Unseasonably warm weather means the season for checking out changing fall foliage has been extended in Wisconsin. There’s still plenty of time to head out on some of these peaceful, remote country roads and take in the natural beauty the state has to offer.
In no particular order, here are 10 of the best roads to travel is you’re looking for a breathtaking view of fall.
1. Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive
This 115 mile drive that traverses six counties in southern Wisconsin goes through both the
Kettle Moraine State Forests Southern & Northern Units.
2. Rib Mountain State Park Road
Located just south of Wausau, Rib Mountain State Park has a 60-foot observation tower that gives you a breathtaking perspective of the Wisconsin River Valley below.
3. State Hwy 35 - Great River Road
Stretching from Prescott to Potosi for nearly 250 miles, the Great River road hugs near the Mississippi River and passes through charming and historical towns along the way. There are plenty of bluffs to provide views over the river as well as observation platforms at locks along the river.
4. Rustic Road 86 - Barron County
There's no shortage of peaceful roads in northwest Wisconsin, but Rustic Road 86 in Barron County starts in Bear Lake and follows the course of an old railroad line from the logging era. This route winds through 4,100 acres of Barron County forest land, which intersects the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
5. Hwy 42 - Door County
Door County can be as touristy and cliche as it gets when it comes to searching for fall foliage, but if you follow Hwy 42 up and towards the very tip of the peninsula, you can escape some of the crowds and find some unique colors.
6. Hwy 13 - North of Bayfield
The area around Ashland and Bayfield can get crowded with visitors to the Apostle Islands, so head out on Hwy 13 as it hugs the Lake Superior shoreline. Just 40 miles will bring you to Brule River State Forest's 40,000 acres of beautiful fall color.
7. Hwy 23 - Dodgeville to Spring Green
It's just 18 miles, but if pictures like this are what you get, it's worth the trip. Located in one of the areas of the state not touched by glaciers, there's a ton of peaks, valleys and trees.
8. Hwy 77 - Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest
Possibly the most diverse drive on the list, the forest offers maple, oak, birch, aspen, ash and cherry trees as well as tamaracks the turn golden late in the foliage season.
9. Hwy 107 - Merrill to Tomahawk
The highway bends and curves along the Wisconsin River and allows stops at Council Grounds State Park, the Ice Age Scenic Trail, and a marsh.
10. Hwy 63 -Cable
Cable embrace the fall foliage tourists and actually had two different color tours mapped out and marked for visitor.
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