The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Portage County

The Green Circle Trail offers an incredible journey around Stevens Point, immersing you in a diverse landscape that feels far removed from the city. You'll wander through dense forests, cross expansive wetlands on boardwalks, and enjoy picturesque views along the Wisconsin and Plover Rivers. The trail's varied surfaces, from crushed stone to wood chips, keep things interesting, and you'll pass notable spots like the tranquil Schmeeckle Reserve and the historic Stone Bridge in Iverson Park.

This difficult 56.4-mile (90.7 km) hiking route, with a modest 636 feet (194 metres) of elevation gain, is a significant undertaking, estimated to take 22 hours and 58 minutes. While the full loop is a multi-day adventure, you can easily tackle shorter sections for a rewarding day hike. The trail is well-marked and generally easy underfoot, making it suitable for a wide range of hikers looking for a long-distance challenge or a leisurely stroll.

What makes the Green Circle Trail truly unique is its design as one of the first trail systems to encircle an entire community, yet over 80% of it traverses secluded natural areas. It's a cultural asset that preserves the historical significance of the Stevens Point area, recalling its lumber-making and pioneer past. This trail also connects to other regional routes, like the Tomorrow River State Trail, expanding your exploration options.

The Trail of Reflections offers a serene, easy walk through the natural beauty of Schmeeckle Reserve in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. This short, singletrack path is perfect for a quick nature fix, winding through the forest with minimal elevation changes. You'll find the terrain underfoot to be gentle, making it a pleasant experience for all ages and fitness levels.

Planning your visit to this trail is simple. Located within the Schmeeckle Reserve, the trailhead is easily accessible, and parking is typically plentiful. Since it's a less popular route, you can often enjoy a peaceful, uncrowded experience, making it a great choice for a spontaneous outing or a quiet break during your day. No permits are needed, and it's suitable for a quick visit any time of year.

This 0.4-mile (0.7 km) hike, with its negligible 5 feet (2 metres) of elevation gain, is designed for a leisurely 10-minute stroll. It's an ideal option if you're looking for a family-friendly trail or a gentle introduction to hiking. The reserve itself is known for its commitment to environmental education and conservation, providing a tranquil setting for reflection and connecting with nature.

The Lake Forest Restoration Area – Schmeeckle Reserve loop near Stevens Point offers a wonderfully diverse and accessible hiking experience. You'll wander through a mosaic of habitats, from mature pine and oak forests to open prairies and tranquil sedge meadows, often on crushed granite paths or over wetlands via boardwalks. The trail circles the scenic Lake Joanis, providing picturesque views and opportunities for wildlife spotting, making it a truly immersive natural escape.

This easy 2.9-mile (4.6 km) hike involves a negligible 26 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete. Parking is conveniently available at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitor Center, which also provides restrooms and information, making planning your visit straightforward. It's an ideal route for a relaxed outing, perfect for families or anyone looking for a gentle stroll in nature.

Schmeeckle Reserve is not just a beautiful trail; it's also a significant conservation and educational area managed by UW-Stevens Point, serving as an outdoor classroom. The diverse habitats support an impressive array of wildlife, including over 200 bird species, and the reserve acts as the trailhead for the extensive 27-mile Green Circle Trail. This makes it a central point for exploring the natural beauty surrounding Stevens Point.