Hiking
Hiking Trails in Sheboygan
Whether you're a hiking enthusiast looking for your next unique hiking adventure or parents just wanting the kids to blow off a little steam, you'll find plenty of hiking trails around Sheboygan, WI near Blue Harbor Resort. In Sheboygan you can head to the beaches for stunning Lake Michigan views, find a pocket of nature right in town, or head to the woods and climb an observation tower.
Hiking is a wonderful opportunity for peaceful contemplation, reinvigoration, and soaking up vitamin D. There are many proven health benefits from physical exercise to emotional well being, so one foot in front of the other... let's go hiking!
Sheboygan Hiking Bucket List
Get out in nature, right here in Sheboygan, WI at Ellwood H. May Environmental Park featuring 135 acres of nature. Park and trails remain open 4am - 10pm daily. A few options for hiking include:
- Maple Forest Trail (0.3 miles) short loop features maple trees estimated to be over 100 years old.
- Pine Forest Trails (0.7 miles) loops through a less traveled area in the northwestern portion of the park and features evergreens and plenty of opportunity to observe birds and wildlife.
- Prairie Trails (0.7 mile outside loop) traverse the 21-acres prairie with grasses growing over 6 feet tall by autumn and lingering wildflowers from late summer.
- Arboretum Trail (0.2 miles) begins in the Hummingbird Garden and travels through the Arboretum to the stone Council Fire Ring.
Kohler-Andrae State Park provides a variety of opportunities for hiking on trails, dune cordwalks, or along Lake Michigan's shoreline. Here are a few of your options:
- Black River Marsh Boardwalk (0.25 miles) is an accessible trail featuring wetland plants and waterfowl.
- Black River Trail (2.5 miles) is a combination of open field community and forested areas ideal for spotting songbirds and wildflowers.
- Creeping Juniper Nature Trail (0.5 miles) features gently rolling sand dunes, but you are asked to stay on the cordwalk to help protect the area.
- Dunes Cordwalk (2 miles) runs parallel to the Lake Michigan shoreline and features active and stabilized sand dunes, inter-dunal wetlands, and a dry-mesic white pine forest presenting a moderate to difficult hiking challenge.
The Old Plank Road Trail in Sheboygan, WI runs from the Kohler Erie Avenue Trailhead in the city west roughly 21 miles to the county line where it joins Fond du Lac County's portion. The terrain varies from flat to gently rolling with one large climb or descent near County Highway S just east of Greenbush. The trail is wonderful for hiking as well as cycling, jogging, riding horses, or snowmobiling in the winter months.
There are four trailheads along the route:
- Erie Avenue Trailhead
- Meadowlark Trailhead
- Plymouth Trailhead
- Greenbush Trailhead
In Sheboygan, enjoy the North Point Recreational Trail on Broughton Drive. This two-mile trail offers spectacular views of Lake Michigan as well as an exceptional array of birds, especially during Spring and Fall migrations. Along the trail you can also visit the Harbor Centre downtown Sheboygan, Harbor Centre Marina, or the Wreck of the Lottie Cooper.
The Ice Age Trail is one of only 11 National Scenic Trails. The 1,000-mile footpath carved by ancient glaciers through rocky terrain, open prairies, and peaceful forests, is contained entirely in Wisconsin. The trail is a premier hiking trail and conservation resource primarily for off-road hiking and backpacking with excellent opportunities for sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and bird watching. In the winter, some sections of the trail are open for cross- country skiing and snowshoeing.
The 13.9-mile Parnell Segment of the Ice Age Trail highlights remarkable glacial formations including the world-famous Parnell Esketer. You can access the Parnell Segment of the Ice Age Trail in Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern unit (35 minutes from Blue Harbor Resort. Get all the details about this Day Hike.
There are two Ice Age Trail Trailheads near Sheboygan, WI:
- Ice Age Trail Greenbush Trailhead - Co Rd P, Plymouth, WI 53073 (23 minutes from Blue Harbor Resort)
- Ice Age Trail Fond du Lac Trailhead - W7432 Plan Rd, Glenbeulah, WI 53023 (25 minutes from Blue Harbor Resort)
The 3.5-mile trail loop begins with a series of steps leading to the highest point of elevation in Kettle Moraine State Forest. Rising 60 feet above that point is Parnell Tower where, on a clear day, you may see as far as 25 miles.
Sheboygan Broughton Marsh Park is a popular park and recreational haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Marsh Park has 30 developed acres for camping, playgrounds and picnic areas, disc golf, as well as fishing. Snowmobile trails connect with the county-wide 228 mile trail system and the 13,000-acre Wildlife Area attracts hunters, fishers, and nature lovers. Although there are no designated hiking trails, the park boasts Wisconsin's tallest wooden observation tower clocking in at 80 feet, making it a popular destination for viewing Fall colors.
Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report
Know before you go! The trees along your hike will be a color show come Fall, but if you want to see the best Fall colors, check Travel Wisconsin's Fall Color Report to hit peak Fall colors for your next hiking adventure.
