Last weekend, we explored a trail tucked away near an archery range in Greendale, Wisconsin. The Forked Aster Trail wound us through lovely Mangan Woods full of some of the largest old-growth trees in the Milwaukee County Park System. With few people on the trail, we found ourselves entirely at peace wandering the forest full of lofty arbors.
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| The golden hues of fall have begun to light up the forest at Mangan Woods. |
During our visit, fall had just begun painting the trees brilliant colors. The tall trees populating Mangan Woods truly amazed us as we gazed up to the canopy. The leaves of sugar maples and oaks started creating a rainbow of colors. The canopy appeared as interesting swirls of green, red, orange, and yellow.
Wehr Nature Center which is a fabulous birding and hiking location is near Mangan Woods to add to your nature adventure.
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| The leaves of the tree canopy at Mangan Woods create a beautiful autumn rainbow. |
We found the natural trails to be fairly easy to hike in most sections although they traversed a rolling and even a bit hilly in spots landscape. They were windy and intertwined in sections. Mountain biking is permitted in the preserve. Some of the trails are joint and in some sections the hiking and mountain biking trails are separate. We had no issue navigating alongside the mountain bikers.
A variety of Forked Aster Hiking Trails ramble through Milwaukee County Parks and offer short scenic hikes on natural and occasionally gravel or woodchip trails.
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| The arbors of Mangan Woods are quite tall and create a lofty canopy. |
The trail lead us to a ridge with a ledge treating to a bit of a view through the trees. This spot is probably even more beautiful now as the fall colors have continued to fill in. Although the preserve is near an archery range and across from the Whitnall Park Golf Course, we felt totally enveloped in serenity and did not notice the activity nearby.
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| We discovered a woodpecker feather among the leaves on the forest floor. |
While hiking, I try to mix it up between a strenuous hike and slowing down to embrace the setting. During this hike, one of my pauses rewarded me with a lovely woodpecker feather! Mangan Woods is a noted birding spot. We definitely spotted quite a few birds and often heard my favorite woodpeckers.
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| Fiery red leaves blaze atop green ones in Mangan Woods. |
The 2-mile hiking trail offers a blissful meander through dense woodlands. We found the preserve to be so breathtakingly beautiful and loved our hike. The forest is always changing, so we would like to return again soon to see Mangan Woods in a different light.
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