Hike the Grass and Forest Lake Loop at Nashotah Park

Park Hours: 6AM to 10PM 

Official Nashotah Park Website

Excerpt from the website:

• Nashotah Park is a 444-acre park nestled among rolling hills, woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands that offer habitat for deer, waterfowl and a variety of songbirds. Nature trails lead through easily identifiable landscape types that were created by the last glacial advance more than 10,000 years ago: a natural lake system, an oak forest, an oak savanna (an area sparsely populated with trees), a cedar glade, a floating leaf marsh. Due to the variety of landscapes, Nashotah Park has an outstanding array of songbirds. The scenery comes alive with different colors for each season. In winter, the park continues to thrive as all levels of snowshoers and cross-country skiers spend mornings and afternoons on miles of trails.

This park has it all (also has a daily $5 fee in 2018) to enter. You can start these hiking trails from either end, the north or south parking lots. Each hiking trail is clearly marked by trail markers throughout the entire park. 

If you are searching to get closer to the water, take the Forest Lake trail from the south parking lot and turn toward the left when you enter the rows of pine trees. You will eventually loop down to the water after about 0.5 miles and you can take an unmarked lakeside trail back up to the parking lot!

If you are looking for a longer hike, take the Grass Lake loop from the north parking lot! This trail has it all from meadows to forests to lakeside views however takes a bit longer to get to the lake, it is well worth the time and effort. 

Stick around for sunset on the hill as you can see a 360 degree view on the hill top as the clouds light up.