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Best Fall Color Hikes in Southern Wisconsin — My 2026 Fall Foliage Guide
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items Living in Waukesha, Wisconsin means some of the prettiest fall adventures are practically in my own backyard! 🍁 From the rolling hills of the Kettle Moraine to colorful lakefront trails, dramatic bluffs and peaceful forest paths, Southern Wisconsin ...
Map
One of my absolute favorites — and practically in my backyard! Lapham Peak has more than 17 miles of hiking trails, but the must-do in fall is making your way to the observation tower at the highest point in Waukesha County. Climb the 45-foot tower a...
Lapham Peak Observation Tower
Paradise Springs is one of those little hidden gems that proves a fall adventure doesn't have to mean a long hike. The easy, paved half-mile trail leads past a crystal-clear spring-fed pond and the beautiful old fieldstone springhouse ruins, all surr... This Trail is PET FREE!!!
Paradise Springs Nature Trail
If you love classic Kettle Moraine scenery, Scuppernong is a must for a Southern Wisconsin fall hike. 🍁 Choose from three rolling loops ranging from 2.3 to 4.9 miles, taking you through beautiful hardwood forests and pine plantations—with plenty of ...
Hiking the Ice Age Trail Scuppernong Segment
Holy Hill in fall is one of those quintessential Wisconsin sights! 🍁 The 6.8-mile Holy Hill Segment of the Ice Age Trail travels through beautiful forested glacial terrain, hills and deep kettles surrounding the iconic hilltop basilica. It's especia...
Holy Hill - Basilica and National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians
If you love a fall hike with a payoff at the top, put Powder Hill on your list. It's just 0.5 mile from the Nature Trail parking lot to Powder Hill, the second-highest point in southeastern Wisconsin, where an observation tower gives you a gorgeous p...
Powder Hill Observation Tower
This is one I love adding because it isn't necessarily the first place tourists think of. The Ice Age Trail winds through rolling terrain, pine corridors and glacial landscapes, with hilltop views and even glimpses toward Holy Hill. In autumn, watch ...
Hiking the Ice Age Trail Loew Lake Segment
If you're ready for a little more of a workout, this is a beautiful Southern Kettle Moraine option. You'll hike through wooded moraines, towering oaks and classic kettle terrain, with elevated views over Whitewater and Rice lakes that become even pre...
Ice Age National Scenic Trail - Waterville Segment Trailhead (North)
Okay, this one HAS to be on a Wisconsin fall bucket list! The challenging 1.7-mile East Bluff Trail climbs above Devil's Lake for spectacular lake and bluff views, and you can take the short spur to iconic Devil's Doorway. Add brilliant fall foliage ...
Devil's Lake-East Bluff Devil's Doorway
For someone who wants Devil's Lake scenery without tackling the steep bluff trails, I'd include this alternative too. The one-mile Tumbled Rocks Trail follows the lakeshore beneath the West Bluff through huge quartzite boulder fields, giving you beau...
Tumbled Rocks Trail - Hiking At Devil's Lake State Park
This feels completely different from the traditional Wisconsin forest hike. Follow the trail into a narrow, moss-covered gorge with a cold stream, rock walls and a small waterfall tucked into the Baraboo Hills. In fall, the combination of colorful le...
Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area
Here's where we start moving into Wisconsin's gorgeous Driftless countryside. The wooded 1.3-mile Flintrock Trail circles along the north side of the mound past interesting rock formations, and afterward you can head to one of the park's observation ...
Flintrock Trail
Waterfall + sandstone + fall color? Yes please! 🍂 Governor Dodge has nearly 40 miles of trails, making it easy to create your own fall adventure through the park's rolling Driftless landscape. I'd especially make time for the Stephens' Falls/Lost Ca...
Stephens Falls and Lost Canyon Short Loop, Wisconsin
Here's another reason Governor Dodge deserves a fall day trip. The one-mile Cave Trail extension follows hilly terrain with beautiful views of Twin Valley Lake and passes near the large rock shelter known locally as Thomas' Cave. It's a great choice ...
Cave Trail Governor Dodge State Park
And we're coming back toward home! The Eagle Segment passes through the Kettle Moraine Low Prairie and Scuppernong Prairie State Natural Areas, with boardwalks carrying hikers through wetlands, prairie and light forest along the edge of what was once...
Eagle Segment Ice Age Trail
Let's finish with a hike almost anyone can enjoy. The one-mile John Minix Trail is Blue Mound's easiest trail and winds gently through dense hardwood forest — perfect when those leaves are changing. Pair the walk with one of Blue Mound's observation ...
Blue Mound State Park - East Observation Tower