We love short hikes that have a big payoff. The Mallard Lake Trail won’t take you all day to complete, but it just might offer some trail memories you won’t forget. The trail is closer than you might realize and visits one of Wisconsin’s most glorious hidden gems. Here’s a waterfall trail that might just be one of the best hikes in Wisconsin, and in our opinion, it belongs on your list..

The Mallard Lake Trail is located in Whitnall Park, in Franklin, Wisconsin. It’s an easy drive from most places in southeast Wisconsin and it’s only about 20 minutes from the heart of downtown Milwaukee.
Mallard Lake, 6401-6499 Nature Center Dr, Franklin, WI 53132, USA
Alltrails / Lindsay Fuller
While the trail is close, it will take you to another world. There’s parking on the west side of the trail system, near the Wehr Nature Center.
Alltrails / Juan Zaragoza
The hiking is relatively flat and easy – a comfortable pair of walking shoes is all you need to explore this trail. The trail can get a little wet and icy, depending on the season, but there are pedestrian improvements like bridges and chipped trails.
best hikes in Wisconsin
Alltrails / Jaclyn Gast

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The hike around the pond will take you as little as 30 minutes, but allow some extra time – you’ll want to take some photos! The whole park covers 640 acres and there are some maple trees that are 270 years old!
Alltrails / Joe Bennett
The park is Milwaukee county’s largest park and it’s teeming with wildlife. It’s a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
best hikes in Wisconsin
Antonio Diaz/AllTrails
The star attraction of the park is a pretty little waterfall. It’s a tranquil oasis that’s a nice reward for taking the time to explore the park’s trails.
Alltrails / Joe Bennett

You can add on to your hike by exploring side trails. You’ll need to leave your dog at home though – they aren’t allowed on the trail. Learn more about the park on the Visit Milwaukee website. There are a lot of great trails in Milwaukee County. Here’s a trail that will take you to Milwaukee’s biggest attractions.

Wisconsin’s 135-mile Oak Leaf Trail Is Your Ticket To Milwaukee’s Biggest Parks And Attractions

Before you leave for this or any hike in Wisconsin, download your free trial of AllTrails+ where you can access offline maps as well as some cool perks. 

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More to Explore

Best Trails In Wisconsin

Melanie J. | February 07, 2024

What are some more of the best trails in Wisconsin that lead to rewarding endings?

If you’re searching for waterfalls, rock formations, caves, and more, here are some of the best trails in Wisconsin that have it all. 

  • Devil's Lake via West Bluff Trailhead, Baraboo
  • Balanced Rock Trail, Balanced Rock Trail, Baraboo
  • Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Merrimac
  • East Bluff and East Bluff Woods Trail Loop, Baraboo
  • Lion's Den Trail, Grafton
  • Willow Falls Trail to Burkhardt Trail, Hudson
  • Deer Run and Wilderness Trails Loop, Appleton
  • Meyers Beach Sea Cave Trail, Bayfield
  • Birkie Trail, Hayward
  • Picnic Point Marsh Loop Trail, Madison

Want more? Read our previous article featuring 18 of the best trails in Wisconsin.  

What are the best frozen waterfalls in Wisconsin?

If you love exploring enchanting frozen waterfalls in Wisconsin, then these are the ones that belong on your list:

  • Stephens Falls,  Dodgeville
  • Long Slide Falls, Niagara
  • Little and Big Manitou Falls, Superior
  • Hyde's Mill Falls, Ridgeway
  • Granite Falls, Montello
  • Apostle Islands, Bayfield
  • Wequiock Falls, Green Bay

Check out our article to discover more information about these frozen waterfalls in Wisconsin.

Are there more waterfront trails in Wisconsin? 

Yes, and here is a list of 8 easy waterfront trails in Wisconsin that we like the best:

  • Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville
  • Washburn Lakefront Walking Trail, Washburn
  • Port Washington Harbor Walk, Port Washington
  • Old Baldy Loop, Sturgeon Bay
  • Fallison Lake Trail, Sayner
  • Cordwalk-Boardwalk Trail, Sheboygan
  • Lynd Point Trail, Ellison Bay
  • Beach Park Lane Trail, Sheboygan

Be sure to check out our website to find more waterfront trails in Wisconsin to add to your list.

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Featured Addresses
Whitnall Park, 5879 S 92nd St, Franklin, WI 53132, USA