Looking for hiking trails near Bayfield, Wisconsin? Bayfield is usually thought of as a kayaking destination, but there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails in Bayfield. From waterfalls to sea caves, here are six easy day hikes in Bayfield, Wisconsin:

Best Day Hikes near Bayfield, WI

Bayfield is home to the beautiful Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a popular sea kayaking destination. One of the best things about hiking in Bayfield is that there is something for everyone. From hard, remote hikes where you won’t see another soul, to waterfalls and sea caves, hiking in Bayfield is a great experience for the whole family.

Figuring out where to hike in Bayfield can be a challenge. Luckily, I’ve laid out six of the best hiking trails near Bayfield. Most of these hikes are beginner level hikes and can be fun for the whole family!

1) Lakeshore Trail at Meyers Beach

Beginning at the popular Meyers Beach, the Lakeshore Trail is the only hiking trail within the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore that is also on mainland. While the Apostle Islands are ideal for kayak access, the Lakeshore Trail offers a moderate difficulty overnight hiking option at about 11 miles round trip.

The Apostle Islands Lakeshore Trail travels over the cliffs of the Mainland Sea Caves. This is an especially beautiful hike in the fall, or when the west wind picks up. The dramatic cliffs and caves below were all carved by the freezing and thawing of winter ice, and the wind and large waves of Lake Superior. Hiking this trail in a west gale or snowshoeing in the winter is both a beautiful hike, but also a way to watch geology in action.

While the entirety of the Lakeshore Trail is 11+ miles, the most dramatic sea caves can be reached with a 3-mile hike. This is a dog friendly hike, and involves some moderate uphills and climbing over roots. This hike is family friendly, but may be difficult for small children or new hikers.

Overall, the Lakeshore Trail easily is one of the best day hikes in Bayfield, WI for views and families, and a great way to see the Apostle Islands Sea Caves without kayaking. If you only have time to hike one hiking trail in Bayfield, the Lakeshore Trail is the trail to hike.

2) Houghton Falls

Just north of Washburn, Wisconsin, Houghton Falls Nature Preserve is a beautiful short hike through a unique sandstone gorge. If you visit in the early spring or after a big rain, you’ll see the waterfall cascading through the gorge. This is a short and beautiful path that is dog and kid-friendly, but it does tend to be popular in summer months.

Houghton Falls Nature Preserve is habitat to a variety of fragile species including the stands of hemlock, eagle, and merlin. In order to protect the fragile sandstone and wildlife, it is critical that you stay on trail when visiting Houghton Falls Nature Preserve.

Houghton Falls is one of the best short day hikes in Bayfield for people of all ages. My advice is to hit the trail earlier in the morning, then visit Coco’s Bakery in Washburn for the best breakfast you’ll have in your life. You won’t regret it.

If you’re wondering where to hike in Bayfield on a time crunch, Houghton Falls is your best bet.

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3) Amnicon Falls

Amnicon Falls State Park is a little out of the way at a 1.5 hour drive from Bayfield, but is perfect to hit on your way into or out of town. Amnicon Falls overs short hiking trails and viewing of multiple waterfalls including a beautiful covered bridge over the river.

Several of the viewpoints of the the falls are ADA accessible. The Amnicon River cuts through a mossy gorge and tumbles over rock. This place looks like something straight out of a fairytale. These falls are a perfect spot for families, with plenty of accessible campsites. Amnicon Falls is a great stopover place on your way to Bayfield, or a place to basecamp away from the crowds then day trip into Bayfield.

Amnicon Falls State Park is home to just two miles of easy trails along the river, and is easily one of the best easy hiking trails near Bayfield, Wisconsin.

4) Lost Creek Falls

Lost Creek Falls is located in Cornucopia, Wisconsin. This beautiful cascade is just a few miles from the Lakeshore Trail, and about a half hour drive from downtown Bayfield. Lost Creek Falls is a dog-friendly hike and perfect for the whole family, and about two miles round trip.

After hiking Lost Creek Falls, head into the adorable little fishing town of Cornucopia. Visit the Fat Radish in the evening for delicious locally-sourced food. Alternately, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beautiful beach in Cornucopia and take a swim in one of the warmer bays on Lake Superior.

After two summers living in Bayfield, this ranks as number one as my favorite waterfall in Wisconsin.

5) Stockton Island

Bayfield is your stepping stone into the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a wilderness area made up of an archipelago of 21 islands. While the islands are popular among sea kayakers and sailors, several of the islands also have excellent trails for hikers or backpackers. If you can find a way to get out there, that is.

One of the best islands for a backpacking trip is Stockton Island. Stockton Island is the largest island in the national lakeshore, and has a variety of easy hiking and backpacking routes to choose from. Hiking includes the Presque Isle Tombolo, a route out to Trout Point, or down into Quarry Bay.

Stockton Island has a high concentration of black bear, so be sure to store your food in the provided bear bin. It’s also worth noting that Stockton Island has some of the best lakefront camping options not only in the Apostle Islands, but also in the Midwest. Campsites near Presque Isle are in a beautiful open forest just a couple steps from Presque Isle Bay. The bay is crystal clear and shallow a long way out, not to mention protected from most winds. You really can’t find a more beautiful place to camp.

Stockton Island is probably the best backpacking destination in Wisconsin, with beautiful hiking. Trails and camping near Presque Isle are family-friendly. If you can make it out to this island, you’ll have found some of the best easy hiking near Bayfield and in the Midwest.

In order to get out into the islands without a boat, you will need to book a shuttle. Apostle Islands Cruises usually runs shuttles out to the islands, but I recommend conducting some independent research into shuttles as providers change every year. A NPS camping permit is required within the National Lakeshore.

6)Oak Island Overlook

A less crowded option than Stockton Island, Oak Island also has an extensive trail system. Oak Island’s claims to fame include being the tallest of the Apostle Islands, a high concentration of black bears, and the beautiful Oak Island overlook, from which you can see many of the islands from above.

Similar to Stockton Island, hiking trails on Oak Island are only accessible by boat. If you can find a way to make it out to Oak Island, you’ll be treated to some of the best day hiking both near Bayfield and in the Midwest.

check out the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for over 300+ pages of detailed adventure planning including hidden waterfalls, the best campsites, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and more covering Sleeping Bear to the end of the Gunflint Trail and everything in-between!

Looking for your next adventure?

• Explore the 30 Best Things to do in the Apostle Islands
• Check out the best things to do on the North Shore
• Here are thirty midwest hiking trails, ranked best to worst. Where does your favorite fall?

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