Kettle Moraine State Forest
Trails at Pike Lake Unit

• Bike Trails
• Cross-Country Ski Trails
• Hiking Trails

Explore Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest by foot, ski, or bicycle.

Hiking trails go through wetlands, maple, oak, and basswood stands, open prairies, and a variety of glacial terrain.
DNR Photo

Hiking Trails

Pike Lake offers several miles of hiking trails. Nine different hiking trails provide you with a variety of topography and scenery.

• The Black Forest Nature Trail is a self-guided trail, 0.8 miles in length.
• The Astronomy Trail is a 0.5-mile-long trail that takes the hiker on a stroll through the solar system.
• The Hike to Powder Hill is 0.5 miles from the Nature Trail parking lot. Powder Hill is the second highest point in southeastern Wisconsin. In 2001, a 60-foot observation tower was built near the peak of Powder Hill providing a spectacular panoramic view.
• The Pike Lake Unit also includes a segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, which continues through the forest and state.
• The Boardwalk Trail, along the lakeshore near the north picnic area, is approximately 0.5 mile in length and is accessible to people with disabilities. This trail also has an observation deck along the lakeshore.

Summer is a great time to view wildflowers while walking the forest trails.

Winter hiking and snowshoeing are available on the Boardwalk Trail, Black Forest Nature Trail, Campground Road Loop (closed to vehicles during winter), and Red Trail.

Cross-Country Ski Trails

There are 7 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails in the forest. A warming shelter with fireplace is available in the south picnic area.

Note: Hiking and pets are not allowed on groomed cross-country ski trails.

Biking

Bikes are allowed on all roadways and on the designated bike trail within the forest. This bike trail begins at the beach and picnic area and ends at the northwest property boundary of the forest. The City of Hartford maintains the bike trail that continues from the Forest into Hartford.

For more information ask:

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit
3544 Kettle Moraine Road
Hartford, WI 53027
(262) 670-3400