What are the best family-friendly hiking trails in the Northwoods?
Finding family-friendly hiking trails in the Northwoods comes down to a few key factors: manageable distances, engaging scenery, and terrain that won’t leave little legs worn out before the fun starts. The good news? Both Wisconsin and Minnesota’s Northwoods deliver on all three, with options ranging from flat crushed granite paths to short waterfall loops that kids genuinely get excited about.
Here’s a quick look at the top picks for families in 2026:
- Bearskin State Trail (Wisconsin): 21.5 miles of gentle crushed granite, stroller-accessible, great for all ages
- Raven Nature Loop (Wisconsin): 1.4-mile easy loop through diverse forest, perfect for younger kids
- Benson Lake Loop (Minnesota): 1.3-mile boardwalk loop, easy terrain with beautiful lake views
- Cascade River Lower Loop (Minnesota): 0.5-mile easy loop with waterfall views, quick and rewarding
- Temperance River Gorge Trail (Minnesota): 0.5-mile out-and-back with stunning gorge scenery
- Star Lake Nature Trail (Wisconsin): 2.5-mile forest loop ending at a quiet, uncrowded beach
- Seven Bridges Trail (Wisconsin): 2-mile trail system with over 10 bridges, stone archways, and a Lake Michigan beach
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bearskin State Trail | 21.5 miles | Easy | All ages, strollers |
| Raven Nature Loop | 1.4 miles | Easy | Young children |
| Benson Lake Loop | 1.3 miles | Easy | Toddlers, beginners |
| Cascade River Lower Loop | 0.5 miles | Easy | Quick waterfall visit |
| Temperance River Gorge Trail | 0.5 miles | Easy/Moderate | Scenic gorge views |
| Star Lake Nature Trail | 2.5 miles | Easy/Moderate | Beach reward hike |
| Seven Bridges Trail | 2 miles | Easy/Moderate | Bridge-loving kids |
For visual inspiration before you go, browse the Northwoods photo gallery to get a feel for the terrain and scenery across the region.
How do Northwoods trails break down by region?
The Northwoods spans a wide stretch of Minnesota and Wisconsin, and knowing which subregion you’re heading to helps you pick the right trail for your family’s energy level and interests.
Minnesota North Shore
The North Shore of Lake Superior packs some of the most dramatic scenery in the Midwest into short, accessible trails. Cascade River State Park is a standout. The Cascade River Lower Loop is just 0.5 miles and puts you face-to-face with a waterfall that drops 120 feet before the river connects to Lake Superior. Kids love the bridge photo opportunity, and the whole loop takes under an hour. Note that this trail is not stroller-friendly due to rocks and stairs, so bring a carrier for little ones.
Temperance River State Park offers a similarly quick payoff. The Temperance River Gorge Trail is a 0.5-mile out-and-back with views that come fast. The park features 22 miles of trails total, so families with older kids can extend the day with the Temperance River Falls Loop (3.3 miles, moderate).
“Start with a quick hike along the riverside trails through the Temperance River Gorge. The views come fast, so you don’t need to go far. Just keep a close eye on little ones and watch your footing.” — Local mom guide, Temperance River State Park
Northeast Minnesota: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
This is one of Minnesota’s least-visited state parks, which means you often get the trails to yourselves. The Benson Lake Loop is the top pick for families: a 1.3-mile easy boardwalk loop around the lake with bird sightings, wildflowers, and picnic tables at the end. The Benson Lake Loop works beautifully as a standalone hike for younger kids or as a warm-up before tackling the Cascades Waterfall Trail (2 miles, moderate). Cell reception is very limited here, so download offline maps before you leave.
| Subregion | Top Trail | Length | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| MN North Shore | Cascade River Lower Loop | 0.5 miles | 120-foot waterfall |
| MN North Shore | Temperance River Gorge Trail | 0.5 miles | River gorge views |
| NE Minnesota | Benson Lake Loop | 1.3 miles | Boardwalk, lake views |
| Wisconsin Northwoods | Bearskin State Trail | 21.5 miles | Trestle bridges, pines |
| Wisconsin Northwoods | Raven Nature Loop | 1.4 miles | Forest habitat loop |
| Wisconsin Northwoods | Star Lake Nature Trail | 2.5 miles | Hidden beach |
| Wisconsin/Milwaukee | Seven Bridges Trail | 2 miles | 10+ bridges, Lake Michigan |
Wisconsin Northwoods
Wisconsin’s Northwoods centers on the Minocqua area and the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, where you’ll find some of the most family-friendly trail options in the region. The Bearskin State Trail is the crown jewel for families with strollers or grandparents in tow. Its crushed granite surface runs 21.5 miles through towering pines and over trestle bridges, and you can start at the Minocqua trailhead and simply walk as far as your youngest hiker’s legs allow.
The Raven Nature Loop (1.4 miles) suits families who want a quick forest walk without committing to miles of hiking. Kids can play nature detective spotting wildlife and different plant species. For the Star Lake Nature Trail, the 2.5-mile red trail winds around a forested peninsula and ends at a quiet, uncrowded beach. Terrain shifts between firm forest floor and exposed roots, so sturdy footwear matters.
The Seven Bridges Trail in Grant Park near Milwaukee rounds out the Wisconsin list. Despite the name, the trail system has over 10 bridges along roughly 2 miles of ravines, old-growth forest, and stone archways. It leads to a secluded Lake Michigan beach where kids can throw rocks and explore driftwood for as long as you’ll let them. The trail is closed in winter due to icy staircases, so plan for spring through fall.
Less-trafficked, community-maintained trails in the Northwoods often deliver a more relaxed pace and richer nature experience than busier state park routes. That’s worth keeping in mind when you’re planning a day where the goal is connection, not mileage.
Tips for hiking with kids in the Northwoods
Northwoods hiking with children is genuinely fun when you go in prepared. The terrain and environment have a few quirks that catch families off guard, so here is what actually makes a difference.
Gear and clothing:
- Waterproof hiking shoes with ankle support are a must on rocky, root-covered trails
- Bring a child carrier or hiking backpack for little ones. Many trails advertised as stroller-friendly have roots, stairs, and uneven surfaces where a carrier is far more practical than a stroller
- Layer clothing for variable weather. Northwoods mornings can be cool even in july and august
- In summer, insect protection is non-negotiable. Mosquitoes and black flies are active throughout the season, so pack head netting, long sleeves, pants, and effective repellent
Pacing and planning:
- Choose “low mileage, high reward” hikes that keep kids engaged with waterfalls, bridges, or a beach at the end
- Build in stop-and-play time near water. Kids who get to wade or throw rocks stay happy far longer than kids who are just walking
- Pack more snacks and water than you think you need. Trails rated moderate in the Northwoods often include roots, rocks, and staircases that add time and effort beyond what the mileage suggests
Safety:
- Watch footing carefully on stone paths and near water edges, especially with toddlers
- Download offline maps before heading to remote parks like George H. Crosby Manitou, where cell service is limited
- Tell someone your plan and expected return time when heading into less-trafficked areas
Pro Tip: Bring a small bag for nature treasures. Kids who are collecting pinecones, interesting rocks, or driftwood stay motivated on the trail far longer than kids who are just walking to walk.
Trusted lodging and recreation for Northwoods families
A great hike pairs even better with a comfortable place to stay nearby. Northwoodswisconsin covers the Wisconsin Northwoods thoroughly, with curated lodging options and year-round recreation that make it easy to plan a full family trip around your hiking days.
For families, the region offers:
- Resorts and cabin rentals with lake access, docks, and kid-friendly amenities close to major trail systems
- Swimming beaches on many of the region’s lakes, which pair perfectly with a morning hike and an afternoon in the water
- Year-round recreation beyond hiking, including snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing in winter months
Northwoodswisconsin serves as a trusted local resource for families planning stays in the area, with listings and area insights that go well beyond a generic travel search. The site covers over 3,200 lakes and extensive forested public land, giving you real context for where to stay relative to the trails you want to hike.
- Check lodging options near your target trailhead before booking, since driving time between resorts and trailheads varies considerably across the region
- Look for properties with beach access if your kids are motivated by water rewards after a hike
- Consider shoulder seasons like late may or early september for fewer crowds and cooler hiking temperatures
- Pair hiking days with fishing, kayaking, or a visit to a local beach to keep the whole family engaged across a multi-day trip
- Review the family vacation guide on Northwoodswisconsin for broader trip planning context
Key Takeaways
The best Northwoods family hikes combine short distances, engaging destinations like waterfalls or beaches, and terrain that matches your children’s age and stamina.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Short trails win with kids | Trails like the 0.5-mile Cascade River Lower Loop and 1.3-mile Benson Lake Loop keep young hikers happy without wearing them out. |
| Destination matters | Trails ending at a beach or waterfall, like Star Lake Nature Trail and Seven Bridges Trail, motivate kids and make outings memorable. |
| Gear up for the terrain | Strollers rarely work on Northwoods forest trails; a child carrier and waterproof shoes with ankle support are the practical choice. |
| Insect protection is a must | Summer mosquitoes and black flies in the Northwoods require head netting, long sleeves, and repellent for a comfortable hike. |
| Northwoodswisconsin | Offers curated lodging and recreation resources near top family trails, making it a practical starting point for trip planning. |
What makes Northwoods hiking genuinely worth it for families
The trails covered here aren’t just “good enough for kids.” They’re the kind of hikes that stick with children long after the day is done. The Seven Bridges Trail’s stone archways feel like something out of a storybook. The Star Lake beach at the end of a 2.5-mile forest walk feels like a discovery. The Cascade River waterfall is loud and real and right there in front of you after a ten-minute walk.
What I find most useful about the Northwoods for families is the sheer variety packed into a manageable geographic area. You can do a flat, easy boardwalk loop one morning and a waterfall gorge trail the next afternoon. The region rewards families who plan ahead, pick trails matched to their kids’ actual energy levels, and build in time to just play.
The families who have the best experiences here tend to follow one consistent principle: they pick trails with a payoff their kids can see and touch, not just trails that look impressive on a map. A quiet beach, a rushing waterfall, a bridge to cross. That’s what keeps kids asking to go back.
Plan your Northwoods family trip with the right base camp
Northwoodswisconsin takes the guesswork out of finding lodging that actually fits a hiking family’s needs. Rather than sorting through generic booking sites, you get curated options with real local context, from lakeside resorts to private cabin rentals within easy reach of the trails covered here.
Families who want a comfortable home base near Wisconsin’s best trails can browse options like Idle Hours Resort in St. Germain or explore Anchor Rentals for cabin-style stays that give kids room to roam. Beyond hiking, Northwoodswisconsin connects you to year-round recreation including snowmobiling, skiing, and swimming beaches across more than 3,200 lakes. It’s a one-stop resource for families who want to spend less time planning and more time outside.
FAQ
What are the easiest hiking trails in the Northwoods for young children?
The Cascade River Lower Loop (0.5 miles) and Benson Lake Loop (1.3 miles) are the easiest options, both rated easy with minimal elevation gain and clear, well-marked paths suitable for toddlers and beginners.
Are Northwoods trails stroller-friendly?
Most Northwoods forest trails are not practical for strollers due to roots, rocks, and stairs. The Bearskin State Trail’s crushed granite surface is the main exception, making it the best stroller-accessible option in the region.
When is the best time to hike in the Northwoods with kids?
Late may through early september offers the best hiking conditions, with full trail access and comfortable temperatures. Summer hikers should bring insect repellent and head netting for mosquitoes and black flies, which are active throughout the season.
What should families pack for a Northwoods hike?
Pack waterproof hiking shoes, a child carrier for little ones, insect repellent, head netting, extra snacks, and more water than you think you’ll need. Moderate-rated Northwoods trails often take longer than the mileage suggests due to roots and uneven terrain.
Where can families find lodging near Northwoods hiking trails?
Northwoodswisconsin lists family-friendly resorts and cabin rentals near major trail systems in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, including options in St. Germain and Manitowish Waters with lake access and kid-friendly amenities.
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