Hiking

Nine different hiking trails provide a variety of topography and scenery. Summer is a great time to view wildflowers while walking the forest trails. Pets must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter at all times. View the Trail Map.

A manual all-terrain GRIT Freedom wheelchair is available for rental. Please contact the park office for more information. 

Astronomy trail

The Astronomy Trail is a 0.5-mile segment of the Blue Trail that takes the hiker on a scenic stroll with views of the sky above.

Bike trail

Bikes are allowed on all roadways and the designated bike trail within the forest. The bike trail begins at the beach and picnic area and ends at the northwest property boundary of the forest near the forest office. The City of Hartford maintains the bike trail that continues from the forest into Hartford. The trail surface is crushed limestone and gravel. Portions of the trail, from the office to the campground do have some hills to traverse. 

Black Forest nature trail

The Black Forest Nature Trail is a self-guided trail, 0.8 miles in length.

Boardwalk trail

The Boardwalk Trail, along the lakeshore near the north picnic area, is about 0.5 miles in length and is accessible to people with disabilities. This trail also has an observation deck along the lakeshore. The trail surface is crushed limestone from the parking area, with portions of boardwalk. 

Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest includes a segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Powder Hill trail

The hike to Powder Hill is 0.5 miles from the Nature Trail parking lot or 1.1 miles from the beach/picnic area parking lot. Powder Hill is the second-highest point in southeastern Wisconsin. An observation tower near the peak provides a spectacular panoramic view.