6 Hikes to try in Polk County
Prepare to be amazed by our stunning river vistas and incredible rural landscapes. Lace up your hiking boots and find your favorite! We’ve curated a list of perennial favorites for you to try.
Whichever trail you try first, we think you’ll agree that for an exhilarating and scenic hike, there’s no need to venture any further than Polk County, Wisconsin!
1. Pothole Trail – Interstate Park, WI
Park Address:
1275 State Highway 35
St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
715-483-3747
MAP IT
The western terminus of the 1,200 mile National Scenic Ice Age Trail starts right at the Pothole Trail inside Interstate Park, WI. The Pothole Trail is the most geologically unique trail in the park and is just a short hike to scenic views of the Dalles of the St. Croix River gorge. Walk atop Old Man of the Dalles rock formation and past world-famous potholes formed by glacial meltwaters.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
SURFACE: GRAVEL SURFACED, STONE STAIRS, UNEVEN TERRAIN
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: .4 MILE LOOP
NOTABLES: OBSERVATION DECK WITH BENCH, OFFICIAL ICE AGE SEGMENT TRAIL
2. Simenstad Trail – Downtown Osceola, WI
Trailhead address: The trailhead for Simenstad Trail is located behind the Cascade BP gas station at 97 Cascade N in Osceola, WI.
Look for the Geiger Brewery ruins and climb the steps to the Picnic Bluff. Loop around for sweeping views of the St. Croix River, and check out the new sign dedicated to John Simenstad, who worked hard to establish this amazing public trail.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: NO
LENGTH: 1 MILE LOOP
NOTABLES: Be careful on cliff edges.
3. DD Kennedy
The trailhead Address: 1459 Kennedy Mill Ave, Amery, WI 54001
A 106-acre preserve along the Balsam Branch that flows through central Polk County. A prairie restoration area features native grasses and wildflowers. The park includes a dam, millpond, and well-maintained trails. It provides a variety of habitats for a good mix of birds. Fishing from a bridge and handicap accessible pier, interpretive hiking trails, a picnic area w/grills, shelter, and restrooms. 11 km of trails groomed for XC skiing.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: PAVED & NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: NO
LENGTH: 106 acres
NOTABLES: Watch for muskies spawning in early spring.
4. Trail of Myths (inside the Wert Preserve)
Trailhead Address: HWY 87/240th St, St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin 54024
Frequently called “magical” or “enchanting,” this trail lies within the Wert Preserve, which is 450 acres of protected woodland within the City of St. Croix Falls. Located across the highway from St. Croix Falls Lions Park, the Trail of Myths is typically secluded and includes fun switchbacks and creek crossings.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY TO INTERMEDIATE
SURFACE: NATURAL, PACKED DIRT
PASS REQUIRED: NO
LENGTH: 1.9 LINEAR
NOTABLES: SPUR TRAIL FOR THE ICE AGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL.
5. Buffalo Skull Tract at Standing Cedars Community Land Conservancy
Trailhead address: 2849 55th Ave, Osceola, WI 54020
You can’t go wrong with any of the four distinct areas within Standing Cedars, but especially in the spring, we recommend Buffalo Skull Tract so you don’t miss out on Buttermilk Falls. There are many interesting areas to explore on this 245-acre property, including dry cliffs, oak savanna, a moist ravine, maple/basswood forest, and former farm fields. A 25-acre pasture on the north side of the property that is full of prairie plants. Standing Cedars has removed many of the cedar trees that had been taking over this area and has been burning and mowing to setback the sumac, prickly ash and other invasive plants.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: NO
LENGTH: 245 ACRES
NOTABLES: Dry cliffs, oak savanna, maple and basswood forest.
6. Straight Lake State Park
Park Address:
2700 120th St
Luck, WI 54853
Close to Luck, Wisconsin, Straight Lake is a 2,780-acre Wisconsin State Park that was established in 2002 and includes a 3.6 mile segment of the Ice Age Trail with gorgeous lake views.
TRAIL TYPE: FOOT TRAFFIC
TRAIL LEVEL: EASY TO INTERMEDIATE
SURFACE: NATURAL
PASS REQUIRED: YES
LENGTH: 3.6 MILES? 2,780 ACRES?
NOTABLES:
