Wisconsin · Hiking

Discovery Trail

1.3 mi
round trip
87 ft
climb
879 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Oct
best months

Discovery Trail is a short, easy out-and-back hike of about 2.5 miles on Horicon National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The trail rises from a low point of 861 feet to a high of 879 feet, with a total elevation gain of 87 feet over the course of the round trip. The climb is gentle, with the steepest stretch at about 0.98 miles in, where the grade reaches 2 percent. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 80°F with lows near 60°F, while January highs average about 25°F. The hike takes about an hour. The trail is close to several other routes, including Bud Cook Two Hawks Trail and Bud Cook Deer Track Trail, both about 2.5 miles away, and Old Marsh Road Trail at about 3 miles. Ledge Park, a climbing area, is roughly 7 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Oct

    Best time to visit Discovery Trail

    Best months: April–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      25° / 9°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      29° / 11°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      41° / 23°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      55° / 34°

      11 wet

    5. May

      67° / 46°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      76° / 56°

      11 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 60°

      10 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 58°

      9 wet

    9. Sep

      72° / 50°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      58° / 38°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      44° / 27°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      31° / 16°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Horicon Wwtp, WI, 9 mi away at 881 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.