🥾 Top 5 Hiking Trails Around MKE

There’s something special about fall in Wisconsin — crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and the perfect excuse to spend more time outside. As physical therapists, we’re always encouraging our patients to find movement they enjoy, and hiking is one of the best ways to combine physical activity, mental clarity, and connection with nature.

Here at LWPT, we love this time of year and are sharing  five of our favorite hiking trails around the Milwaukee area that challenge the body, calm the mind, and keep you moving well all season long.

🌲 1. Lapham Peak – Delafield, WI

If you’re looking for a local favorite that has something for everyone, Lapham Peak is it. With over 17 miles of trails ranging from paved loops to rugged single-track climbs, this park is ideal for all ability levels. The Tower Trail gives you a panoramic view of the Kettle Moraine — and it’s a great glute and calf workout on the way up!
💡 PT Tip: Incline walking is a great way to build lower-body strength and improve cardiovascular endurance without high-impact stress on your joints.

🌅 2. Lion’s Den Gorge – Grafton, WI

Located just north of Milwaukee, Lion’s Den Gorge is a stunning coastal hike with dramatic bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan. The trails are mostly flat with a few short climbs, making this a great option for families or recovery days.
💡 PT Tip: Use this trail for “active recovery” — an easy walk that keeps blood flowing to tired muscles and helps reduce stiffness after harder training sessions.

🌿 3. Holy Hill National Shrine – Hubertus, WI

For those who love a good challenge, Holy Hill delivers. The combination of steep inclines and natural stairs makes for an excellent workout — plus, the views from the top are worth every step.
💡 PT Tip: Bring trekking poles or use controlled arm swings to support balance and reduce strain on knees during descents.

🌾 4. Seven Bridges Trail – South Milwaukee, WI

Tucked inside Grant Park, Seven Bridges Trail is one of Milwaukee’s most picturesque spots. Wooden bridges, winding boardwalks, and Lake Michigan views make it an easy favorite for locals. The terrain varies enough to engage stabilizing muscles around the hips and ankles — a great natural balance workout.
💡 PT Tip: Keep your eyes about 10–15 feet ahead of you on uneven terrain to improve reaction time and reduce the risk of ankle sprains.

🪵 5. Scuppernong Trails – Eagle, WI

If you’re craving a longer, more rural hike, head west to the Scuppernong Trails in the Kettle Moraine South Unit. The red, green, and orange loops offer beautiful rolling hills and quiet forest paths.
💡 PT Tip: Long hikes build muscular endurance. Make sure you’re wearing supportive shoes and carrying enough water and electrolytes to stay hydrated — especially if you’re covering more than 5 miles.

🧠 Why Hiking Is Great for Whole-Body Health

Hiking combines strength, stability, endurance, and mindfulness — the perfect recipe for both physical and mental health. Research shows regular hiking can:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness and lower blood pressure

• Strengthen hips, glutes, and core muscles

• Enhance balance and proprioception

• Reduce stress and improve mental clarity
  

  Whether you’re chasing personal bests or just looking to move more this fall, getting outside is one of the best forms of preventive medicine there is.

💪 Our Mission at Living Well PT

At Living Well Physical Therapy & Performance, our mission is to keep athletes active — optimizing recovery, performance, and injury prevention so you can do what you love, for life.

If you’re preparing for a hiking trip, managing pain, or recovering from an injury that’s keeping you off the trails, our team of Doctors of Physical Therapy can help you move with confidence and strength.

👉 Schedule a Performance PT session or Strength & Conditioning visit today:
www.livingwellpt.co