5 Great 10,000-Step Trails in Greater Milwaukee

By Kristy Fast, quality health coordinator at Network Health

Summer and fall are wonderful times to explore new areas and try some new hikes or trails. Why not strive to get your recommended 10,000 steps a day, enjoying nature? Check out these trails in greater Milwaukee that offer longer hikes to get in your daily steps.

Scuppernong Trail Green Loop and Observation Loop @ Kettle Moraine State Forest

Distance: 5.4-mile loop
Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced
Pets allowed: Dogs on leash allowed

Located near Dousman, WI, this trail has you going through many pine trees and old fire lands. On the final descent from the ridge to the parking lot, there is a roller coaster of hills that will leave you feeling accomplished and energized.

Be sure to take the Observation Loop to enjoy the scenic overlook of Ottawa Lake and the surrounding area.

Hank Aaron State Trail

Distance: 14-mile paved path
Difficulty: Easy
Pets allowed: Dogs on leash allowed

This urban stretch of paths and streets connects from the Milwaukee lakefront to the city’s west side. You’ll enjoy views of multiple local venues along the way including Discovery World, Milwaukee Art Museum, Summerfest grounds, Harley-Davidson Museum, Potawatomi Casino, Mitchell Park Domes, Miller Park, State Fair Park and the Petit Ice Center.

You can catch the trail at any point and turn back at any time to make the hike as short or long as you like. Along the trail, you’ll also find plenty of art to make the hike even more enriching.

Havenwoods State Forest

Distance: 6+ miles
Difficulty: Easy
Pets allowed: Dogs on leash allowed

Taking a trek up to North Milwaukee, you’ll find the Havenwoods State Forest trail to be a hidden treasure of Brew City. With over six miles of walking/running/biking trails, you’re able to choose how many steps or workout minutes to get while immersing yourself in grasslands, woods, wetlands, a creek, educational gardens and an urban arboretum.

Several geocaches can be found in Havenwoods State Forest. Be sure to check out the Trek Through Time trail, a geocaching adventure with a prize in the form of a collectible wooden geotoken.

Orange Trail at Richard Bong State Recreation Area

Distance: 6.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Pets allowed: Dogs on leash allowed

Located in Kansasville, WI, the Orange Trail at the breathtaking Richard Bong State Recreation Area winds through wetlands, grasslands and wooded areas, letting you experience the beauty of Southeast Wisconsin.

Looking for flora and fauna? With multiple habitat types visible throughout this trail, you’ll be able to see a huge variety of birds and other animals as well.

Ice Age Trail - Holy Hill Segment

Distance: 6.8-mile out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Pets allowed:  Dogs on leash allowed

Located near Hartford, WI, the Holy Hill segment on the Ice Age Trail features beautiful prairies and wooded areas. Looking for a sense of wonder? This trail allows you to hike around large boulders that were deposited by glaciers over ten-thousand years ago.

As a bonus, the Holy Hill segment lets you visit the namesake monastery, located in the beautiful arboreal hills. Climb the spire that rises nearly 200 feet to be greeted by an awe-inspiring view of the Kettle Moraine State Forest (and the Milwaukee skyline on a clear day).

Take a Hike in Southeast Wisconsin

At Network Health, we’re always working toward building healthy and strong Wisconsin communities. If you have any questions about what makes Wisconsin so great or would like information on how your health plan can help support wellness goals, reach out to us today.

(p.s. Looking for information on great trails in Northeast Wisconsin? We’ve got you covered. Check out our previous roundup here.)