Disclosure: Parks and Planes is an informative resource for readers. Due to unforeseen conditions like closures, policies, construction and other natural changes to the trail, Parks and Planes, LLC does not assume liability for the accuracy of posts, trail conditions and directions. Parks and Planes strives to accurately describe and document details as experienced during the date and time of the visit. Please travel safely when following this itinerary and visiting recommended sites and places mentioned in this blog post. Nothing in this post is AI generated. All photos are our own. This post does contain affiliate links which we may earn a commission from.
If you’re anything like us, when the temperatures finally start to dip in Wisconsin you won’t be able to resist the urge to get outdoors and make the most of the season. Situated in north-central Wisconsin, you’ll find Tomahawk, the gateway to Wisconsin’s Northwoods, where several stunning hikes and overlooks promising unforgettable autumn views await. From fire-red and orange or light brown to golden yellows, Tomahawk’s fall palette is undeniably postcard perfect. Here are our top recommendations on the best hiking trails and overlooks in Tomahawk, perfect for fall leaf peeping.
Before You Chase Fall Colors in Tomahawk
To ensure you visit Tomahawk during peak foliage, we recommend you first consult the Wisconsin Color Report. This annual report available digitally and updated in real-time, will keep you up to date on when you can enjoy top color anywhere in the Badger State. Typically, the further north you go, the earlier in the season you will need to visit for peak fall colors. In Tomahawk the first month of October is often the best time of year to enjoy the area’s spectacular yet fleeting fall foliage. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy comfortable hiking temperatures.
Also, please remember to always follow Leave No Trace principles when exploring the outdoors. Stay on marked paths, do not trespass, don’t litter and respect wildlife.
If you’re in the market for a new pair of hiking boots or are looking for your first pair of boots to handle a long-rugged hike, we highly recommend the Nortiv 8 hiking boots. The men’s Armadillo 2 hiking boots are excellent – sturdy, uber comfortable even in the backcountry, waterproof and have amazing traction. The price is unbeatable too. Click here to check out the Armadillo 2 hiking boots and for a special discounted price.
Hiking Trails
As a pair of hiking enthusiasts, we love to flee the crowds of the city in exchange for Wisconsin trails less visited. The following trails in Tomahawk promise unforgettable outdoor adventures. There’s a great mix of easy to challenging trails in Tomahawk which allows hikers of all abilities and ages to be able to enjoy stunning fall colors to the fullest. Trails will take you through rugged woodlands, wetland areas, active logging sites and even an enchanted forest with big Pacific Northwest vibes. Here are our top 4 trail picks starting with the challenging one and working down to the easiest trails.
The Underdown Segment of the Ice Age Trail
Difficulty: Challening
A hike on the National Scenic Ice Age Trail is always a worthwhile trek that will take you on a historical and natural journey while you hug miles along the edge of where ancient glaciers once stood. This is one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States and it runs across the entire state of Wisconsin from east to west. We are determined to hike the entire Ice Age Trail (IAT) and started our journey in July 2020 – yes, during the pandemic. You can follow along on our progress and learn more about the Ice Age Trail’s 121 segments and 19 trail communities we visit by checking out our Ice Age Trail Logbook. We update it whenever we finish a hike on the IAT.
This segment of the Ice Age Trail is 6.1 miles long from start to finish and can easily be completed point-to-point in a few hours – especially if you team up with another hiking buddy or hiking couple who can park at the opposite end of the trail, then you both pick up one another’s cars and meet at a designated meeting spot. Wah-la no doubling back on this segment required! Another option would be to connect with a Trail Angel in advance of your hike. A Trail Angel is a volunteer who lives close to the segment who may be available to help transport you to your starting point, so you only have to hike the trail one-way. You can learn more about Ice Age Trail Angels and shuttles here. Pro tip – it’s best to reach out sooner rather than later for the best chances of connected with a volunteer who will be available the day you plan to set out on your hike. If you’re planning a longer thru-hike, you’re in luck on this segment as there is a primitive campsite available for use on a first-come first serve basis.
Now, for the fun part – what you can expect to see and enjoy while on this trail. This is an incredibly serene trail. If you start at the eastern terminus, you’ll hike through crimson sugar maples that set the hilly trail ablaze and get to enjoy the golden glow from native beech trees. About 0.5-miles into the hike you’ll enter into the Enchanted forest, it’s entrance marked by a wood sign. This part of the trail leads you through a magical hemlock grove that transports you to another world like the Pacific-Northwest or a scene from FernGully. You won’t feel like you’re in Wisconsin, that’s for sure! You’ll also pass all types of mushrooms, mosses and ferns and be trekking next to a wetland area in the forest section. Another reason we loved this trail was it’s far less trafficked than some of our other favorites in the state. In fact, we did not pass another hiker while on the Underdown segment.
The Harrison Hills Segment of the Ice Age Trail
Difficulty: Challenging (this is a rugged trail)
Enjoy a scenic, peaceful drive in Lincoln County on your way to hike another section of the state’s longest trail on the 14.4-mile Harrison Hills Segment of the Ice Age Trail. On this hiking trail known for its rolling topography, you’ll be surrounded by brilliant fall foliage from start to finish. It offers a peak at the best landscapes Wisconsin has to offer including strands of hardwoods ablaze in reds, yellows, and oranges in the fall. We have way more going on in Wisconsin than just views of farmland and dairy cows. Part of this trail is also an active logging site so parts of it will lead you through semi-barren land only to reemerge into a dazzling landscape at your next turn.
You’ll likely pass a fellow hiker or two on this trail but by and large it’s a place to go for some serious solitude. It’s a hike where nature reaches out and wraps you up in a bear hug and leaves you feeling comforted and awestruck at the same time. It’s hard to explain. We guess you’ll have to experience this idyllic trail for yourself and report back on how it went!
There are 4 primitive campsites on this segment and 1 backpacker’s shelter all with no restroom facilities. Each are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hiawatha – Bearskin State Trail
Difficulty: Easy and Accessible
This trail will have you traveling along parts of a former railroad line that moved lumber from the Northwoods down to Chicago, Illinois. The gravel path is ideal for walking or biking and will lead you past the Wisconsin River, creeks, and springs. You can pick up the trailhead in SARA Park, which starts with a wooden plank bridge. This is a great trail option for all ages and abilities to enjoy the great outdoors and spectacular fall scenery. We chose to enjoy the crisp autumn day from the seat of our bikes. We biked for 6 miles (12 round trip) and loved the tree line trail and the gorgeous fall colors both on the trees and littered on the path.
Tomahawk River Walk
Difficulty: Easy and Accessible
This is an easy, short, and leisurely 0.75-mile trail offering peaceful views of the Wisconsin River. The trail isn’t a loop, but you could continue the Hiawatha Trail and then come back around through town and down to Veteran’s Park. That route will run you almost 3 miles round trip. On the Tomahawk River Walk, you’ll also pass over some scenic boardwalks and the town’s public library. There’s plenty of opportunities to stop along the way – be it for soft-serve from Dairy Queen or to sit along the lake and take in some sparkling water views. You could even plan and stop at a picnic-worthy autumnal spot along the way. There is a lovely waterfront bench perfect for such an activity or you lay out a blanket or grab a picnic table at Veteran’s Park. If you feel like fishing the Wisconsin River, you’ll find a pier in Veterans Park, a pier by the Dairy Queen and a pier over the Wisconsin River which is also part of the Hiawatha Trail.
Overlooks
Here are two incredible, one-of-a kind overlooks in and close-by Tomahawk sure to deliver stunning and sweeping fall views from above.
Timm’s Hill
You’ll find this unassuming geological wonder in the small, rural town of Ogema (in Price County) located approximately 24 miles west of Tomahawk. What makes Timm’s Hill Observation Town in Timm’s Hill County Park so special is it is technically the highest natural point in the entire state of Wisconsin! It sits 1,951.5 feet above sea level and has been the highest point in the state since 1962. The hike to the observation tower is moderately difficult – it’s a short 0.3-mile-long hike but it is a steep one. It’s also part of Timm’s National Scenic Trail and connects to the Rib Lake Segment of the Ice Age Trail.
This is THE prime spot of leaf peeping. Once you reach the top of the observation town, this lookout offers glorious views of vibrant fall colors as far as the eye can see. In fact, from the top of the observation tower, on a clear day, you’ll be able to enjoy a 30-mile view of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Prepare for your jaw to drop – both of ours did! The beauty of Wisconsin is on full display at Timm’s Hill. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind, not-to-be-missed fall destination.
Only thing we would have done differently was climbed to the top of the observation tower with our selfie stick in tow. Guess we will just have to make a return trip!
Lookout Mountain
Situated on the Harrison Hills segment of the Ice Age Trail is where you’ll find this standout overlook and the fourth highest peak in Wisconsin. The easiest way to access Lookout Mountain is by picking up the Ice Age Trail trailhead at the CTH-B parking Area (located off County Road B in the town of Harrison Hills) and hiking approximately 1.75 miles westbound.
The sweat is seriously it on this trek as from Lookout Mountain you’ll be rewarded with some semi-nice long views of both Wisconsin woodlands and active logging sites. Online it says you can climb the 100-foot tower between May and October 31. However, we were unable to access it when we visited in early October. Even if you can’t climb the tower, it’s still a special place to visit. On Lookout Mountain, you’ll be standing on a 1,920-foot hill and in the location of the first tower in Wisconsin to be placed on the National Historic Lookout Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
Need a place to stay while in Tomahawk?
You should at least plan to stay and explore Tomahawk and its surrounding beauty for at least a weekend if not longer. Two places we highly recommend for overnights are Maple Bear Campgrounds and the Shores at Lake Mohawksin.
Maple Bear Campgrounds
Maple Bear Campgrounds is a beautiful site in lush surroundings. The park has several sites equipped with electric and water available to reserve along with nice amenities including a heated swimming pool open in the summer/warmer months, a playground, and showers. After an active afternoon, crack open a cold bevy and enjoy a leisurely game of kubb or cornhole – both popular camping games in Wisconsin. When you’ve worked up an appetite cook something up in your camper/at your campsite or walk over to Maple Bear Bar and Grill to enjoy some classic Wisconsin pub fare. Their menu has everything from cheese curds to fried fish and chicken wings to pizza served up in a cozy bar setting.
End the day gathered around a campfire and celebrate a day well-spent in Wisconsin’s great outdoors. As the sun sinks behind the horizon, be sure to gaze up. Seek solace among the stars, ponder the cosmos and scan for constellations. The Milky Way is also often visible in Tomahawk’s night sky and sometimes very low on the horizon too. Enjoy toasty S’mores under the moon and enjoy being close to other happy campers.
Pro Tips: if you have an ATV plan to bring it on your camping trip to Maple Bear Campgrounds which is located right on the ATV trail system. Also, you can purchase firewood onsite at the office/bar and have it delivered to your campsite. It is important that you use firewood purchased at the campground because firewood from other areas may be hiding insects and diseases harmful to trees. By using local firewood you’re helping to product the trees of Wisconsin’s Northwoods.
Campground Etiquette
If you’re new to camping or perhaps it has been a while since you’ve slept under the stars, here are our top three tips on how to be a good campground neighbor – whether you’re an RV/Trailer or Tent camper:
- Please, please respect quiet hours.
- Slow down, especially because kids and pets are usually out and about on campground roads.
- Don’t cut across other people’s campsites.
Lake Mohawksin Shores (Wisconsin Getaways)
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a campfire among the trees, paddle on a lake or cozy up next to a fireplace you can do all of this and more at Lake Mohawksin Shores in Tomahawk. This waterfront retreat is tucked away for a secluded feel but still close to everything including the main downtown, grocery store, gas stations and restaurants. Some of our favorite highlights were the cozy cabin décor, fantastic fall color views, and water toys and life jackets available for use on Lake Mohawksin. The unit is spacious, and each room is immaculate. The kitchen space has everything you need to cook or grill up a meal and you’ll also find both a coffee pot and Keurig conveniently on the kitchen counter. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi and a helpful guidebook with recommendations on everything from hiking trails to places of worship in the area. It’s the ideal landing pad for a friend’s getaway or family vacation in Wisconsin’s Northwoods!
Pro Tip: No need to pack beach or bath towels as both are graciously provided.
We truly hope you’ll be able to one day soon enjoy the spectacular color show that comes to Tomahawk each fall on the trail or at one of these epic overlooks!
~ Justin and Alyssa
Thanks for sharing this idea. Anita
Of course! One of our new favs.
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We already are subscribers 🙂
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Oh my wow! Beautiful! You mentioned that autumn foliage is fleeting, how long does is normally last?
When the fall colors peak in a part of Wisconsin it lasts for about 1 week. But the fall colors can be enjoyed for most of October (most years!)
Oh I see, thank you for that information. 🙂