My previous post was about San Diego’s best hiking spots. Today, I will be sharing the best hiking locations in the midwest. If you want an outdoor escape and yearn for a thrilling hike, this blog post is just for you. Explore the best hiking in the Midwest with me.
In this article, l will take you on an exotic journey where we will explore some of the best hiking spots in the Midwest, United States. You must be wondering why the Midwest is not well known for hiking, but some fascinating trails are still worth exploring. So, let’s embark on the journey with me, exploring the Midwest trials.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
It is a stunning beauty located on the southern shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The park covers an area of 118 square miles and has around 42 miles of shoreline at Lake Superior. The most embezzling feature of the park is the towering cliff made of sandstone.
Its beauty results from thousands of waves, winds, thawing, and freezing cycles shaping this cliff. One of the best hikes in the Midwest, it also offers stunning views of the turquoise sea, cliffs, and rock formations.
You can enjoy long walks or short day trips. Chapel Loop is a 10.4-mile loop trail that will direct you to the heart of Pictured Rocks. It offers access to Chapel Falls and Chapel Rock, iconic landmarks in the park. Mosquito Loop is another trail that is a 3.8-mile out-and-back hike that leads to picturesque Mosquito Falls.
The trail will take you through thick forest to the waterfall at Lake Superior. Before entering the park, ensure the updates and regulations regarding permits, trail conditions, and camping reservations.
Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Another beautiful natural park that spans over 953 hectares and attracts visitors through its recreational opportunities. Known for its rock formation and waterfalls, the park is recognized as among the best parks for hiking in the Midwest. The Old Man’s Cave is the most popular trail in the Hocking Hills State Park.
The 2 miles long trail gets its name after a hermit who once resided in the region. The trail takes visitors through impressive cliffs, waterfalls and the Old Man’s Cave. Another cave called Ash Cave is the largest recess cave in Ohio. The 0.25-mile-long trail can also be accessed by wheelchair.
The beauty of the trail resides in the mesmerizing waterfall, which then stunningly falls on the sandy basin. Cedar Falls, another trail in the park, is about 0.6 miles long, and Conkle’s Hollow, which is 1.5 miles long, both offer breathtaking views.
The only difference is that Conkle’s Hollow is more challenging, but both trails will take you through dense forests and are worth trying. Before visiting, check for trail closures, permits and park advisors, making your experience more fruitful.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin
Established in 1970, this trial is well known for its sea caves and kayaking, but it also offers stunning beaches. This area comprises 22 islands in Lake Superior and a portion of Bayfield Peninsula. The most common activities include fishing, sailing, paddling, exploring sea caves and hiking.
It is also home to many lighthouses, such as Devil’s Island, LaPointe Lighthouse, Michigan Island Lighthouse, Outer Island Lighthouse, Raspberry Island Lighthouse, and Sand Island Lighthouse. The park is open from the 25th of May to the 6th of October. The park also facilitates the visitors and provides accommodation facilities of your choice, such as RV, tent or even a separate roofed accommodation on Lake Superior.
One of the trails is Lakeshore Trail, which is known for its hiking. Located near the Little Sand Bay Visitor Center, it covers an area of around 4 miles and presents mesmerizing views of sandstone cliffs, rocky shorelines, and a superior lake. Another trail is Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail, a short and easy hike leading to sea caves along the lakeshore.
Located at Meyers Beach, the trail covers an area of about 4 miles. The trail is outstanding in winter, which displays spectacular ice formations. Other trails like Julian Bay Trail and Sand Island Loop are worth visiting.
Pikes Peak State Park, Iowa
Located in Clayton County, Iowa, United States is one of my favorite spots for hiking. The views of the Mississippi River always mesmerize me. This 11 miles of trail provides scenic beauty of valleys and rivers.
I also adore the Bridal Veil, which is just a half-mile away after one starts the trail. This place is a cherry on top for hikers as it is one of the most picturesque regions in the states. Before planning my visit, l always reserve my camp online in one of the campsites available at Pikes Peak.
It is important to note that the campground accepts reservations from March to November and is closed from December to February. Some visitors have shared their experience by stating that they stayed in the campground in October. The site is well-maintained, but the best part is the views that it offers, which are absolutely gorgeous.
There are many trails, but if you want a broad one, then Bridal Veil Falls is the one you must visit. The victors showed their gratitude by stating that they had walked 12 miles and adored every step they took. Hence, it is a place that offers spectacular views and can be accessed for a quick visit or a more extended stay.
Though the Midwest is not well known for hiking trails, it still offers some of the best hiking in the Midwest. If you want rock formations and enjoy cliffs, visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan, and King Hills State Park, Ohio.
If lighthouses intrigue you, then Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin, is the best place for you. Last but not least, if you want to enjoy a trail that provides outstanding river views and stay for a night or more, then Pikes Peak State Park, Iowa, is the best place to visit. Thus, all these sites are worth experiencing, and you must also enjoy your hikes or walks in these parks.
If you enjoyed this, you may also explore my write-ups on the best hiking shirts and Kentucky’s hidden hiking trails.