The Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin, although a national scenic trail since 1980, is one of the newest National Park Service units in the country, receiving its official designation in December 2023. And Lapham Peak, located within the Kettle Moraine State Forest, is the highest point in Waukesha County, rising more than 200 feet above the surrounding landscape. So, I think taking the Ice Age Trail to Lapham Peak really is one of the most iconic hikes in Wisconsin. And anyone in the Badger State who loves hiking owes it to themselves to lace up their boots and take this hike.
You'll find this segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, unsurprisingly, in the Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. This is one of the forest's smaller units, as well as one of its most urban. But you can't tell that from heavily forested landscape. The best clue you'll find about its proximity to Waukesha and the Milwaukee metropolitan area is the number of people you may find yourself sharing the trail with. But that's alright - there's plenty of room for everyone!
The hike is a 3.1-mile loop over well-maintained trails and varying surfaces, ranging from boardwalk to grass and packed dirt. It's considered moderately challenging, though, because of an elevation gain that's nearly 400 feet. As much as this hike is about the journey - through lowlands and forest - don't forget to stop and savor the destination: The views from the 45-foot observation tower atop Lapham Peak art stunning! Even the relatively-low 250 feet of extra elevation offers miles of extra perspective over this fairly low-lying part of the Badger State. Don't forget to take a moment and soak it all in while hydrating for the journey back down to the trail head.
As a segment of the state's most storied trail - now a national park unit - and one of the best viewpoints in the Badger State, I really do think this is one of the most iconic hikes in Wisconsin, and you should definitely consider getting out and doing it. Bring the AllTrails Plus app along with you to trace your path, count your steps and calories, and preview the hike. You'll probably be hungry after you finish your hike - and that's a good thing. Because the incredible Belfrē Kitchen, a fantastic locavore eatery in a former church, is located just minutes away in the community of Delafield.
Every year Wisconsin transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows during the fall season. Locals and tourists eagerly anticipate the arrival of autumn foliage, making it the perfect time for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, and leaf-peepers to explore the state. Predicting when fall colors will arrive in Wisconsin is an art and science that relies on a combination of factors. So, when do leaves change color in Wisconsin?
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SmokyMountains.com offers a Foliage Prediction Map using county level data to estimate when colors will peak in the Badger State and elsewhere in the United States.
Beautiful Yellow Maples line a country road in rural Wisconsin. http://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk281/jennibyron/FallColorsBannercopy.jpg
Wisconsin’s size, diverse geography, and climate contribute to variations in the timing of fall foliage. If you’ve spent any time here you know that northern regions always experience peak colors earlier than southern areas.
Wisconsin boasts a variety of tree species, including maples, oaks, birches, and aspens. Each species has its own timeline for changing leaf colors.
Door County curvy road in Autumn with colorful leaves
The health of the trees and the soil in which they grow can influence the intensity of fall colors. Low summer moisture can impact fall colors.
In any year, fall in Wisconsin is beautiful. Places like the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are likely to offer some of the earliest glimpses of autumn's magic with great colors in early October.
Next up will be prime time for central regions, including the picturesque Door County. Here, you can witness a symphony of reds, oranges, and yellows against the backdrop of Lake Michigan.
Southern regions, including the Kettle Moraine State Forest, are anticipated to reach their peak later in October. Be prepared for a vibrant display that will delight leaf-peepers.
I’ll be all over Wisconsin this fall and I plan to enjoy every bit of this year’s fall colors. Will you?
