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    Oak Leaf Trail

    4.7 (39 reviews)

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    View of trail by the Urban Ecology Center.
    Howard L.

    I can tell this is a delightful city trail and we saw but a snippet of it.  We started our Sunday morning stroll by the Urban Ecology Center.  The trail is wide, well paved, and tranquil here. Where we were at was below grade and below a multitude of bridges and it felt like we were walking in a large, quaint outdoor subway.  There were intermittent encounters with courteous walkers, bikers, joggers, and dog walkers and it was nicely uncrowded at this time.  I definitely would like to see more of this extensive and locally renowned trail and plan to on future visits.  Thanks to Yelper Sarah P for her insightful trail review and tips. Note that there are two Yelp pages for this trail, but this is the more popular one.

    Aubrey G.

    Oak Leaf Trail is part of one of my favorite exercise walks near and about the Tosa village. The path bends and takes you along the Menomonee River Parkway and parallels (west) Honey Creek Parkway as well. I admire how the municipal parks takes care of the area. I feel like I'm miles away from the "city" when I walk the trail. At one point, a bridge crosses the Menomonee River. I can stand on that bridge and gaze at the rushing water all day. If you are a runner/jogger/walker for exercise and live in the area, I strongly encourage you to check it out for yourself!

    North towards Mequon
    Chadrick J.

    To know we have this wonderful trail, that extends throughout Milwaukee and beyond, plus it's well maintained through and through, is just simply amazing! I've taken this trail all the way down to Summerfest grounds and further in either direction. It's paved and wide and great to get around to just about anywhere in Milwaukee. Long summer jaunts are the best on the Oak Leaf. We even have a tiny sliver of it that runs through the back lot area of our Riverwest home. So much goes on around this trail such as the Riverwest 24. It's just a piece of what makes MKE such a great city. On the Beerline section through backside of Humboldt is another section we frequent. Walking the dog or going off the trail down to the river is the best. Cutting down the trail through the Eastside takes you past and under so much of the hecticness that's going on above. Pull the trail up on Google maps and see the expanse of it and how far you can go! Good stuff Wisconsin!

    Yes ladies and gentlemen, that's a parrot on a bike. Oh the things u see on the OLT :)
    Erin L.

    This is Griffin (my doggie) and my new favorite trail in the city limits of Milwaukee. Mostly because it is a gem I found so close to my house and that it is full of other people in the area that appreciate a little nature break in the middle of their busy days. Note: My review is for the Greenfield area portion of the trail.

    Shane H.

    You cannot dismiss the importance of having the Oak Leaf Trail in a city the size of Milwaukee. It is an amazing thing that city planners even had the foresight to take on a project like this. I bike the trail to get pretty much anywhere along the city's eastern half...I haven't even explored it's other expanses, which apparently covers over 100 miles! It is one of the many things that makes me really proud to call this place home.

    Starting point of the off road portion of trail in Bayview
    Lisa A.

    We're in the thick of summer here, so I felt it would be a good time to update one of the places I spend more time than any other during June, July and August. The oak leaf trail has been many things to me. It meanders all over the city, with bike lanes on roads connecting the off road trail. It includes: 1.) The beautiful urban (yet wooded) area by the lakefront - my "everyday" part of the trail that I have probably spent 1000s (literally) of hours on over the past couple decades. 2.) The path through estabrook park that makes the beer garden there so easy to get to. 3.) The sections way out by lovers lane and the menomonee river parkway that I've walked on many times during my lunch break. 4.) The sections that start at Cupertino park in Bayview and go way down the south shore into Cudahy offering really spectacular views of the lake (many from high above it) and the Milwaukee skyline in the distance. 5.) The trail that connects the Brady street area with riverwest, on a well paved trail between the river and Humboldt park, ending at Gordon park (and making the Tracks that much easier for me to get to.) 6.) There's a nice,long well-paved stretch on the northwest side, starting just past Lincoln park and Silver Spring Drive, continuing all the way up to connect to the Ozaukee Interurban Trail. It passes by meadows, woodsy areas, parks, and a few watering holes from 20-something days gone by (I see you, Thirsty Fox and Libby Montana) My grumblings: 1.) Some parts of it are super bumpy and need a good pave job. 2.) I have mentioned that I take the green line bus from Brady st to the airport when I need to take a trip out of town. When I'm on the "on road" portions of this trail along kk and 1st & am passed by the green line bus, I contemplate my life and wonder if I'll ever make it back on a plane again in one piece in this lifetime - cuz between the cars, buses, and opening car doors -- well, its a wee bit hair raising! Just kidding (sort of) - they've repaved part of KK but some parts are still a little rough. But overall a great great trail that I'm always glad to have in our city. Many cities have multi-use trails like this but I really think ours is five star worthy.

    View from st Francis (having trouble zooming in with the cold hands)
    Peter C.

    I've been on this trail down on the east side and through Shorewood yet have recently been biking to work and taking it up by Brown Deer park. The trail connects to the inner-urban trail once you hit Ozaukee County. The trail has many side paths that lead through various parks and is clearly marked on if there are turns on the trail coming up or various streets to know where you are at. The other bikers and walkers all are very nice on the trail. The path starting at County Line Rd. in Brown Deer has been redone all the way down to around Brown Deer Park. The trail is extremely smooth and wide to pass with comfort.

    Brian M.

    I feel bad about being the first person to give the trail less than five stars, but I feel it is a very fair reflection of the entire trail. I grew up in Cudahy, so the Grant Park to the South Shore Yacht Club was a daily ritual for me in summer. Now that I have lived in Tosa for the past 10 years, I have become very familiar with the trail from the Art Museum through the East Side all the way up the White Fish Bay. As much as I really miss my old "southside ride," I really enjoy the Northshore segment. It has a nice gentle uphill grade for the entire ride heading north resulting in an awesome downhill return trip. Very enjoyable! I also regularly ride through Tosa and the Hank Aaron Trail. My favorite part is going past Miller Park and the VA. Some great scenery! My only issue with the trails are the sections of surface roads that link the various paths and parkways. As much as I love the Hank Aaron trail, the section from the Harley Museum to the lakefront is by no means a safe and tranquil route. Another example is if you are heading north into downtown from Bayview, they "trail" goes along KK Ave. Always interesting dodging buses while avoiding potholes. Also, there are some areas of the bike path that are in desperate need of resurfacing. Don't see that happening anytime soon. Thanks Mr. Walker! Having said that, the trail truly is a gem in Milwaukee County's tarnishing crown. I love it! This town wouldn't be the same without it.

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    Ask the Community - Oak Leaf Trail

    Review Highlights - Oak Leaf Trail

    As other reviewers have noted, the trail itself is a real gem to Milwaukee County.

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    Seven Bridges - Entrance

    Seven Bridges

    (72 reviews)

    Beautiful park that has a path that leads straight out to Lake Michigan. This trail made it feel…read morelike I was back home in Colorado and gives someone who's homesick a little sense of peace and comfort. Highly recommend in fall! PSA: Be aware of ticks!!

    I absolutely love this park. Ive been coming here since i was a little girl and it hasn't lost its…read morecharm quite yet although slowly falling apart. I frequent this park often and it does seem like they are trying to keep up with damaged walkways and fallen trees as best as possible. This trail connects over to grant park as well as the neighboring golf course. Many picnic areas, walking trails, views, and two points of beach access. The stairs here are VERY steep, and the pathways are generally NOT smooth. If these are concerns for you be weary! Bathrooms are as clean as you can expect at a park, trash cans are never left filthy, and parks people as well as park enjoyers all do a pretty good job of picking up any litter or trash left behind. Passer by'ers are typically friendly, and can even offer tidbits of information about the native plant life growing around you! If you care to say hello. In the summers on the weekends this place gets pretty crazy, and becomes a park i no longer enjoy. Visitors from nearby locations blast loud music, graffiti trees, leave mounds of garbage, and totally wreck the place. Photographers and photoshoots engulf the area, making it impossible to actually just relax enjoy the park. But thats not the parks fault! It really is beautiful! Summer visitors do show a lack of respect for the wildlife, however. If you are a large group, summer enjoyer. There are different events that take place here such as the annual beer garden. Theres a pavilion available for reservations for parties and events. Fall time is also awesome here. Whether you prefer a short scenic drive to admire the trees, or prefer to be more immersed, this place has color!! Hands down one of my favorite places to spend me time. On the right day, in the right season that is.

    Shorewood Nature Preserve

    Shorewood Nature Preserve

    (4 reviews)

    This magical, somewhat hidden spot has been a longtime favorite. I started coming here as a kid and…read morenow bring my two kids here for some oneness with nature. It's small and there are only a few short trails, but it's as serene and lovely as can be. Fall is a perfect time to check it out, but wear shoes that can handle mud and slippery leaves. Be sure to head all the way down to the water. The beach is minimal, but the kids will entertain themselves for hours climbing on fallen trees, looking for the perfect rock and perhaps building a shelter out of branches. One last tip: On your way down the steep hill, borrow a walking stick that you'll find on the left hand side near the entrance. Just be sure to return it for the next explorer to use.

    I came here all the time when I was a kid and had the pleasure of returning recently. There are…read moreseveral short hiking loops through the woods and a steep entry trail that goes straight down to the water. There is less beach than there used to be; perhaps it's an erosion issue. If you hike along the water, the beach opens up in a few places. It's very secluded! If you take the trails off to the north of the main one, you should stumble upon a bunch of old wooden benches, which are remnants of a long-gone outdoor church. High schoolers frequent this place to, well, do the things that high schoolers do. Don't worry though, they're more scared of you than you are of them. This is a wonderful place to get close to nature. It's generally very quiet. I've seen deer, bats, lots of interesting mushrooms, and many varieties of wildflower. The trail can be overgrown, but it is still quite clear. It's not possible to get lost, as the park is rather small, and all the trails are loops. Just be careful about wandering onto private property. No one seems to care too much, but there are "no trespassing" signs by the fences. If you want better beach, you might have to ignore the warnings, but you didn't hear it from me. Also, be careful along the shore here-- it can be tricky to traverse.

    Fox Brook Park

    Fox Brook Park

    (17 reviews)

    It's been a few years since I've been to Fox Brook Park. Normally I came just to enjoy the…read morebeach/swimming and have since back in late elementary school! This time I came to test out the full expanse of the water with my paddle board. I came with my brother who had his kayak and fished. He caught a rainbow trout (and released). We stayed on the water for almost 4 hours - the water was nice and clean and it was busy but not crazy. The beach area was definitely a popular busy zone but most the people were in the designated swimming area versus the open lake. Just a great time and will be back! If looking to grab a spot on the dry land I would recommend arriving before 11am- that's when it started filling up more.

    What a nice green park with convenient access to nature less than a half hour from downtown…read moreMilwaukee! Fox Brook has a swimming pond area, a pavilion for the beer garden and a rentable pavilion at Picnic Area 1. I rented out the pavilion for 30+ guests and it has plenty of space, can hold Up to 200. It also has a volleyball net and a cut little loop on the prairie. Lots of migrating birds in the spring! The reservation comes with a fee of course which you can reserve online. There is a $7 fee to enter the park as well and can also be done online. There's a paved trail that loops the swimmable Pond shared with bikers. It's a peaceful place to walk your dog, or by yourself or with friends/family/significant other. There is also a few offshoot unpaved trails that cuts into the trees for a short while to walk along the trees. Pretty decent if you're looking to take a quick walk and enjoy nature or have a meetup and enjoy some beer at the beer garden.

    Kohler-Andrae State Park

    Kohler-Andrae State Park

    (46 reviews)

    At this rate, my family should be spokespeople for this State Park, because we really love it that…read moremuch. It continues to be a favorite spot for camping trips multiple times a year, but hot dang you have to book FAR in advance to get a site! I believe they allow you to book up to 11 months in advance, which seems crazy but trust me when I say you need to, especially for weekend or holiday dates. We camp with both an RV and tents, and are always in search of sites with electric as an option. My favorite is around the #89-92 area, but honestly you can't go wrong with most all of the sites. The grounds are extremely well-kept, and it's a delight to be tucked into the forest of trees. Tons of walking paths wind around this park too, including the beautiful dunes. Great to explore in all seasons. Various trails lead straight to Lake Michigan, where you'll find the sprawling beach of white sand. In the warm months, it's great to swim, and in the cooler months the beach is flat enough to take a nice long walk on or simply enjoy the ocean-like views. Other pros: plenty of parking for single-day visitors, a huge playground alongside the beach entrance, firewood and ice on site, an 'amphitheatre' area where events like weddings can be hosted, and it's very dog-friendly. There's nothing not to love at this gorgeous state park!

    On a warm October day we headed for Kohler~Andre Park beach for some beach combing. The sand is…read moreincredible soft and barefoot walking is a must. The sounds of the waves is peaceful and I can sit on the shore for hours appreciating the lake views and the solitude. Leaf peeping was perfect!

    Hank Aaron State Trail

    Hank Aaron State Trail

    (6 reviews)

    Menomonee River Valley

    Forget anything I said about the oak leaf trail cuz hey -- its actually the Hank Aaron trail! Ill…read morehave to update that review! This is a very functional trail that begins on canal st sort of in the "valley" created by the two sections of the sixth street bridge. (If you're coming from the north and end up at the roundabout and Conejitos you've gone too far.) It really starts on just a sidewalk so its a little easy to miss. (There's also a loop that goes around the little "peninsula" the Harley museums is on.) Also, for reasons I can't comprehend, a winding ramp down (labelled "hank Aaron trail") from the top of the sixth street bridge, had a pretty impenetrable concrete slab placed in front of it. Maybe flooding or it was too windy? I needed to get out to 60th street and national (roughly) on my bike and was thrilled to find this trail! The start of it is pretty industrial and a lot of it is just next to the street but it worked great for my purposes and provides a lot of different types of scenery. (Industrial, forest, Miller park, etc.) Speaking of which, pretty sure you can take a right at the "valley passage" (see pics)& get over to miller park. It also takes you right past potawatomi casino (more money for the slots - less for gas!) if you're into that sort of thing. Its overall pretty well marked Some gals at the gym came on the trail from the west (New Berlin! ) and said rumor has it that the portion of the trail around the zoo interinterchange may be closed for several months during construction. (Can't confirm or deny this - but just a heads up.) Overall a nice addition to the parks system.

    Took this fantastic trail from the Milwaukee Public Market to West Allis, almost 10 years ago…read more Hadn't been back on it until a few weeks ago. We walked all around with our dog. This is just an outstanding feature in a city that caters more to cars than anything else. Such a great addition to Miller Valley, where there is so much industrial history. I see the effort that had been made to involve the immediate community in building and growing this trail and surrounding areas. Now that I live nearby, I'll be here for the Milwaukee Riverkeeper Spring Cleanup.

    Oak Leaf Trail - parks - Updated May 2026

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