Incredible Hikes To Take On Your Next Trip To The Midwest
By AIMEE LONG
Located in Badlands National Park, South Dakota, this 1.5-mile trail is surrounded by striking rock formations and sweeping views of the desert-like topography.
Notch Trail
Wind your way along its sandy pathway that carves through the park's unique layers of sandstone, ash, and limestone, a geologic marvel created by ancient rivers.
This moderately difficult 10.5-mile-long trail in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan, isn't for the faint of heart but does provide jaw-dropping views.
Chapel Loop Trail
The picturesque scenery of Michigan's craggy coastline and Lake Superior's almost tropical-looking, turquoise waters reward those who make the trek, especially in autumn.
The trail weaves through various backcountry camping sites, countless vistas, and waterfalls but features some dangerous cliff edges, dropping hundreds of feet to the lake below.
Often touted as one of the most interesting hikes in the state, this 2-mile adventure is an easy trek in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, but it is only accessible by boat.
Witches Gulch
A mysterious slot canyon of mossy rock, it was created by glaciers and rivers millions of years ago. Tiki torches are lit along the railings after nightfall in autumn every year.
Known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," it's no wonder that Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park is a patchwork quilt of forests and water.
Blind Ash Bay Trail
The path snakes its way 2.9 miles through boreal pine forests. It begins at the Ash Bay Visitors Center, which has information on wildlife like white-tailed deer and bald eagles.
You'll also share the forest with black bears, moose, and wolves. Overnight visitors will be delighted with millions of twinkling stars and, if you're lucky, the aurora borealis.
In Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio, this hidden gem is one of the country's largest recess caves, its rim and cave opening measuring 700 feet in diameter.
Ash Cave Trail
Only a half-mile long and beginning with an asphalt path, it's perfect for those who need an easy way to reach the cave.
Hikers can take the more moderate second half of the trail back with staircases. From fall to spring, see Ash Cave's seasonal waterfall, or delight in an icy spire in winter.