The best walks and hikes in Van Loon Wildlife Area

The Van Loon Wildlife Area offers a variety of easy hiking experiences, primarily along management access roads and the historic McGilvray "Seven Bridges" Road. These paths lead through diverse landscapes including globally significant floodplain forests, sand prairies, and oak savannas, providing a tranquil setting for exploration. All three routes currently listed on komoot for this area are rated as easy, making them accessible for most hikers.

Absolutely. A highlight is the historic McGilvray "Seven Bridges" Road, a 1.8-mile pedestrian-only path featuring six historic arch truss bridges built around 1892. You'll also encounter diverse natural features like the Black River and Otter Creek, as well as unique habitats such as floodplain forests, sand prairies, and oak savannas. The area includes two embedded State Natural Areas, Van Loon Floodplain Forest and Van Loon Floodplain Savanna, recognized for their unique native communities.

The Van Loon Wildlife Area is beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly recommended. During this season, you can enjoy stunning fall foliage and increased opportunities for wildlife spotting, including various native woodpecker species, Bald Eagles, Red-Shouldered Hawks, and Indigo Buntings. The diverse habitats offer unique experiences in every season.

Yes, the area is very family-friendly. The trails are generally easy with minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels. The historic McGilvray "Seven Bridges" Road offers a safe and engaging walk for families, and the abundant wildlife provides educational opportunities for children. Consider the King's Bluff Trail, which is just under 4 km and rated easy.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome in the Van Loon Wildlife Area. However, it's always best to keep them on a leash to protect the diverse wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

Yes, there are several circular routes to enjoy. For example, the Stephenson Farmstead Park loop from Van Loon Wildlife Area offers a pleasant 5.7 km loop, and the King's Bluff Overlook loop from Great River Bluffs State Park is a longer 6.4 km option.

The Van Loon Wildlife Area is a prime location for wildlife viewing and birding, recognized as a Wisconsin Important Bird Area. Over 200 bird species have been documented here, including yellow-crowned night herons, Acadian flycatchers, cerulean warblers, prothonotary warblers, red-headed woodpeckers, sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and great blue herons. Keep an eye out for various native woodpecker species and raptors, especially in autumn.

The hikes in Van Loon Wildlife Area are generally considered easy. The terrain is mostly flat, following management access roads and the historic McGilvray Road. All three routes currently featured on komoot are rated as easy, with moderate distances and minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for casual walkers and beginners.

While specific parking areas are not detailed in the route data, the Van Loon Wildlife Area is accessible, and visitors typically find parking at designated access points or along the periphery of the area. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival for the most current parking information.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars based on 7 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil natural setting, the diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, and the historical significance of the McGilvray "Seven Bridges" Road. The easy, accessible trails are also frequently highlighted as a major draw.

No specific permits are generally required for day hiking in the Van Loon Wildlife Area. However, primitive camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the northern part of the property. For detailed regulations and any updates, it's always a good idea to consult the official Wisconsin DNR website: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Lands/WildlifeAreas/vanloon.