Climb, Bike, and Hike The Badger State

By Crystal Miller

Wisconsin’s steep cliffs, rolling hills, expansive forests, and sparkling lakes make it a top destination for all types of outdoorsy women. Whether you’re a rock climbing pro or mountain biking newbie, check out the following Wisconsin natural hotspots:

Rock Climbing

Devil’s Lake is a Wisconsin state park and rock climbing paradise in the Midwest. Located in the city of Baraboo, Devil’s Lake offers beautiful quartzite rocky cliffs that tower 100 feet in height among tree canopies and pristine lake water. Rock-climbing thrill seekers can choose from more than 1,600 routes of climbable rock for top-roping and bouldering.

On DevilsLakeWisconsin.com, climbers can find a list of commercial guides, such as Apex Adventure Alliance, recommended by National Geographic. A certified guide can take you on an exciting rock climbing adventure, from one-day private climbs to yoga climb trips for self-reflection and relaxation. Adventures in Climbing also offers rock climbing excursions personalized to meet your experience level and athletic ability. Guided climbs include top-rope and lead climbing, and rappelling surrounded by breathtaking Wisconsin natural beauty. It’s a serene escape into nature that will empower, exhilarate and challenge your inner adventurist.

Mountain Biking

The state of Wisconsin has more than one thousand miles of trails with varied terrain for incredible off-road bicycling. Hit a touring trail for paved or limestone-surface trails that all skill levels can enjoy. Mountain bikers can take on the off-road bike trails with native soil or wood chip surfaces. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers a list of bicycle touring and off-road bicycle trails nestled in state parks and forests. The guides include the trail name, its miles, applicable fees, and surface type.

Expert cyclists and biking enthusiasts can also explore the gorgeous Wisconsin Dells area while traversing along the scenic trails and hills. In Devil’s Lake State Park, take your wheels on the Uplands Loop and connector trail for an 8-mile biking journey. You’ll climb more than 200 feet upwards to the Uplands and continue riding along the trail that turns serenely remote in some areas. After trailing Baraboo hills and miles of woodlands, you can kick back and relax at nearby Wisconsin Dells lodging. Treat yourself to a bed and breakfast, and you’ll be ready for round two of discovering more Wisconsin wilderness on your bike.

Hiking & Backpacking

The Lakeshore Trail in Apostle Island National Lakeshore is a 10.6 mile out-and-back trek naturally adorned with sandstone cliffs formations and pine hardwood forests. During your on-foot journey, you’ll encounter stream crossings and stunning views of Lake Superior and Mawikwe Bay sea caves. Winter hikers can explore a frozen Lake Superior and marvel at the beauty of hanging icicles.

Embrace the outdoors with a 3.9-mile clockwise journey on the Vern Wolf Lake Loop in the Richard Bong State Recreation Area. You’ll start the hike by crossing a wooden boardwalk and turning east into a savanna, describes Backpacker.com. While approaching Vern Wolf Lake, the pine and pussy willow trail will cross a shoreline dam and continue on toward small ponds near popular picnic grounds. You’ll near the trail’s end while passing prairielands, and experiencing the peacefulness of the lake.

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Crystal is an outdoors enthusiast and kindergarten teacher from Rhode Island.

Category: Travel, US