With summer rapidly approaching, it’s time to think about getting outdoors. We asked a handful of local experts for their recommendations on where to spend an afternoon or a weekend hiking, camping or boating – and how to do so comfortably and safely.
Meet the experts
Underground Hiking Collective founder Jasmine Banks
We Outside president Devin Guthrie
Color in the Outdoors founder Christopher Kilgour
BIPOC Birding Club cofounder Dexter Patterson
The first myth to dispel is that outdoor activities are expensive, says Jasmine Banks.
“You don’t have to go out and buy a whole bunch of equipment,” she says. “The world of marketing has made us think that you need all of these expensive high end supplies.”
For hiking, the first consideration is comfortable footwear. And, Banks said, “clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.”
Banks also makes sure to bring water and snacks.
However, when you do buy gear, don’t go too cheap on yourself, says Chris Kilgour.
“I think a lot of times people, especially when they’re new to spending time outdoors, will try to err on the side of buying cheap stuff because they aren’t sure they’re gonna like it. And more times than not, they wind up not liking it because their feet hurt, or they’re sweaty and cold,” Kilgour says. But, he says, you can always look for boots and other gear at thrift shops or garage sales.
Another misconception is that outdoor activities are always far away. Both Banks and We Outside president Devin Guthrie noted that large and often hidden outdoor spaces exist within or very near the city limits of Madison and Milwaukee.
A few other preparatory steps to take before you head out on a hike or a paddle, according to our experts, include:
- Make sure someone knows where you’re going and when you plan to be back
- Check the weather where you’re going, not where you are
- Dress in layers if it’s chilly
- Pack a simple first aid kit
Kilgour’s organization, Color in the Outdoors, will host a number of events this summer to help folks get started, including a foraging seminar in June, Camping 101 in July, and beginning fishing and hunting workshops. You can visit their website and sign up for their newsletter to get updates on those events.
The most important thing to bring on any outdoor trip isn’t something you can buy, Kilgour says.
“The one thing you absolutely have to have in order to enjoy yourself in the outdoors is a positive mindset, and the willingness to experience awe and wonder,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about.”
Where to go
We asked our experts for their go-to destinations to hike, paddle and camp in and around Wisconsin. Here are a few of their thoughts.
In or near Madison
- Banks: Hoyt Park, Olin Park. Both highly accessible along bus lines and beginner-friendly.
- Guthrie: Tenney Park. Also easily accessible by car or bus. Easy walking trails and fishing.
- Patterson: Picnic Point, Lake Farm Park. Quiet refuges within the city limits.
- Kilgour: Token Creek County Park. Camping, dog park, and equestrian access in a 418-acre park just east of Madison.
Within an easy drive
- Patterson: Horicon Marsh. The largest freshwater cattail marsh in the United States. Wide variety of birds and other wildlife. The Horicon National Wildlife Refuge spans 22,000 acres and the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area holds another 11,000. A three-hour driving tour is available, as are many walking trails and visitor’s center.
- Kilgour: Blue Mounds State Park. Intermediate and difficult hiking trails, stunning views from two observation towers atop southern Wisconsin’s highest point.
- Kilgour: Lake Kegonsa State Park. Camping, hiking, swimming and fishing just outside Stoughton.
- Banks: Donald County Park. Prairie and woodland hiking trails, horse access, and creek fishing south of Mount Horeb.
Hidden Gems
- Kilgour: Hemlock Draw. A unique hiking spot in the Baraboo Bluffs with an intermediate trail, gorgeous views, and wide variety of flora.
- Guthrie: Havenwoods State Forest. A unique state forest in Milwaukee with remnants of a military base and prison
- Banks: Indian Springs. Small park along Nine Springs Creek, tucked away on Madison’s southeast side.
Weekend & Overnight Destinations
- Kilgour: Devil’s Lake. Can get crowded, but still great hiking for beginners and rock climbing for more experienced hikers. Incredible views from the Baraboo Bluffs.
- Kilgour: Kickapoo Valley Reserve & Wildcat Mountain State Park. Well-maintained stretch of the Kickapoo River ideal for a day or overnight paddle, as well as hiking and birding.
- Kilgour: Flambeau River State Forest. Stunning waterfalls in Northern Wisconsin.
- Guthrie: Ottawa National Forest. Spanning from Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, sprawling forest is home to 18 scenic waterfalls and miles of hiking trails.
And don’t be afraid to visit the same place more than once, especially in different seasons. “You can be in the same spot, but there will always be something different going on,” Guthrie says.
