Best Hikes In The Midwest: 5 Breathtaking Trails
The Midwest is a BIG place with lots to see and do, which means it can be tough choosing which hikes you want to do while you're in the area. In a region so large, there are thousands of trails you can hike, but if you have limited time and want to make sure you're not disappointed by mediocre views, make sure you read on to find out more about the best hikes in the Midwest. Today we'll be talking you through the 5 greatest trails you can hike on your trip to the Midwest, that will leave you tired and sore, in the best way, and ignite every hiker's passion for the great outdoors.
Where Is The Midwest?
When we say the Midwest, where exactly are we talking about? The area that forms the Midwest is made up of 12 states in the north-central United States. Those states are Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
5 Best Hikes In The Midwest
Without further ado, here are 5 of the most scenic hikes in the Midwest that anyone can do, whether you're an experienced hiker or not.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise, Michigan
One of the best hiking trails in the Midwest has to be the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Its location gives you a clue to what you can find when you walk in this park…paradise. The river hike leads you up to one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi at 50 feet high, and a staggering 200 feet across. The state park itself is over 46,000 acres and is the second-largest in Michigan. The river trail takes you to both the lower falls and upper falls, both of which are worth seeing, and is just 4.8 miles (7.7km) long, making it a terrific day hike. The hiking conditions are moderate, with steep staircases, and of the 6 trails in the park, the river trail is the most scenic.
Black Hills National Forest, Custer, South Dakota
If you're feeling underwhelmed by the hiking spots in the Midwest, how do 1.2 million acres of National Forest sound to you? The Black Hills National Forest sits nestled between South Dakota and Wyoming and has over 450 miles of hiking trails of different lengths and difficulties, so there's something for everyone.
You can camp in the Black Hills National Forest, which will enable you to enjoy many hikes and get the most out of the forest. Never camped before, but would love to start with this trip? Join our community and connect with other female travelers who are just as excited by the thought of hiking and camping as you are!
The top hike in the area is the Black Elk Peak and Little Devil's Tower loop, which is a 7.7 mile (12.4km) hike that is moderately difficult and gives jaw-dropping views of rock formations and dense forest as far as the eye can see. If you're lucky, you might even spot an elk.
Chapel Loop Trail, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan
For those heading to Michigan, the Chapel Loop Trail is not to be missed. It's the perfect hike for those who get bored easily when walking and enjoy a change of scenery as this hike passes 2 waterfalls on top of the perfect lake views you'll be blessed with for a portion of the hike. The hike itself is a 10.2 miles (16.4km) loop, 4.4 of which are along the top of Lake Superior.
The views are of sandy limestone cliffs, azure waters, and dark pine forests, which provide the perfect combination of contrast and make this picturesque walk not only one of the best hikes in Michigan but in the whole of the Midwest. The loop is moderately challenging and although the average time to complete this hike is just under 4 hours, there is camping available by Chapel Beach and Mosquito Beach, if you want to stretch it out over 2 days.
Devil's Lake Via West Bluff Trail, Baraboo, Wisconsin
The Devil's Lake Trail is slightly more difficult than some of the other hikes we've mentioned in this post but is still classed as moderate, and most hikers will be able to enjoy this one.
The loop is just 4.8 miles (7.7km) and is voted number 1 of the 16 trails in Devil's Lake State Park.
As the most popular trail in the park, it can get busy at times, but there's plenty of room for all on this loop. On average, it takes walkers just under 2.5 hours to complete, giving you plenty of time to explore the rest of the park or squeeze in a second hike nearby.
The trail comes to a head at Balanced Rock which gives incredible views over Devil's Lake. The trek up to Balanced Rock is tough and good footwear is a must. The top is the perfect place to relax and kick off your boots before heading back down, so consider bringing a packed lunch or picnic with you.
Caprock Coulee Loop Trail, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Grassy Butte, North Dakota
Last, but CERTAINLY not least on our list of the best hikes in the Midwest is the Caprock Coulee Loop Trail,
The trail forms a 4.4 mile (7.1km) loop with an elevation of 178 meters, and is relatively strenuous, although the views make it worth every second of the tight calves and dry mouth you'll no doubt experience. There are two options when completing this hike, depending on the type of walker you are. If you walk the loop clockwise, there will be a steep elevation for the first portion, but after that, it will be plain-sailing. Alternatively, if you choose to go counter-clockwise, you will find the trail goes uphill for quite a while, but it's very gradual and manageable.
The hike can get slippery and more difficult in the winter months, so bear this in mind if you're an inexperienced hiker.
There are plenty of Bison in the park, which are great to spot (from a distance), and most often seen in the spring.
Knife's Edge Ridge offers the most remarkable views out over the Badlands, in the entire national park. For unknown reasons, the park is not really on the radar of other hikers, meaning you can enjoy it without encountering many other people.
Final Thoughts On The Best Hikes In The Midwest
Although less well-known for its hikes than its big brother, the Northwest, there are some phenomenal trails in the Midwest, which shouldn't be missed if you're in the area. Of all the trails in these 12 states, we think these are the 5 best hikes in the Midwest, and we're confident you'll be delighted if you choose to walk any of them.
If you love walking in nature, check out these 5 best lakes by Banff for views of magnificently blue waters surrounded by ice-capped mountains.