Wisconsin · Hiking

Purple Trail

5.1 mi
loop
112 ft
climb
1,194 ft
high point
Loop
route
Jun–Oct
best months

The Purple Trail is a 5.1-mile loop in the Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit-Iansr in Wisconsin, managed by the State Department of Natural Resources. The route rises about 112 feet from a low point of 1,048 feet to a high of 1,194 feet, with the steepest stretch at 13% grade around 4.8 miles in. It is a moderate hike, and the trail is closed to bikes and horses. Late spring through early fall is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show June highs around 76°F and September highs around 72°F, with snow days common from December through March. The Red Loop and the Purple Loop, a cross-country ski route, both lie about 0.2 miles away. The Old Plank Road Trail and the Parnell Tower Trail are each about 2.8 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Oct

    Best time to visit Purple Trail

    Best months: June–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

      26° / 12°

      9 wet · 7 snow

    2. Feb

      30° / 14°

      8 wet · 6 snow

    3. Mar

      41° / 24°

      9 wet · 4 snow

    4. Apr

      53° / 34°

      11 wet · 1 snow

    5. May

      66° / 45°

      13 wet

    6. Jun

      76° / 55°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      81° / 60°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      79° / 59°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      72° / 51°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      58° / 39°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      44° / 29°

      9 wet · 2 snow

    12. Dec

      32° / 18°

      9 wet · 6 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Plymouth Wwtp, WI, 6.6 mi away at 828 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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