Click Here to see Complete Trail Listing Check out the Trail Glossary for definitions of trail-related terms. Most sections contain various loop trails that are color-coded. The most challenging trail here is the Yellow Loop which is the longest and has some nice downhill sections. 67, the Greenbush Trail is a combination of 4 loop trails totaling 9 miles. Great trails through a variety of vegetation, hardwoods, pine plantations, open meadows, and kettle moraine terrain. 2 2 0 . You’ll find hardwood forests, pine plantations and prairie. The Kettle Moraine Country Inn is a motel-style bed & breakfast that can accommodate you and your equine friend for trail riding, or hiking and biking through the Kettle Moraine Forest and surrounding areas. Activities can include but are not limited bike rides, board games, cookouts, camping, races, philosophical discussions, hikes, meditation, and winter sports. Pay your fee, then continue to the parking lot at the road's end. The Scuppernong segment of the Ice Age trail hikes up and down over kettles of hardwood in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit. 2 9 0. Snowshoe Trails:Yes. The Bonne Belle Motel is located at 900 Prospect Dr. in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, The Gateway to the Kettle Moraine State Forest. The Blue Loop trail is a great choice for pleasant views of the lake and an interesting 11-mile walk through varied terrain and forests. This complete and detailed route covers the Scuppernong segment of the Ice Age Trail and all it's access points, trailheads, parking, connecting trails, communities, parks, preserves, and facilities. Located in Wisconsin, the extensive Kettle Moraine State Forest is divided into two units -- the Northern and Southern Units. Sandstone outcroppings, rolling hillsides, prairies, and forested ravines mark the trail in this area. This area of the forest is maintained by a local nonprofit called the Friends of Lapham Peak which works hard to take care of the wildlife and trails in the area. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Brady’s Rocks Spur Trail, Emma Carlin Trails, John Muir Trails (various loops), the Stute Springs Nature Trail, and several others are all located in the same general area of the Kettle Moraine … In Kettle Moraine, you’ll find interesting formations such as mounds and hills (called moraines or kames) and shallow lakes (kettles) that were all formed by glaciers. The hiking trails of Moraine State Park wander through forests and grassy areas, along lake edges, and past wetlands. the Ice Age Trail was completed as an off-road foot path through the entire length of the Kettle Moraine This is the vision of the Mid-Kettle Moraine Partners! In winter the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing. Hike amongst world class glaciation features formed by mile high glaciers over 12,000 years ago. Over the years we have had in excess of 800 members and have completed over 1000 successful Meetups. The Green Loop is the most challenging and contains rolling hills and old fire lanes making it a fun and interesting hike. Little-Known Fact: The serpentine ridges in Kettle Moraine State Forest are called "eskers," formed by streams traveling through tunnels at the base of glaciers 10,000 years ago. 2 8 0.49 0. The vast Kettle Moraine region in Wisconsin is a peaceful, quite and very scenic range of hiking and walking trails which changes with the season and is always a … Only 26 miles from Milwaukee, this section of the forest is the most popular cross-country skiing site in Wisconsin. Grooming is excellent and timely. 2 4 0 . Join me and my wife for our two-day Fall backpacking trip on the Ice Age Trail in Kettle Moraine North State Forest in Wisconsin. Share Your Local Tips! A moraine is an accumulation of rock and soil that comes from a glacier, while a kettle is a shallow body of water formed by a retreating glacier. The Nature trail is full of spring fed pools. Trail maps help to prepare you for the distances you will encounter and the natural areas that will surround you when you hike. Kettle Moraine South refers to a 33.6 continuous miles of trail in an area between and to the south of the cities of Madison and Milwaukee as shown on the map below. 3 9. Hiking Through Splendor at Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit in Wisconsin Kettle Moraine State Forest enchanted us with a dense forest and miles of hiking trails perfect for escaping the every day. 3 8 ... Moraine Ridge Trail Hiking Trail Horse Trail 0 2 5 0 . #2 - Ice Age Trail: Blue Spring Lake Segment. Hikers can enjoy miles and miles of rolling hills through pine plantations, prairies and southern hardwood forests. The ratings in the posted maps are misleading. In the summer, the rolling hills and beautiful meadows are perfect for a hiking day trip. In total, this state park contains 56,000 acres of woodlands that are full of interesting natural formations all formed during the last ice age. The Kettle Moraine State Forest is truly a Wisconsin gem. Description Kettle Moraine Red Oaks is a mature second-growth southern dry-mesic forest which originated in 1889. Visit in the spring to take in the wildflowers! Take the exit for County Road C, then turn right. #3 - Scuppernong Nature Trail (Orange Trail). If you like hiking, these two trails are just two of many in the area. #1 Kettle Moraine Southern Unit. 4 9 0 . Prairie Rd. Purple, White Loop. Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit Biking. Trails here are typically shaded by a thick canopy of tall pines making it a great spot for summer hiking. 4 0 0 . The Blue Spring segment of the Ice Age Trail clambers over rugged terrain from CTH Z, where it connects to the Ice Age Trail:Stoney Ridge segment, to a dramatic scenic vista before connecting to the Ice Age Trail:Blackhawk segment at Young Rd in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit. The shower facilities are nice and clean. Kettle Moraine State Forest covers a large area of Southern Wisconsin and is broken up into multiple sections each with its trails. The orange loop is the hardest technically of all the loops. You’ll find hardwood forests, pine plantations and prairie. The John Muir section can get busy with bikers and hikers in the summer and fall. The long… The forest also contains a section of the Ice Age Trail which is a 1000-mile trail outlining the borders of an ancient glacier. Kettle Moraine is a great place to go hiking because the forest offers so many different trail options. Composed of red oak, basswood, sugar maple and white ash, it is one of the richest oak forests in the region and contains over 100 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs. (Hiking is prohibited when snow is present.) Make sure to check out the visitors center nearby to learn about the ancient glaciers that formed this mountain! Description. It has also been referred to as the Kettle Range and, in geological texts, as the Kettle Interlobate Moraine.. The scenic Scuppernong Trail System is located in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and offers trails suitable for cross-country skiing (classic only) and hiking. Designated as part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, this trail extends 14 miles from the western end of Moraine State Park to Jennings Environmental Education Center.The trail winds through forests, crosses … We are supported by our readers. There are many other loops and variations in this area. The most popular areas of the state forest are the John Muir and Emma Carlin sections that contain well-maintained and interesting hikes. Forest Headquarters is 3 miles west of the village of Eagle on State Highway 59. hiking forest walking nature-trips wildlife birding views trail-running wild-flowers dogs-leash cross-country-skiing kids camping. This trail is often rated as intermediate because of its length and hills. It has also been referred to as the Kettle Range and, in geological texts, as the Kettle Interlobate Moraine.. Trail direction is one way. Covering 55,000 acres of unique topography, the Forest draws campers, hikers, bikers, boaters, motorcyclists, skiers, naturalists, and photographers from around the country. This is a well-maintained but less busy alternative to the John Muir Trails which can get crowded. Lapham Peak also contains mountain biking trails, a prairie restoration site, and a butterfly garden. 6 5 0. The Nordic Trail System is located in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and offers many miles of cross country ski trails for skiers (and hikers when there is no snow). 3 0 0 . Google Maps … This section consists of five color-coded loops that range in length from 1.25 to 12 miles. Composed of red oak, basswood, sugar maple and white ash, it is one of the richest oak forests in the region and contains over 100 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs. The mix of prairie and hilly woodlands provides something for everyone. Greenbush contains 9 miles of mountain biking trails and 13.5 miles of hiking trails. The Zillmer Area Trails are a mixture of prairies and forests and cover mainly flat land with a few big hills. The terrain consists of long flats, numerous rollers, and a couple of large hills. The term “kettle moraine” is actually a geological description that comes from how the area was created. Find out the Best Kettle Moraine Hiking Trails below and start planning your next trip. Follow the Ice Age trail up and down over rugged kettles of hardwood forest from CTH-C to STH-67. The Nordic Trails are the place to go if you are looking for well-maintained trails over gently sloping hills. The White Trail is a 2.8-mile loop that is great for a relaxed stroll. Share what you know about this area! 3 8 ... Moraine Ridge Trail Hiking Trail Horse Trail 0 2 5 0 . The state forest contains more than 22,000 acres in southern Wisconsin, about 37 miles southeast of Milwaukee. This guide contains over 20 points of interest for the trail, viewable via your browser at home, or on the fly trailside via your mobile phone. Like the Emma Carlin Trails, these loops are popular with mountain bikers, so while hiking you’ll need to be on the lookout for cyclists. Four hikers who lost their way in the Kettle Moraine Forest were located Sunday afternoon. 2 2 0 . 2 0 7 5 I AT a c e s 0 . Kettle Moraine State Forest is a beautiful collection of forests that are spread across Southern Wisconsin. This area contains a river and 4 trails that range from 2 to 5 miles. Wisc. 2. Paddling, boating, swimming, fishing, hunting and winter sport opportunities are all available. The southern section of the Moraine Trail (from Goodwill Park to Brick Kiln Road) is the most extensive and well-trafficked portion.The trails here are relatively wide, and many visitors bring dogs to walk on leash. It has some nice challenges for riders of all skill levels. Let’s Go Learn Things in the Kettle Moraine … Hiking Through Splendor at Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit in Wisconsin Kettle Moraine State Forest enchanted us with a dense forest and miles of hiking trails perfect for escaping the every day. 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