Add It To Your Bucket List: Hike the La Crosse Bluffs | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Add It To Your Bucket List: Hike the La Crosse Bluffs

Hikers Guide

649
Add It To Your Bucket List: Hike the La Crosse Bluffs

Everybody loves a quick getaway from our busy life of school and work, especially during the fall months when Mother Nature is practically screaming at you to come hang out with her. What’s my favorite way to get outside in the La Crosse area?

Hitting the hiking trails in The La Crosse Area for a couple hours leaves me feeling refreshed going into the week. There is not a better adventure to take than a quick day-hike in the bluffs. This is absolutely a bucket list item for any La Crosse area college student. If you’re not sure where to go, here are a few of my favorite spots:

Hixon Forest Park. There are around 10 miles of hiking trails accessible from Hixon Forest Park. These trails will lead you up over 500-foot bluffs that are covered in absolute beauty. This gives you the true experience of the La Crosse hiking trails with spectacular Mississippi River Valley lookouts throughout. Tripleblaze.com, an online camping and hiking adventure website, rates Hixon Forest Park trails number 19 out of 100 in “Best Hiking Trails in Wisconsin”.

Grandad Bluff.Although this is not a true hiking trail, Grandad Bluff is a must see. At 600 feet, Grandad Bluff is the largest bluff in the La Crosse Area and is well known for its scenic overlook of La Crosse. The view of the Mississippi River Valley includes the three states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. In addition to enjoying the breath-taking view, you can also explore several bluff side hiking trails accessible from a gravel parking lot about quarter of a mile before Grandad’s entrance.

Great Rivers Bluffs State Park. If you have a car, grab a couple friends and drive across the river to Donehower, Minnesota. The Great Rivers Bluffs State Park is around a half hour from La Crosse. The park contains two Scientific and Natural Areas, King's and Queen's Bluff, offering 9 miles of hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Mississippi River Valley.

Find a few hours out of your afternoon to hit the great outdoors. Need help finding your way? No problem. Here are a couple helpful resources.

Visit this map, provided by the City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry department, outlining all of the La Crosse Area bluff trails.

Visit this website, provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, with everything you need to know about the Great Rivers Bluffs State Park.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

25758
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

10785
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7955
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments