Hiking
Explore the Green Lake area's hiking trails through uplands and wetlands with scenic vistas and sweeping lake views. See wildlife and plants in their native habitat and relax in the peacefulness of nature.
Lots of shore to explore
These hiking trails enable trail users of every level and endurance to take in the natural beauty of the area. Click on the markers below for details about each property.
Winnebago Trail Conservancy
This former Native American trail follows the elevated shoreline along the north shore of Green Lake and offers incredible views of the lake. Near the east end of the property, the trail passes under a historic stone bridge.
Parking: Street parking south of Hillside Road in Green Lake Conference Center.
Assembly Creek & Springs / Hammers Trail
This property includes 1,100 feet of Green Lake frontage and a hiking loop (Hammer’s Trail) with five bridges over several creeks and springs. The waterways merge into Assembly Creek, which flows into Norwegian Bay.
Parking: Lot at trail head west of Green Lake Conference Center’s Tea House
Norwegian Bay Wetlands
A short trail through the woods leads to a boardwalk over the largest area of contiguous wetlands on Green Lake. A sitting bench at the end of the boardwalk overlooks Green Lake.
Parking: Street parking on Bay Rd, Green Lake
Wick Nature Preserve
This property is home to 3.2 acres of southern oak forest/wetlands. There are no established trails, but visitors can explore the property.
Parking: Street parking on Wick Road
Tichora Conservancy
This 40-acre property along Green Lake’s unspoiled south shore also borders Spring Lake to create a riparian habitat for a large diversity of wildlife. An exceptionally scenic property with sandstone cliffs, shallow caves, and towering trees, Tichora features 800 feet of shoreline along Green Lake with beautiful views of the lake.
Parking: Lot at trail head off Oakwood Beach Rd.
Tuleta Hill Prairie
Previously farmland, this 7.5 acre property has been restored to prairie and oak savanna. The prairie features a mowed trail, with sitting benches for taking in the natural beauty.
Parking: Street parking on Tuleta Hill Rd.
Powell Spring Conservancy
This heavily-wooded property, located near Mitchell Glen on the Southeast ridge of Green Lake, is home to one of the largest springs feeding Green Lake, Powell Spring. Once a trading post for Native Americans, this property now features trails along Powell Creek that emerges directly from limestone bedrock. The property also feature limestone outcroppings.
Mitchell Glen
This spectacular site was formed 12,000 years ago when post-glacial meltwater eroded the sandstone bedrock, resulting in a steep-sided and timbered gorge with a springs at the base. This property is accessible only during two annual guided hikes–one in the Spring and one in the Fall. To sign up visit www.glakesd.com or call 920-295-4488.
Pool's Hill Nature Preserve / Sugar Island Wetlands
Pool's Hill Nature Preserve contains a wetlands complex that includes wooded openings and rare fen habitat. Pool’s Hill is only accessible by water (by boat or ice).
Parking: Lot at Sunset Park, Green Lake
Sunnyside Conservancy
Located along Silver Creek Inlet, this wide, level walking trail meanders through a mixture of woods and restored prairie. Once slated for development, the property features several man-made channels and scenic vistas of the Silver Creek Estuary.
Parking: Lot off Lakeview Drive, Green Lake
Highknocker Trail
Located in Highknocker Park, this short trail takes you on a leisurely walk through a wooded loop. Let the kids enjoy the park playground equipment before you leave.
Parking: Street parking on Highknocker Trail.
Forest Avenue Oak Savanna
Approximately 1 acre, this property is home to native oak savanna with a sitting bench.
Parking: Street parking on Forest Ave.
LOCAL LEGENDS
I’ve been a proponent of preserving natural capital all my life. Everything we want—everything we need—comes from the natural world.
TOM EDDY
Award-winning conservationist Thomas Eddy has spent his life working to preserve Green Lake’s abundant natural resources.
The Iowa native moved to Green Lake in 1976 to begin his career as a high school biology teacher and never turned back.
A founding member of Green Lake Conservancy, Eddy has helped protect environmentally sensitive lands such as Tichora, Mitchell Glen and Norwegian Bay Wetlands for the enjoyment of future generations.
Fifteen of the Green Lake Conservancy Lands have public access, offering diverse options in hiking, biking, paddling and wildlife viewing.
A few of Eddy’s favorite trails are found at Sunnyside Conservancy, Assembly Creek and Springs (Hammer’s Trail) and Norwegian Bay Wetlands.
While a conservationist’s work is never done, Eddy is impressed with the strides made to protect natural capital in Green Lake. “I’m proud of this little community. I’m glad to be a part of it.”
ANNUAL HIKING EVENTS
Mitchell Glen
Guided Tours
- The Green Team
- Mitchell Glen
Moonlight Walk
to Sugar Island
- The Green Team
- Sugar Island
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