Crisp air, colorful forests and the crunch of leaves under your boots- fall is one of the best times to explore Washburn County on foot.
With more than 100 miles of hiking trails, Washburn County offers plenty of ways to experience the Northwoods this season. From winding forest trails, to scenic river views, here are five hikes to add to your fall weekend itinerary.
Sarona | 7 Miles of Hiking Trail
If you want to immerse yourself in classic Northwoods scenery, put Hunt Hill Nature Center at the top of your list.
The 600-acre nature preserve features a network of trails winding through forests, meadows, wetlands, and around lakes. With trails ranging in distance and difficulty, it's easy to customize your adventure.
Fall brings backdrops that are especially beautiful, as the changing leaves transform the landscape into shades of red, orange, and gold.
Fall Tip: Bring binoculars- Hunt Hill is a great place to spot the birds and wildlife of the Northwoods.
Trego | 3.5 Miles
For a hike that offers a little bit of everything, head to the Trego Nature Trail.
This trail ranges from easy to moderate and follows the Namekagon River, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding forest. In the fall, the colorful trees reflect on the river, making this a particularly scenic place to stretch your legs.
Trego | 3.5 Miles
Just a short drive away, the Trego Lake Trail offers another opportunity to experience the fall colors along the Namekagon River System.
The trail features multiple loops that wind through the scenic forest along the Trego Flowage. Choose a shorter loop or take your time exploring more of the trail.
It's an especially good choice for visitors who want a peaceful hike without committing to an all-day adventure.
Stone Lake | 17.4 Acres
For something a little different, make your way to the Stone Lake Wetland Park.
The trails wind through a beautiful wetland landscape, offering a chance to see a different side of the Northwoods. The park is a great option for a leisurely fall walk, and a picturesque gazebo along the trail provides the perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery.
Make it a full afternoon in Stone Lake: Pair your hike with lunch, shopping, or a stroll through downtown.
Near Minong | 5 Miles
Ready for more adventure?
The Totogatic Trail offers a wide variety of loops through Washburn County forest land. The trail system travels through red and white pine forests, tamarack and spruce bogs, with terrain ranging from relatively flat sections to rolling hills.
In autumn, the changing foliage makes the forest especially beautiful- and the variety of terrain keeps the hike interesting.
Make a Weekend Out of It
A fall hiking trip doesn't have to end when you leave the trail.
Make a weekend of your adventure by pairing your hike with local shopping, a cozy meal, a brewery or distillery stop, a scenic drive, or one of Washburn County's fall events.
And don't forget to check current trail conditions before heading out- conditions can change throughout the season.
So lace up your boots, grab your camera, and come see Washburn County in the most colorful season.
To start planning your fall adventure, click here.
