DNR Parks And Recreation News

What’s Happening In Wisconsin's State Parks,
Trails, Forests And Recreation Areas

Extend a trail run by using paved trails to connect loops and enjoy all the colors of autumn. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Hit The Trail Running

Like to hit the road or swing around the neighborhood sidewalk to get a good run in? Great! Have you ever thought about hitting the trails to get your dose of cardio in? If you’ve ever been even a little intrigued by trail running, there are more than enough reasons to give it a try.

Here are a few:

• Running on trails is easier on the joints than traditional pavement running as it offers a more balanced workout for stabilizer muscles.
• Hill crests, stream crossings, wildlife sightings and more are bound to keep your route more interesting than the sometimes-monotonous road run.
• Clearing the mind and getting in touch with the great outdoors is mentally and physically enriching. Oh, and you feel really good when you’re done.

If you want to give it a try, here are a few trail running tips from Bayli Christorf, avid runner and Rib Mountain State Park Manager:

First and most importantly, shoes. Running shoes wear out in 300-500 miles, so if you’ve had yours for a few years, you’re probably going to want a new pair to feel fresh when you run. I start to feel it in my joints when my shoes reach the end of their life. Just make sure to break in brand new running shoes by wearing them around the house for a day or two beforehand. The big thing with trail shoes is that they need to be comfortable. I like a trail shoe with high stability, a good amount of cushion to help absorb those descents, rigid enough to protect from pokey rocks and roots, and a healthy amount of aggressive tread to help me grip slippery rocks and wet wooden bridges and get traction in mud and sand.

As for gear, moisture-wicking clothing is a must to keep me dry. I like to wear socks that are high enough in the back of the heel/ankle to prevent blisters. And don’t feel like you absolutely need a watch. In fact, you can go ahead and throw it out the window if you want. Between the softer ground, tight twists and turns, surface undulations and roots/rocks, don’t expect to run quite at the pace you would on a paved surface. Go ahead and wear the watch if you want to keep up on your wristband tan.

What you will want, depending on how long of an adventure you plan to embark on, is hydration. There are a variety of handheld bottles (that fit your hand so well they hardly take effort to grip) and hydration packs equipped with water bladders that are extremely comfortable. I find the hydration packs also super handy for long hikes and most have enough room for your phone, a map, a light rain jacket and snacks.

Trail running can be fun and provide a different way to experiences park properties, but can be tricky when leaves cover the trail. Be extra careful until you're comfortable running on unpaved surfaces. / Brule River State Forest - Bayfield Hiking Trail / Photo Credit: C. Khalar, Wisconsin DNR

Need help planning a route? My go-to for when I want to plan a route online is www.onthegomap.com. If you get to a point on the trail where you don’t know where you are, Onx or AllTrails apps are good ones to get you back on your way. Or if you want to go the old-school route, carry the trail map and relish in your problem-solving and expert map reading skills when you find your way back. 

There are also many local trail running groups throughout the state who regularly meet up for runs, and most groups welcome all paces. Becoming a part of a local running community is a great way to explore new trails and meet like-minded people, and the run tends to go by much faster when you have someone else to talk to.

What I appreciate about trail running is how it gives me a chance to clear my mind while getting some solid exercise. From focusing on where my feet are going to land, to just getting out there in the woods, prairie or whatever – I find it good for the body and the mind. And don’t feel like you need to go for an hour. When I first started out, I triumphed at running two miles. Also, a secret of ultra-runners: it’s acceptable and even encouraged to walk up the hills to conserve energy while maintaining a just-slightly-less pace as you would running, while burning less energy.

But shhhh…I’ve come up on whitetails, mule deer, moose, black bear (just once), raccoons, etc., especially on early morning trail runs. It’s a chance to get outside when the world is still quiet and you get a sense of having the woods to yourself. If you enjoy hunting, you know the feeling. Just be prepared to run through a few spider webs if you’re the first one out.

Wisconsin state parks offer abundant opportunities for trail running. Where will your feet take you? Happy trail running.

Outdoor News & Announcements Archery And Crossbow Deer Season Opens Saturday, Sept. 17 Hunters wanting to use both a vertical bow and a crossbow may do so by purchasing a $3 upgrade to make their license valid for both weapons. Conservation Patron license holders may also use both weapons. Purchase hunting licenses using the DNR’s online licensing center, Go Wild, or by visiting a license sales location. Hunter Safety The DNR urges hunters to review these four rules of safety (TAB-K) before enjoying the archery and crossbow season. Treat every bow/crossbow as if it were loaded. Always point the bow/crossbow in a safe direction. Be certain of your target as well as what is before and beyond it. Keep your finger outside the crossbow trigger guard or archery release until ready to shoot. Wisconsin is home to over 6 million acres of public land, and a majority of it is open to hunting. Time spent hunting and exploring these areas with family and friends will generate memories for years. To learn more about where you can hunt in Wisconsin, including on state park properties, join the free virtual webinar, Wanna Go Hunting: Where Can We Hunt? (see info below) on Sept. 21. Learn more about various hunting season dates, rules and regulations, harvest quotas and more on the DNR website.

Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak The Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest was formed 10,000 years ago when a glacier covered much of Wisconsin. Lapham Peak's glaciated topography provides excellent hiking, backpacking and cross-country skiing on lighted trails. Climb a 45-foot observation tower atop the highest point in Waukesha County (1,233 feet above sea level). Lapham Peak has more than 17 miles of loop trails in the forest that vary in difficulty. Trails may be combined to create your own circuit or one-way hike. Most trails are open to hikers in the summer and cross-country skiers in the winter. Hikers, pets and snowshoers must stay off of the ski trails when they are snow-covered.  You can observe abundant bird life and wildlife from all trails and guided bird hikes are held each spring. There are several prairie restoration sites and a butterfly garden. Don't miss the incredible fall foliage, either. Lapham Peak offers a wide variety of year-round recreational activities. It can be a fun place to experience trail running, with the ability to go short or longer distances. Here are a few of the available trails. Lapham Peak Trails ICE AGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL About 4 miles of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail travels through the property. The Ice Age Trail exits the property on the north at Cushing Park Road and, on the southern end, connects to the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. KAME TERRACE TRAIL An easy 2-mile trail beginning at the Homestead Hollow parking lot. Open to hikers in the summer and skiers during winter. KETTLE VIEW TRAIL An intermediate 5.8-mile trail beginning at the Evergreen Grove parking lot by the park entrance. Open to hikers in the summer and skiers during winter. MEADOW TRAIL An easy 2-mile trail beginning at the Evergreen Grove parking lot by the park entrance. Open to hikers in the summer and skiers during winter. MORAINE RIDGE TRAIL The 7-mile Moraine Ridge Trail is a more advanced ski trail winding through the glacial topography of the forest. The trail starts at the park entrance at the Evergreen Grove parking lot. Open to hikers in the summer and skiers during winter. PLANTATION PATH TRAIL This 1.8-mile paved trail is accessible to people with disabilities. The trail begins at the Homestead Hollow area and is an interpretive trail through a prairie and wooded area. PRAIRIE TRAIL The Prairie Path Trail is a 4.8-mile loop. There are also several short connecting trails for those who want a longer trip. The trail is open to horseback riders, off-road bicyclists, snowshoers and hikers. Please note: The pathway steps to the Observation Tower at Lapham Peak are temporarily closed for replacement. The main entrance pathway to the tower will be closed during this time, however visitors can still access the tower from the Ice Age Trail. Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit is located along County Highway C near Delafield. Learn more about it here. Photo Credit: Rachel Hershberger, Wisconsin DNR

Upcoming Events Ho-Chunk Nation’s Wisconsin Dells Singers And Dancers Aztalan State Park Saturday, Sept. 17 2 p.m. Elliott Funmaker and the popular Wisconsin Dells Singers and Dancers return to perform traditional Ho-Chunk Nation songs and dances. The troupe will also discuss the significance of the dances, songs and drums in Ho-Chunk culture. Some chairs will be provided but you may also bring your own chair or blanket. The event is free. Donations for the planned new Aztalan visitor center will be gratefully accepted. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Aztalan State Park. Attendees will need a Wisconsin State Parks and Forest vehicle admission sticker. The event will be held outside. Cancellation of the event due to anticipated inclement weather will be posted on the Friends of Aztalan State Park website on the evening before. Wanna Go Hunting: Where Can We Hunt? Tune in via YouTube here  Wednesday, Sept. 21 7 p.m. The webinar will be recorded and can be viewed on YouTube any time using the same link. Lizard Mound State Park Work Day Lizard Mound State Park Thursday, Sept. 22 10 a.m. Join DNR staff and volunteers for an all-hands-on-deck workday at Wisconsin's newest state park, Lizard Mound, in West Bend. Sign up here to volunteer. Tools will be provided. Find more Nature Programs and DNR events here. Photo Credit: Friends of Aztalan State Park

Share your trail running adventures across the Wisconsin State Park System by using #OutWiGo when you post your pictures to social media!