Description

The Seven Bridges trail is a short hike down to the shores of Lake Michigan, and the direct route is even shorter than the route mapped here.

And yet, it is still widely regarded as one of the best hikes in Milwaukee! The trail begins by passing over a beautiful wooden bridge, with an enchanting entryway that harkens back to the old world in Europe.

The trail is immediately engulfed by a dense forest, and the city feels like it’s a million miles away.

After hiking along above the rim of the gorge, a beautiful stone staircase drops down to the bottom of the gorge, just a short walk away from the shores of Lake Michigan.

Popping out on the shoreline is surreal! Despite being on the edge of the city of Milwaukee with over 1.6 million people, the protected parks along the shore in this area create a coastline that is wild and uninhabited, untrammeled by civilization and development.

If it isn’t too cold, stop and soak in this grand view—there are few like it in this region! Heading back into the woods, you have the option to climb up a stone staircase to the right and hike a loop higher up on the hillside, with even more grand views of the lake.

Eventually, you’ll return back to the gorge either way. While hiking through the bottom of the gorge, you’ll realize why they named this the “Seven Bridges” trail as you cross bridge after bridge over the stream.

The setting is idyllic as you enjoy the beautiful water, the soaring trees, and the green undergrowth.

If you want to escape from Milwaukee’s concrete jungle, it’s hard to think of a better getaway!