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Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit
3544 Kettle Moraine Rd, Hartford, WI 53027, United States
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Je
Review №1

I absolutely love this place. Even though I visit alllllllll the time the trails still excite me. Tons of great wildlife viewing, lots of options for all different users, and just beauty all around. If you plan to visit with a pet please just keep them on a leash; Ive witnessed and heard of far too many incidents. This place alone gets me my moneys worth from the annual state park pass!

Ka
Review №2

This is a nice park, with multiple trails to choose from, depending upon the level of ease. The trails are well marked(brown/orange/yellow, etc), and most of them intersect, so one can hike all day.The area is well kept, and offers scenic views of the nearby Pike Lake from the top.Pets are allowed on leash, but not accessible for strollers.

Ra
Review №3

Its been 6 years since Ive been to Pike Lake. They have great trails with beautiful views. The park is dog friendly and even has a small dog beach. Its truly a beautiful park.

Na
Review №4

Beautiful fall colors and lots of length in trail to hike. Trails are moderate-difficult and fairly hilly. Trails are clearly marked, and are mostly clear with some spots being more rocky or having exposed roots.

Ja
Review №5

We had a beautiful hike through the Cedar Lake, Slinger and Pike Lake segments of the Ice Age Trail on October 31, 2020. We ran into an issue following our hike and stopper at the Pike Lake Unit office. The young lady that greeted us at the drive up window listened to our explanation of events and pleasantly provided very useful information. At one point I attempted to excuse us so that she could attend to the car waiting in line behind us. She told me, You are my priority right now. I dont remember the last time someone showed me such courtesy and respect. She won me over. What a wonderful ambassador for the DNR and State of Wisconsin.

Li
Review №6

Love this park. Nice walking trails. Beautiful place!

Je
Review №7

Nice trails at the state park. Well kept up and big lake with a beach too.

Ke
Review №8

Im here at least twice a week. lovely place to hike, go swimming, have a picnic or a family gathering, or sunbath. Good trails with varying challenge. Wish there was a little more beach front but nothing we can do about that.

Ma
Review №9

I love this park enough that it was a huge factor in deciding to move to Hartford. Lots of hiking trails to explore, a nice beach for the summer, plenty of fun out on the water. Tower has a great view of the surrounding area. Ice age trial runs straight through the place as well. Looks absolutely fantastic in the summer.

Je
Review №10

Wonderful park and beach with camping too. There is a big tower to hike to and climb which is my daughters favorite. The beach has bathrooms but no lifeguards. Beautiful natural feel not overly crowded when we have gone.

Co
Review №11

Beautiful hiking trails and a fantastic beach. A total escape from the daily grind.

Ra
Review №12

Hiked the Brown loop trail. Very busy (Covid-19) Sunday Morning. Trails well maintained, beach looked packed. Appears updates are in progress adding additional pea gravel bike trails throughout Park.Plenty of picnic tables with dog restricted areas clearly defined.Ranger station well staffed ready to help.Tower closed due to Covid pandemic.Great scenery with multiple transitions of prairie Woodlands and elevation gains.Numerous planetary information stations to educated yourself and young eager minds.Fishing dock located south of swim beach.

Jo
Review №13

Great hiking/walking trails. Dog paths too.

Ro
Review №14

Beautiful scenery. Cheap for a day at $8. Good picnic area

Mi
Review №15

Nice hiking trails and lake for a Sunday stroll.

As
Review №16

The hiking trail entrance is a little hidden and we were confused on how to get to it at first. Once we were on the trails, there were many different options, but the trail map can be a little confusing to read. Luckily all the trails run in to each other at some point. We enjoyed the adventure!

Za
Review №17

The trail heads are easy to access. The view from the top of Powder Hill is worth it. The tower itself is closed due to COVID, but there is a small trail to the top of the hill for a nice view of the surrounding landscape (non-Pike Lake view).

Ri
Review №18

Beautiful place to hike. We took the brown trail that took us on the outer edges of the park (approximately 5+ miles). The trail is made up of several types of surfaces to include grass, dirt, sand, rocks, pea gravel, and hard - packed dirt. The forest is mezmorizing! There were lots of spiders (harmless daddy long legs). If you look close you may see a couple of deer, as we did. We saw several frogs, bees, butterflies, and a tiny brown squiral, as well. As you look around, look up, you may find a surprise laying in the Y of a tree. Dont forget to climb to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view. Pack a lunch and have a picnic at the base of the tower. If you look really close, youll see the rusty remnants of old farm equipment. Enjoy.

Ch
Review №19

There is a hiking trail for everyone! We love it here.

Jo
Review №20

Love going here for trail running. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow.

Di
Review №21

My go to place for hiking with my husband, daughter and dogs! Beautiful scenery and well kept trails.

Je
Review №22

Great place to go for a walk with your family!

Da
Review №23

Many well maintained trails for hiking along with a awesome observation tower. The lake front also has a picnic area, playground, swiming area, and dog area. Look out for mosquitoes, they were bad when we were there.

jo
Review №24

Great place for a day at the beach, a great hike or bike or go to the 1350 elevation observation tower. What a great view! Will go again.

Jo
Review №25

Pike Lake is a premier hiking, fishing, picnic, and General good times place for anyone with a love for the outdoors. Great office, friendly helpful rangers, plenty of trails to keep you coming back for more.

St
Review №26

Loved it. Beach had SAND not ROCKS. Beach a little small for lots of dogs.

Al
Review №27

I walked the orange trail today for the first time and I really liked it. Its well marked, has some uphill/downhills, and amazing views. I will for sure come back!

ev
Review №28

Went with my wife on a brisk November morning. The trails were in great shape. Easy and fun trail for a 1-2 hour hike. Beautiful scenery!

Mo
Review №29

It was my first time at the lake and I had the pleasure to be introduced to the ice fishing by Justin, Greg and Bob.Day to remember!

Ka
Review №30

Beautiful views of the lake!!! And spring flowers!!!

On
Review №31

This is a beautiful area with amazing scenery! I was driving back from Milwaukee with 3 kids and we decided to stop here on a whim. I had to pay $5 to park but the hour we spent there was well worth it. Our goal was to find the tower and take a picture as the sun was setting. We met friendly campers along the way and discovered some interesting plants.

Pa
Review №32

Beautiful place for picnic, its lake gives it a unique detail

Ia
Review №33

It was a neat reserve park, and the longest trail was about 3 miles. I hiked in Fall, though, and there were a lot of Burr plants along the trail side, so watch out for those. Overall, the trails were decently maintained, though.

Je
Review №34

Great clean park with lots of trails for hiking and running.

To
Review №35

We had a great time at the Candlelight Hike.

W.
Review №36

Staff are outstanding...Jess puts the State Park System back on the map with enthusiasm, personableness, kindness and a smile that makes any visitor feel like theyre welcome and are a guest:)

Je
Review №37

Great place for the family and kids! So much to do!

El
Review №38

The kettle Moraine State Forest is a beautiful place to visit year round but I particularly love it in the fall. It’s a great place to visit with friends and family and lots to do and see along the roadside.

A.
Review №39

We did the backpack camping sites over a weekend. There were no issues with the rangers. The parking fee was a little much, but overall it was a great trip.

El
Review №40

Nice park! Little muddy on the trails but very popular.

Ge
Review №41

Great escape from City life only 30 minutes away.

Iv
Review №42

One of the best camping trips Ive been on. Water was available, tons it hiking trails, everyone was friendly, very close to town. Clean flush toilets, free showers, heated bathrooms. No one bothered us and it was very affordable.The only issue is the train coming through every thirty minutes or so on Friday night. WTF

Mi
Review №43

Well, lets just say I worked off my lunch and bit the dust on our way back from the cache. We challenged our leg strength and climbed the tower to get a better view of the land before heading back to the car. Beautiful day but really muddy trail. I can definitely feel the burn after slipping down the hillside even when we decided to take the road less traveled. We saw a little family of deer cross our path in the woods as well. All in all, great hike, made the find and I got my steps in:-)

Li
Review №44

Had a great walk on the brown trail yesterday. Lots of hills. The weather was perfect. 70 degrees with a light breeze. Most of the trail is tree covered so made this workout enjoyable.

Ry
Review №45

Great trails very well marked and a nice woods to hike around

Ma
Review №46

Awesome natural environment. Quite busy on the weekends.

Sa
Review №47

I go to Pike Lake for hiking often. It is a great park, and it has many different trails to try. They are well marked and well kept. Maps are available at the office where you pay. The lookout tower is always worth the climb. I love the views in the fall. I also like going to relax at the beach. While the beach is small, there are plenty of spots in the grassy area to hang out by the water and swim. Love spending time here!

St
Review №48

Everything you need is here. A nice lake for swimming, trails, a scenic tower, nice picnic areas, lots of parking, great staff at the entrance! Home of the annual National Watermelon Day Runs!

Jo
Review №49

Great hiking. Cool tower to climb. Nice beach for swimming. No lifeguards.

ro
Review №50

Great trails, but my dogs all had several ticks (deer and wood) on them. We wont be going back.

Ko
Review №51

Beautiful and nice restrooms.

Nu
Review №52

Trails are many with some hills that will get the heart pumping. Nice views from the 60 tower. Trailhead has a large parking area with trail maps and trail signage.

Ju
Review №53

Good fishing. Normally pretty small pike.

Ke
Review №54

Beautiful hike. Dog beach seperate from people beach. Only thing to make it better would be sanitaion. Bathrooms dirty and no garbage cans.... Anywhere... Even in the bathroom. I carried out my dog poop in a baggie. Eww...

Ma
Review №55

Super friendly staff, got our 2020 sticker!

Li
Review №56

Amazing place with a dedicated park superintendent. Its also not a state Park - its the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit. Fantastic Naturalist programs!

Me
Review №57

Good Trails, parking lot was plowed. Nice to have a place to go in the winter. Say about 12 deer while hiking! Was cool!

Da
Review №58

Love this park and its hiking trails. Not a bad view to cook a steak by the lake too

Ry
Review №59

Great place to see the lake and also fire tower views.

Bi
Review №60

So many fun activities to enjoy at Pike Lake. Weve especially enjoyed the hiking trails and swimming beach. Some trails require some extra effort with a stroller (plan ahead). Still hoping to get in on one of the candlelight hikes. Views are spectacular from the tower.

Zo
Review №61

Great place to host a friend get together great trails and beach to swim and pretty big swimming area

Wa
Review №62

We went hiking at the state park. The paths were very nice and well kept. We then visited the beach. The water was good. The beach was very rocky. I am not sure why places feel the need to put down gravel instead of sand for a beach. it really hurts the feet.

Je
Review №63

Great family time fun with hiking, park, and beach area.

Da
Review №64

Great place to go for a hike. And if your lucky you may see a deer or two or three.

Ke
Review №65

Beautiful park for hikes and there is a public beach. The view from the tower is amazing.

De
Review №66

Update: today my lovely wife and I enjoy the beautiful snowy walk on the beach Trail they have now cleared off a large section of wooded area on top of the hill at the end of the beach Trail . I highly encourage you to check it out its gorgeous . Enjoy your visit we did . Beautiful little slice of paradise.Well maintained hiking trails. There are biking trails from downtown Hartford all the way to the beach. Powder hill tower designed for amazing views for many miles in all directions.Nice kayaking along shore to hear many songbirds. Quiet family campground has sites with electrical hookup. Trailer dump and on site host make this a campers park. Enjoy the many natural springs on the Black Forest Nature trail.

Br
Review №67

Beautiful park, great views, nice trails, the beach is ok, bathrooms arent so great. Worth it if you like to hike.

Cr
Review №68

Lived across the lake from this park most of my life. What can I say, itll be nice when I retire!

Z
Review №69

Amazing hiking trails and wonderful views for everyone!

Kr
Review №70

A wonderful place to spend time with family and friends out hiking enjoying nature, and the tower views are amazing

Ma
Review №71

I love that they have a dedicated dog beach that is nice and sandy

Ka
Review №72

Easy to navigate through. Saw a few deer.

Mi
Review №73

We love hiking and camping at Pike! Great trails!

Ro
Review №74

I went to purchase an annual entrance sticker. Fee was reasonable, because there are many free programs throughout the year. The hiking trails are well maintained. I suggest taking a trail map. The person in the office was helpful & knowledgeable.

Ro
Review №75

Excellent hiking experience. Many trails and different degrees of difficulty.

Ge
Review №76

One of our favorite hikes with beautiful views. Trails are well maintained and easy to hike. The view from the tower is stunning. On a clear day you can see for miles and the tree colors are breath taking in the fall. I would consider this trail kid and dog friendly. I also highly recommend getting a yearly park pass cause you will be back.

Br
Review №77

Great hiking and lake views!

La
Review №78

Pike Lake is my favorite lake to practice swimming! I just love the adventures I have here! The Park Rangers here are really really nice! I love all the beautiful paths here! Also each year I climb the big tower here and conquer my fears of heights! I have made many friends here at Pike Lake! So many sweet memories made here! I cannot wait till Summertime!~ Lakegirl Crystal

Re
Review №79

It is a beautiful place to relax! Come and take in nature.

Ke
Review №80

Fun if youre into nature and outdoor activities

Ki
Review №81

Was a lot of fun..people were nice and fishing was fun

Ci
Review №82

Excellent state park friendly dtaff

Am
Review №83

Several walking trails

wi
Review №84

DNR office, Ms Laura, is a very good source, of information of park (+ area) she gave out free guides, also books to purchase, the trails are well marked & match maps. The beach/picking area is well maintained.

Jo
Review №85

Lots of great hiking/running trails, lake access & beach, cool lookout tower that you can hike up to.

j
Review №86

Nice. Not really any solitude and you can hear the highway no matter wjere you are. Nice view from observation tower.

La
Review №87

Clear water in dog beach area

Br
Review №88

Beautiful, well maintained park. I frequently visit here for hiking and kayaking. I hike year round and really enjoy having this beautiful place so close to home.

Br
Review №89

A great place to visit, with some breathtaking views! Highly recommend for familys looking for a nice camping area, and well upkept sites! Also plenty of areas around to fish and check out some of the best Wisconsin views on mother nature!

cr
Review №90

Excellent Park beautiful lake great trails good for hiking picnics

Th
Review №91

Loving it! Close to MKE and feels like up north!

An
Review №92

Great get away camping area for us. The 4 stars are only because the noise level in the campground always seems to be louder than any other state park we camp in.

El
Review №93

Spent an afternoon here!! It was delightful!!

Am
Review №94

So beautiful, the leaves just starting to turn so many hues... All subtle for now

Ar
Review №95

Great hiking trails and observation tower

Ra
Review №96

2nd annual family camping weekend at Pike Lake. We had a great time! More like glamping...menu started with perfectly puffy pumpkin Paleo pancakes with elderberry or ginger syrup! So yum thanks to my sister-in-law. My brother-in-law made homemade tomato basil soup right out of his garden and of course Fancy 3 kinds of WI cheese grilled cheese. I made roasted butternut squash soup with heavy cream. Thank goodness for all the beautiful trails!!! Then back for grilled peaches, cherry and pecan pie. More trails and then the smores. How can you beat that? #next year at Pike Lake.

Ye
Review №97

Great park for family, biking, and hiking.

As
Review №98

Beautiful park. Love to hike, swim and kayak here. The pup loves it too!

LI
Review №99

We go every year because we love it so much and really because our best friends live so close that used to be our neighbors.

Sh
Review №100

Beautiful trails

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:3544 Kettle Moraine Rd, Hartford, WI 53027, United States
  • Site:http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/pikelake/
  • Phone:+1 262-670-3400
Categories
  • State park
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:6am–11pm
  • Tuesday:6am–11pm
  • Wednesday:6am–11pm
  • Thursday:6am–11pm
  • Friday:6am–11pm
  • Saturday:6am–11pm
  • Sunday:6am–11pm
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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