So you want to explore a new park site that isn't too far a drive, huh? One that is more forest than community park? Well then Highland Woods is the place for you my friend.
Location
12701 Greenbay Road - Mequon, WI 53024
Size
85 acres
Description
Heavily wooded park with clearly defined walking trails that are easy to follow with 3 routes all connecting and building off each other. One small loop, one medium loop and one large loop. Was Goldilocks here when they made these? You likely will not get lost in this park as going off trail is extremely difficult due to the thick growth you would have to fight through. It will seriously tear you up.
There is also a separate prairie loop on the north side of the park if wooded areas ain't your jam.
The woods are impressive with old growth trees. Many in excess of 4 feet in diameter. Sadly alot of the older trees are dead. It doesn't make them any less majestic though. Pines and Water Oaks as well as your typical Maples are the most common trees I could identify along with some European Ash. A huge ecosystem of plants inhabit this land.
Points of Interest
The old Water Oaks. My goodness they are something to marvel at. The sheer height and girth are incredible for a wooded plot this close to well populated areas baffles my mind. Also the massive Pines with their labyrinth of branches are another sight to gaze at. Beautiful wildflowers. Lots of wild cucumber. Lots of mycology to see. I can't find much history on this but at one time it was clearly some sort of animal farm. (Not the totalitarian kind). The heavy growth off the trails are littered with old cops of some kind. Rabbit farm? Mink farm? Poultry/Fowl? Who knows. But it makes you want to dig up the history of this place. The other thing I find perplexing is that the land was used for the raising of animals but they didn't clear the land as evident by the old forest growth. A mystery to me indeed.
Things to Know before you go.
The woods are flanked on three of the four sides by busy streets. Mequon Road, Greenbay Road and Cedarburg Road. This can be a drawback especially if you take the longest loop. You are pretty much walking within yards of the roads. It can be difficult to get your zen on with traffic whizzing by. The small loops is just too short but stays clear of most of the roads. The medium loop is my favorite. Since it bisects through the middle of the land it keeps you away from city sounds. It provides the best views and it's a decent length. That Goldilocks thing again. The west side of the woods on the largest loop are pure mud and very slippery. It is also st the bottom of a huge slope. I am assuming it's impassable when the snow starts melting and any time there are heavy rains. Another thing to know is while yes, the trails are easily visible they aren't without obstacles. Large rocks and tree roots litter the trails. Also tree stumps about 3 to 4 inches in diameter and 3 to 4 inches in height dot the trails too. They blend in really well and if you aren't paying attention, oh you're going down. Also, there are a decent amount of benches throughout that you are able to rest on.
Vixen Says
Lots of squirrels living in the dead trees. Love that. So many good sniffs. Sometimes other dogs are there but it's easy to avoid them so that's good. Three paws and two woofs. read more