Looking for the best day hikes near Ashland, Wisconsin? Ashland, Wisconsin is a beautiful Northwoods destination, with excellent access to outdoor recreation and some of the most beautiful day hikes in Wisconsin. From coastal walks to stunning waterfalls, here are some of the best easy day hikes near Ashland, Wisconsin.

Best Hiking near Ashland, Wisconsin:

Ashland is tucked away on the shores of Lake Superior and one of the most underrated destinations for hiking in the Midwest. Between hidden waterfalls, sweeping overlooks, and the North Country Trail, there is an excellent hiking trail near Ashland for everyone. For a detailed hiking guide and paddling routes in the area, click here.

1) Copper Falls State Park

Just south of Ashland, the Bad River falls over several spectacular cascades in Copper Falls State Park. Copper Falls has both options for overnight hiking and ADA accessible trails. Whether you go for a swim at Loon Lake, or visit any of the many waterfalls in Copper Falls State Park, it’s sure to be fun for the whole family.

Not only does Copper Falls State Park offer some of the most dramatic scenery in the Wisconsin Northwoods, Copper Falls State Park has the best hiking trails near Ashland, Wisconsin for beginners and advanced hikers both.

2) Amnicon Falls State Park

Just under an hour from Ashland, a visit to Amnicon Falls will have you hiking through a fairytale. Here, the Amnicon River cuts through a beautiful green gorge, looking like something straight out of Fern Gully. Amnicon Falls State Park has ADA-Accessible trails and viewing options, a covered bridge, and is one of the best hiking trails near Ashland for families.

Visit Amnicon Falls in the mid-to late afternoon to see the gorge lit up with golden light.

3) The Apostle Islands and the Lakeshore Trail

Bayfield and the Apostle Islands is easily one of the best day trips from Ashland, Wisconsin. While the Apostle Islands are best known for the beautiful sea caves and kayaking, kayaking on Lake Superior is not a family friendly option. Most safe outfitters will not take children under 12 out on Lake Superior*.

Instead of kayaking the sea caves, hike above them! The Lakeshore Trail beginning at Myers Beach will take you above the sea caves on 30-ft cliffs. This is a moderately difficult hike, but easily the best hike near Ashland for views of Lake Superior.

*Note: I’ve worked as a sea kayaking guide on Lake Superior for almost three summers now. Usually, commercial outfitters try not to take young children (under 12) out on the Lake because young children are more susceptible to hypothermia. Most paddling tours on Lake Superior are adventure tours; they require a decent amount of actual paddling. You will break a sweat, and there’s a 50% chance you’ll be in wind or moderately large waves for a portion of the trip. In these conditions, a child under 12 is not able to paddle with the strength of an adult, so it is not safe to bring them out.

Lying about your child’s age (it happens a lot) impacts group safety as one of your guides will have to help you and your child, slowing down the whole group, leaving everyone more vulnerable to changing conditions.

check out the 30 Best Things to do in the Apostle Islands!

4) Pattison State Park

Looking to see the tallest waterfall in the Midwest? Pattison State Park is home to Big Manitou Falls, a beautiful 165 ft waterfall. This is not only the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin, but the tallest in the Midwest!

In addition to the big waterfall, Pattison State Park also has views of the smaller but equally beautiful Little Manitou Falls. Visit in the fall to watch the leaves change at the waterfalls.

5) Potato River Falls

One of the hidden waterfalls of Northern Wisconsin, Potato River Falls is a great spot to hike off the beaten path. Here, in less than two miles you can see two stunning waterfalls: Upper and Lower Potato River Falls.

The Potato River Falls hiking trail is great for families, picnics, and photographers.

Potato River falls is one of the most beautiful hiking trails near Ashland, Wisconsin and definitely the road less travelled.

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!

6) Saxon Falls

Looking for an adventurous day hike near Ashland, Wisconsin? Saxon Falls on the Montreal River will take you past a “caution, waterfall” sign, over metal bridges, and eventually out to Saxon Falls. Although beautiful, Saxon Falls is a treacherous hike.

This hike is perfect for anyone wondering where to hike near Ashland for a unique adventure.

7) Lost Creek Falls

Instead of heading deep into the Northwoods, head just 30 minutes North to Cornucopia for a Lake Superior day trip. Hike the easy path out to Lost Creek Falls. Lost Creek is one of the best easy day hikes near Ashland by Lake Superior.

After visiting Lost Creek, enjoy a dip in Lake Superior at the Cornucopia Beach. Especially beautiful in the Fall, Lost Creek is a great hiking trail for families and is dog-friendly.

8) North Country Trail

The North Country Trail National Scenic Trail runs from Vermont to North Dakota, and a large section of the trail runs through the Wisconsin Northwoods. In Northern Wisconsin, you can travel the NCT from Saxon Harbor, through the lowland lakes and over hills of the Chequamegon National Forest, and eventually up to Duluth where it joins with the Superior Hiking Trail.

You can read more about the NCT and routes here.

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!

Find your next adventure!

• Discover Eight Hidden Waterfalls on the North Shore of Minnesota
• Kayak hidden caves in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
• Here are 30 Midwest hiking trails, ranked best to worst. Where does your favorite fall?

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