The best walks and hikes in Eau Claire County

Yes, many parks and trails in Eau Claire County welcome leashed dogs. The expansive trail system within the 52,000-acre Eau Claire County Forest is a great option for longer walks with your canine companion. For a scenic riverside walk, consider the Phoenix Park Bridge loop from Lower Campus. Always check specific park regulations before you go.

Big Falls County Park is the premier destination for waterfalls. The park features a series of impressive cascades where the Eau Claire River tumbles over granite rocks. A short trail leads you to the main falls. Another unique spot is Devil's Punchbowl Preserve, which has a waterfall dropping into a sandstone amphitheater, though the flow can be seasonal.

Eau Claire County has many family-friendly options. The Centennial Park loop — Altoona is a gentle 1.6-mile (2.6 km) walk perfect for little legs. Beaver Creek Reserve also offers over nine miles of easy trails through diverse habitats, providing plenty of opportunities for kids to spot wildlife like turtles, deer, and birds.

Yes, many excellent trails in Eau Claire County are free to access. Putnam Park, located within the city, offers lovely trails through a diverse wilderness area at no cost. The Chippewa River State Trail is also free for hikers and walkers, offering miles of paved path along the river. Note that some state and county parks, like Hoffman Hills and Big Falls, may require a vehicle admission fee.

Absolutely. Many trails are accessible for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Lowes Creek County Park is a local favorite, with a 250-acre trail system that's popular for winter activities. The Eau Claire County Forest also offers a vast network of trails that provide a true wilderness experience in the snow. Always wear appropriate footwear for icy or snowy conditions.

Locals and visitors enjoy a variety of parks. Big Falls County Park is highly regarded for its stunning waterfalls. For a mix of trails through woods and prairies with great views, Lowes Creek County Park is a popular choice. Putnam Park is another favorite, offering a convenient natural escape right in the city with trails along the river.

For one of the best panoramic views in the region, head to Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area. A trail leads to a 60-foot observation tower that offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Chippewa Valley, especially during the fall. For a scenic view within the city, the trails at Peak Of Mount Simon provide elevated perspectives of the Chippewa River and the city of Eau Claire.

The Chippewa River State Trail is the main long-distance route in the county. This 30-mile multi-use trail follows the river through prairies and past sandstone bluffs. For a moderately long loop that showcases the river, you could try the 6.6-mile (10.7 km) Chippewa River Bridge – Phoenix Park Bridge loop from University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The state trail also connects to other regional trails for even longer adventures.

The diverse habitats in Eau Claire County support a variety of wildlife. On trails in Putnam Park and Beaver Creek Reserve, you have a good chance of spotting white-tailed deer, pileated woodpeckers, bald eagles, and numerous songbirds. The river corridors, like the Chippewa River State Trail, are excellent for seeing waterfowl, turtles, and occasionally sandhill cranes.

The trails are generally well-suited for most hikers. The landscape consists of rolling hills and riverside paths rather than steep mountains. Most routes are rated as easy or moderate, with minimal elevation gain. For example, the Phoenix Park Bridge loop from Eau Claire is a very gentle 1.2-mile (1.9 km) walk. While some trails, like those at Devil's Punchbowl, have steep stairs, the majority are accessible to anyone with a basic level of fitness.

The area is enjoyed by the komoot community for its accessible and scenic trails. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths that follow the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers. The mix of city parks with natural preserves like Hoffman Hills and Big Falls means there's a variety of scenery to explore, from urban greenways to quiet woodlands and dramatic waterfalls.