Best Hiking on Wisconsin’s Great River Road

May 6, 2024

Looking for the best hiking and stops along Wisconsin’s Great River Road? The Great River Road in Wisconsin follows the Mississippi River along the Wisconsin Border and features high bluffs, waterfalls, and more!

Why this blog? Hi I’m Maddy and I’m an outdoor guide and writer with six+ years of experience committed to exploring the Midwest. I was born and raised in Michigan, but today you can almost always find me on the shores of Lake Superior, or exploring the greater Midwest!

Oh hey there! This blog uses affiliate links! That means if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

Packing for a Midwest Road Trip:

Weather along the Great River Road can be hot in the summer, with cool falls and springs. Late summer for less crowds and pleasant temperatures is a great time to visit, as well as early spring for wildflowers. Fall colors in the area peak in mid-October and are especially beautiful. Here’s a quick packing list for your summer hiking trip:

A pair of quick dry shorts and yoga pants with pockets for hiking
Sun shirt: Grab a UPF sun hoodie for the best possible sun protection!
Study hiking boots. I like my Bridger Mids. Working in outdoor retail I literally never had anyone try on these shoes and not buy them! For a lightweight, quick dry trail runner inspired option, I also really love the Keen Zionics.
hiking sandals: I’m obsessed with Bedrocks, designed for the most natural fit and for long days guiding on rivers and to islands!
Day hiking pack: lately I’ve been loving the Cotopaxi Del Dia series
If camping, a tent, packable sleeping bag (Nemo Disco) and pad (comfortable sleeping pad): Read my budget tent recommendations here!
A raincoat. I love the Moss Raincoat from Helly Hansen; It’s affordable, cute, and super durable.

want to learn more about the outdoor gear I’ve tested in six years of guiding overnight sea kayaking trips & working as an outdoor writer? Click here 🙂

What is the Great River Road?

The Wisconsin Great River Road is part of the larger Great River Road that follows the path of the Mississippi River. For the Wisconsin’ explorers convince, I’ve also included several activities on the scenic St. Croix River, a route that can easily be taken in conjunction with the classic Mississippi Great River Road Route.

Best Hiking and Adventures on the Great River Road, Wisconsin:

From guiding climbing trips, to waterfalls and some of the best campsites in Wisconsin, check out the best things to do on Wisconsin’s Great River Road:

1) Guided Climbing in Interstate State Park

Looking for an epic Wisconsin adventure? Check out guided and private climbing trips with Forged Guides , a guide owned an operated small business.

Interstate State park also features great hiking, overlooks, and more!

2) Willow Falls in Willow River State Park

Looking for a beautiful, multi-tier waterfall in Wisconsin? Head to Willow River State Park, one of the best stops just off the Wisconsin Great River Road.

For the shortest rout to the falls, park at the Willow Falls Parking Lot. A Wisconsin State Park Pass is required, and the trails are well-marked and well-maintained.

3) Brady’s Bluff, Perrot State Park

Wisconsin’s Perrot State park along the Great River Road features great campsites along Trempealeau Bay, hiking trails along the Mississippi River, and several impressive bluff overlook hikes.

To hike the most popular and scenic of these hikes, park at the West Brady’s landing, and hike the one-,ole trail to the top of Brady’s Bluff. Here, you’ll find a beautiful bluff overlooking the Mississippi as well as a backcountry style shelter.

For more hiking, continue on to Perrot Ridge.

A Wisconsin State Park Pass is required, and download a trail map of the park here.

4) Pictured Rock Cave in Wyalusing State Park

Looking for one of the most unique, quick hikes on the Wisconsin Great River Road? Check out the Pictured Rock cave on the Sugar Maple Trail in Wyalusing State Park.

This 1.5 mile loop takes you through beautiful forests and eventually to the sandstone rock outcropping and small seasonal waterfall of Pictured Rock Cave!

No dogs are allowed on this trail. For a similar trail with caves and small waterfalls (though somewhat less impressive) check out the Sand Cave Trail also in Wyalusing State Park.

5) Point Lookout and the Sentinel Ridge Trail, Wyalusing State Park

In general, Wyalusing State Park is definitely one of the best stops on the Wisconsin Great River Road and perhaps in the whole state of Wisconsin!

Point Lookout is a quick, paved walk from the parking lot to sweeping views of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers below, and the Sentinel Ridge Trail is a 1.6 mile hiking trail (one way) with a number of beautiful views over the Mississippi River.

6) Camp on Wisconsin Ridge, Wyalusing State Park

Looking for one of the most beautiful places to car camp in the Midwest? Check out the Wisconsin Ridge Campground in Wyalusing State Park along the Great River Road.

These campsites are situated right on the ridge overlooking the Wisconsin River and easily are some of the coolest spots for car camping in the state! Along Wisconsin Ridge, the best sites range from 119-155 (see map here) with sites 141-150, 139, 129 and 127 having some of the best views.

Reserve a campsite here. These sites are very popular, so be sure to reserve well in advance.

Love reading about exploring Wisconsin’s Great River Road? Check out these other Midwest Destinations:

Dive into the best of Minnesota’s North Shore, as told by a local!
Head out on the ultimate Wisconsin Northwoods Waterfall Road Trip
Check out everything you need to know about visiting Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

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