Trail Map - Riveredge Nature Center

3.5 miles
1 mile
Intensity -
IntensityNote: trail contains many tree roots that can impede hiking conditions.
Pack a healthy snack and a water bottle and prepare for
adventure! Riveredge’s longest trail loop takes you along the
beautiful Milwaukee River where you may spy a blue heron
or even a bald eagle or two, through our sugarbush where our
famous sugar maples thrive, along a trail shaded by cedar and
pine, into an oak opening prairie, over creeks, and by a kettle
pond. Whether you hike, run, ski, or snowshoe this trail, you are
in for breathtaking views and an invigorating workout!
Connecting the East River Loop and the Sugarbush Loop, the
River Walk provides breathtaking views of the Milwaukee River.
Cross the stream on an elevated wooden bridge and experience
the beauty of a wetland habitat. Continue though patches of
magnificent ostrich ferns which lead you to an opening with a
panoramic view of the river. Continue on this trail until you
connect to the Sugarbush Loop.
To Do List
Hike, snowshoe & ski the trails
1 mile
Just a short car or bike ride away, this hike acquaints you with
majestic bur oaks, a species of oak famous for its shaggy acorn
caps and gigantic, twisting limbs. This wildlife-rich forest is
home to a great variety of spring wildflowers. Directions: From
the Nature Center, take a left on Hawthorne and a right on Main
Street. (You will now be in downtown Newburg.) Take a right on
Hickory. When you see a sign for Wellsprings Farm, turn right.
You will see the Riveredge Nature Center parking lot for Mayhew
Woods on your left.
1 mile
Have you ever enjoyed Riveredge maple syrup on a pancake? This
hike introduces you to the sugar maples that provide this delicious
treat. Start your hike in the prairie and soon you will find yourself
in a succession forest planting. (Can you tell which trees were
planted first?) View the “castle” and other “ruins” built by Oscar
Grady in the 1930’s. During the month of March, your hike may be
accompanied by the drip-drop of flowing maple sap!
Intensity -
Tap a maple tree
Break out the snow shoes
Release a sturgeon
Spin on the tire swing
Walk in the woods
Hike with the kids
Listen to a woodpecker
Intensity -
Wrestle the buckthorn
Catch a frog
0.75 miles
Enjoy a huge diversity of planted prairies species in one short,
enjoyable hike! Savor the sight of blue-birds, visit several
established prairies, listen to the rippling of Riveredge Creek, and
maybe even spot a swamp metalmark butterfly when traveling
through this endangered specie’s breeding habitat! Make sure to
take some time to learn about native prairie grasses at the Grass
Wheel.
Intensity -
0.75 miles
Bursting with color throughout the year, this loop has it all!
From spring ephemerals to beautiful fall colors, photography
opportunities abound. Deer, squirrels, and woodpeckers
are often spotted throughout this loop, making it an exciting
exploratory walk for kids of all ages!
Intensity -
1 mile
Experience the beautiful wetland habitats Riveredge has to offer! Discover the plant life of wet prairies, spot fairy shrimp and
tadpoles at the State Natural Area vernal pond, and stroll across
the swamp boardwalk where skunk cabbage, ferns, and moss reign.
On warm days in early spring, immerse yourself in the chorus of a
variety of frog species!
Intensity -
Join the bird club
Hang in the tree house
Jump in the pond
Find the Yule Log
Join the Riveredge Family
2.25 miles
Experience the diverse ecosystems of Riveredge! During your
hike, you will encounter a maple-beech wood, a cedar grove, a
pine forest, a kettle pond, and gorgeous prairie vistas. Take in the
view at Riveredge’s highest elevation and stop to rest on a bench
overlooking Riveredge Creek. During early summer hikes, enjoy
the hillsides filled with golden coreopsis flowers!
Intensity -
Membership application available
at the main building &
online @ www.riveredgenaturecenter.org
Trail Map