Wisconsin's Hidden Gem State Park Offers Scenic Hiking Trails For Leaf Peepers

Wisconsin is a surprisingly well-rounded state; it's got a bit of everything. There's the slower life in small towns alongside the high-paced rhythm and culture of cities like Milwaukee, where lakefront festivals, breweries, and a rich arts scene thrive year-round. Drive a short distance from there and you'll find yourself surrounded by rolling farmland and the hum of tractors in rural communities producing more ginseng, cranberries, and cheese than any other state. Go a little further north, and you'll hear roars from the crowds of "cheeseheads" passionately cheering on the Green Bay Packers every autumn Sunday.

The state also has world-class natural beauty, boasting tranquil lakes, thick pine forests, and 800 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, with stunning views along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Door County is considered the Cape Cod of the Midwest and is so gorgeous that its population increases tenfold in the summer. Wisconsin experiences all four seasons, and all four bring something new. Fall is a particularly great time to be there, the farms turn into autumn playgrounds with pumpkins and corn mazes, the orchards and vineyards offer tastings of their seasonal harvests, and the forest leaves burn vibrant oranges and reds.

There are many wonderful spots to admire the fall foliage in Wisconsin, but one hidden gem is High Cliff State Park. It sits on the shore of Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin's largest inland lake, not too far from Green Bay (45 minutes). The park is known for its shoreline, trails through preserved wet-mesic forest (defined by its mossand towering white cedars), and dramatic limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment that offer panoramic lake views. It's a perfect autumn camping trip or day adventure wrapped into a quintessential Wisconsin fall getaway — don't forget these essential hacks for your leef-peeping vacation.

Visiting for the fall foliage explosion coincides with the end of camping season, which is mid-October — and fall is the perfect time to go on your next camping adventure. High Cliff State Park has a family campground that includes 112 sites and modern amenities like electrical hookups (32 sites), showers, and firewood for purchase. You can reserve a cozy campsite within the park (book early for fall weekends) to spend days hiking and evenings watching the sunset by the lake. Or stay in a nearby town like Appleton or Neenah, just 20 minutes away. The boutique CopperLeaf Hotel and Spa in Appleton offers luxury with local charm and a quality restaurant and tavern, while riverside Neenah's hotels also provide a quiet, relaxing experience.

But a fall trip is all about hiking in this 1,187-acre park. For scenic views of the forest ablaze in orange, start at the observation tower and then try the Red Bird Trail. It's a 3.6-mile loop that features unique, narrow cliff alleys and sweeping overlooks of Lake Winnebago. Along the way, you'll also see the statue of Chief Red Bird, a notable leader of the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) Tribe. The Lime Kiln Trail is a short 1.9-mile loop that takes you past the historic limestone kilns, remnants from the park's quarrying days. It's a great mix of natural beauty and local history. The Butterfly Pond Trail is a 1.3-mile paved loop shaped like butterfly wings that has more reported animal sightings. It's a quieter walk featuring wildlife viewing platforms where you might see some deer, and with some luck, maybe catch a glimpse of a more shy forest creature like a woodchuck.

Lakeside camping in High Cliff means the days go slowly but are easily filled with autumn hikes and activities. For more casual fall fun nearby, there are plenty of options. Grab a coffee from Lawlss (with a double 's' for more robust flavor) in Neenah and take it to Riverside Park for views of the Fox River. Then, you could head downtown for local shops, cozy cafes, or The Plaza for some roller skating and other fall events on chilly weekends. The local farmers' market features 50 vendors and is every Saturday in nearby Shattuck Park, operating until mid October.  

The surrounding area comes alive in autumn with seasonal farms, orchards, and outdoor activities ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking to put on a flannel and enjoy the crisp air and changing leaves. Thirty minutes south of High Cliff State Park is The Little Farmer, where you can pick up a bag of fresh apples and try a warm muffin before getting lost in a corn maze, picking the perfect pumpkin, or hopping on a hayride. Sprangers Orchard is another gem ten minutes down the road from High Cliff. There you can sip fresh-pressed cider, pick your own apples, and browse local products like jam, maple syrup, and honey.

Whistler's Knoll Vineyard is also worth a visit during their "Wine Down" nights for flights of vino, tap beer, and charcuterie boards. Wrap up your visit with a colorful evening stroll through Kimberly Point Park in Neenah. The historic lighthouse and views of Lake Winnebago make a stunning backdrop, especially with the trees in full color. Whether you're exploring trails or enjoying farm-fresh treats, High Cliff State Park and the surrounding area offer a relaxing and scenic slice of fall in Wisconsin.