More than 100 miles of trail wind through the Fox Cities, leading you along the Fox River, through the woods and around numerous communities. A few highlights:
The two-mile Fox Trot Trail loops around downtown Appleton. Grab a map at the visitor center, then follow the blue fox pawprints on the sidewalk. A fox head indicates one of 16 points of interest, which highlight Appleton’s rich history.
Some two dozen miles of trail tumble through the Bubolz Nature Preserve, Heckrodt Wetland Reserve and 1000 Islands Environmental Center. There are nature centers, observation decks and a sugar shack here, too.
High Cliff State Park on Lake Winnebago boasts Native American effigy mounds and a jagged, limestone cliff that’s part of the Niagara Escarpment, a geological wonder stretching eastward to Niagara Falls.
Loop the Locks
This mixed-use trail unspools some seven miles through the heart of the Fox River Valley, showcasing several of the Fox River locks, local parks and, of course, the river. The path also connects Kimberly, Combined Locks and Kaukauna in the process. If you want more fun, another nine or so miles of trail connect with the main loop, allowing you easy access to Little Chute and Appleton.
Loop the Lake
This 3.5-mile paved loop is one of the most popular trails in the Fox Cities. The path winds around scenic Little Lake Butte des Morts and through Fox Crossing, Menasha and Neenah, offering convenient stops at four developed parks.
Even better, the trail leads you across four trestle bridges, including the longest trestle bridge in Wisconsin, the Fox Cities Trestle. This one-of-a-kind, lighted pedestrian bridge stretches 1,600 feet over the water, offering great views. The Loop the Lake trail is also part of the Friendship State Trail, a path-in-progress that will eventually link Manitowoc and Stevens Point.
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