Trail Time! The best places to trail run near Milwaukee.
When it comes to trail running in Wisconsin there are no shortage of options. Whether you’re taking advantage of one of the many State Parks, adventuring on segments of the Ice Age Trail, or enjoying some time on the Milwaukee River trails, you will certainly find something to suit your needs.
Below are three of my favorite trails to hit in summer… all with looped options and easy access. Skip to the end if you’re looking for a checklist and guidance on how to best prepare for a day on the trails. (Pro Tip: If you plan to hit up the State Parks frequently, it is well worth the $28 investment to purchase a Wisconsin State Park System Vehicle Admission Sticker so you don’t have to worry about paying daily entry.) Let the countdown begin!
3) Scuppernong Trails: 40 minutes from RunFit
The Scuppernong Trails located near Eagle, Wis. have a variety of looped options that range from two to five miles, and offer convenient parking, water and a vault toilet. There is a indoor shelter that can be rented in the summer, which serves as a warming shelter in winter. The trails roll through forest and pine plantations and provide access to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
2) Kettle Morraine State Forest - Lapham Peak: 25 minutes from RunFit
Lapham Peak has so many options for runs of all distances, and with this being a fairly short drive from Milwaukee, it makes it nice and convenient too! You can stick to the loops on the East side of the park, or cross the road from the front parking lot and hit the Prairie Loop. Want a little exrtra climbing work? Check out the 45-foot observation tower atop the highest point in Waukesha County!
1) Nordic Trails: 50 minutes from RunFit
My number one favorite spot to go is the Nordic Trail system in La Grange. It is a bit of a drive to the trailhead, so make sure you have all the necessary gear before you head out! There are seven loop options of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty, a variety of vegetation, and easy trail connections to the Ice AgeTrail. The trailhead has convenient parking, a vault toilet and a warming shelter. My personal favorite is the Blue Loop!
BONUS) Greenbush: 1 hour and 10 minutes from RunFit
The Greenbush Recreation Area features five hiking/running loops intertwined with four biking loops. The trail system provides lots of rocky terrain giving you a great workout. If you’re going to Greenbush, you might as well make a nice little weekend of it! Route through Elkhart Lake or find a spot to camp. Bonus - hot cinnamon rolls delivered to your campsite!!
Trail Running Essentials
Before you hit the road, use this checklist to make sure you are prepared for your trail running adventure. I typically make the drive in sandals or recovery slides, so socks and shoes are the only “must have” when I get out there. However, below is my list to make sure I have all I need.
Socks: Balega or Injini toe socks are my go-to choices!
Shoes: The trail shoes I’m loving right now are the Altra Olympus. It is important to note that a running store can help educate you on different shoe options as well as assess your stride for what will work best for you. We highly recommend Performance Running Outfitters! I would suggest investing in a pair of trail shoes for all of the above locations.
Body Glide
Running Vest: Whether I’m doing a shorter or a longer run, whenever I am on the trails I always make sure to bring some sort of hydration along. I prefer to always run the trails with my Ultimate Direction Race Vesta so I can stash fuel, wet wipes and other essentials.
Water bladder and/or a soft flask (in my bladder - just plain water, in my soft flask - water with Skratch Labs Sport hydration mix)
Fuel: Lately I’ve been loving Spring Energy Awesome Sauce, Hammer orange gels, Honey Stinger Cherry Blossom Chews, or Gu Watermelon Chews. Play with different brands and flavors to find out what works best for you. The coaches at RunFit would be happy to help determine your nutrition needs!
Wet wipes: You never know when nature might call, or you take a digger.
Ziploc bag: For used wet wipes… if you know, you know.
Towel: For sweaty pursuits and the car ride back.
Sunscreen
First Aid Kit: I have a small kit that I throw in my car with waterproof tape, moleskin, bandaids, safety pins, a scissors, etc.
Headphones: While I personally don’t run with headphones on trails so I can listen to the sounds of nature, if you need them, don’t forget them!)
Sunglasses
Want more guidance on how to train for the trails? Make sure to hit us up at RunFit! Our coaching programs are customized, affordable, and prepared by RRCA Certified Running Coaches!