The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Vilas County

Vilas County offers a great selection of family-friendly hiking opportunities, with over 20 routes specifically curated for families. These include 12 easy trails and 6 moderate options, ensuring there's something for every family's comfort level.

The terrain in Vilas County is wonderfully diverse, characterized by dense Northwoods forests, numerous freshwater lakes, and winding rivers. You'll find trails traversing northern hardwood forests with hemlock and white pine, as well as picturesque routes alongside wetlands and glacial lakes. Many trails offer relatively gentle elevation changes, making them suitable for families.

Absolutely! For families with young children or those looking for a shorter stroll, trails like the Clear Lake Trail are perfect. It's an easy 2.3 km loop that can be completed in under an hour, offering a pleasant experience without being too strenuous.

For families with older children seeking a bit more adventure, the Raven Red Trail loop is an excellent choice. This easy 6.5 km loop takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete, winding through beautiful woodlands and offering a rewarding experience.

Yes, many of the family-friendly trails in Vilas County are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Raven Blue Loop, which is an easy 4.7 km circular route, and the Raven Red Trail loop, offering a slightly longer 6.5 km circular hike.

Vilas County is beautiful year-round, but for family hiking, late spring through early fall (May to October) is generally ideal. The weather is pleasant, and the trails are clear. Autumn offers stunning fall foliage, making it a particularly scenic time to visit. Always check local conditions before heading out, especially during shoulder seasons.

Many trails in Vilas County are integrated with its abundant lakes and waterways, providing fantastic scenic views. The region is known for its over 1,300 lakes, so you'll often find routes that wind along shorelines or offer glimpses of the water through the trees. Cathedral Point, for instance, offers beautiful vistas between North and South Trout Lake.

The family-friendly trails in Vilas County are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.57 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to experience the serene Northwoods setting with their loved ones.

For families with older children or teenagers who are up for a longer adventure, sections of the Bearskin State Trail can be explored. While the full trail is quite long (over 30 km), you can choose to hike shorter segments. It traverses Northwoods forests, passes lakes, and crosses historic trestle bridges, offering a diverse experience.

While this guide focuses on hiking, Vilas County is also known for its multi-use trails. The Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System, for example, is primarily for biking but connects communities and includes paths like the North Trout Nature Trail, which can be enjoyed for walking. Always check trail specific rules for shared use.

Vilas County's trails showcase a rich variety of natural features. You'll encounter dense northern hardwood forests, towering hemlock and white pine trees, and numerous freshwater lakes. Many routes also feature wetlands and undeveloped glacial lakes, providing opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquil Northwoods environment.