If Parnell Tower is already on your fall hiking list, Pike Lake State Park offers another excellent viewpoint closer to Hartford. Officially known as the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, this section of Kettle Moraine Pike Lake country sits a short drive from Hidden Serenity in Hartford, Wisconsin. Its observation tower near the top of Powder Hill offers a panoramic fall view across the surrounding landscape, making Pike Lake an easy addition to a fall getaway in southeastern Wisconsin.
Where Pike Lake Is and How to Get There
Pike Lake State Park, officially the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, is located at 3544 Kettle Moraine Road in Hartford, Wisconsin, just south of State Highway 60. If you’re searching for Pike Lake, Hartford, WI, this is the section of the state forest you’ll want. It’s part of the larger Kettle Moraine State Forest system, which also includes the Northern and Southern units.
Why Pike Lake’s Fall Color Is Different
Pike Lake, Wisconsin, sits along the western edge of the Niagara Escarpment, but the high point you’re climbing is a different geological feature. Powder Hill is a large glacial kame, a hill formed from sediment deposited by glacial meltwater during the Ice Age. At 1,350 feet, Powder Hill is the second-highest point in southeastern Wisconsin, and its elevation gives hikers a broad view of the surrounding Kettle Moraine Pike Lake landscape.
Maple and beech woods cover much of the surrounding landscape, creating a colorful backdrop around Powder Hill in fall. The best views come from the observation tower near the summit, which rises above the surrounding forest and opens up a panoramic view of the landscape.
Trail Details
The hike to Powder Hill at Pike Lake State Park is relatively short, but reaching the summit involves an uphill climb. It’s 0.5 miles from the Nature Trail parking lot or 1.1 miles from the beach and picnic area parking lot. A Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker is required.
The latter half of October is generally the strongest window for fall color in this part of southeastern Wisconsin, although timing varies from year to year. Check the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report shortly before your hike for current conditions.
More Fall Color Near Pike Lake
Pike Lake shouldn’t be the only place you visit during your stay:
- It’s one of the stops along the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, so you can combine Pike Lake State Park with several other viewpoints in a single afternoon.
- For another observation tower, see our guide to Parnell Tower. For a hike with a historic basilica and panoramic views, visit Holy Hill.
- Not sure when to time your trip? Our Wisconsin fall colors map and peak timing guide breaks down when color typically peaks region by region.
After a day exploring Pike Lake State Park and the surrounding Kettle Moraine, Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast gives you a comfortable place to settle in while keeping you close to the fall scenery. If you’re looking for the best bed and breakfast Wisconsin has to offer for a quiet couples getaway, our individually decorated guest rooms, wooded setting, and private amenities make the property part of the trip rather than simply somewhere to sleep. Enjoy more fall color on our wooded walking trail, then unwind with the complimentary 90-minute session included with every stay in our private in-house spa, complete with a steam room, sauna, jetted hot tub, cold deluge shower, fireplace, and forest views. In the morning, you’ll wake up to a homemade breakfast before heading out for another day in the Kettle Moraine. Book your stay and make Hidden Serenity your home base for a fall getaway in Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Pike Lake State Park?
Pike Lake State Park, officially the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, is located at 3544 Kettle Moraine Road in Hartford, Wisconsin, just south of State Highway 60. It’s part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest system.
When is the best time to see fall colors at Pike Lake?
The latter half of October is generally the strongest window for fall color at Pike Lake, Wisconsin, although timing varies each year. Check the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report for current conditions before you go.
How difficult is the hike to Powder Hill?
The hike to Powder Hill at Pike Lake State Park is relatively short, but it does involve an uphill climb. It’s 0.5 miles from the Nature Trail parking lot or 1.1 miles from the beach and picnic area parking lot.
Is Pike Lake less crowded than Parnell Tower or Holy Hill?
Pike Lake offers a relatively short hike to a panoramic viewpoint and can be a good alternative to Parnell Tower or Holy Hill when you’re exploring the Kettle Moraine.
Can I combine a visit to Pike Lake with other Kettle Moraine stops?
Yes. Pike Lake State Park is one of the stops along the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, so it’s easy to combine with Parnell Tower, Holy Hill, or other points along the route in a single day trip.