Willow Falls and Nelson Farm Trail Loop is a 6.1 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Hudson, Wisconsin that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
birding
camping
fishing
hiking
rock climbing
trail running
walking
whitewater kayaking
cross country skiing
beach
forest
lake
river
views
waterfall
wild flowers
wildlife
Nelson Farm trail is a point to point trail in Willow River State Park. This trail is demanding in some parts with hills that are fairly steep. It is on the North side of Willow River and goes from near the waterfalls to the Bridge on the West side of the park. A wide graveled trail that is well maintained.
Took the clockwise 6 mile route from the nature center with our 9 year old and our dog. The route had nice undulations with a couple of steeper ups and downs (with some loose gravel so we had to be careful going down). The falls were a real treat towards the end of the hike. The nature center area has a play area, picnic pavilion and bathrooms. .
Around this time of year (August) the weather gets kinda muggy and the weather is suitable for swimming. Lots and lots of people flood the waterfall and enjoy it's cool flowing water. Not very many people hike the trails so if you're into exploring it's the perfect time. The trails are well maintained. Definitely bring bug repellent while hiking little to no traffic hiking trails during low light periods.
Beautiful views. Wide trail, water fall views worth the trip.
Wonder day hike. Beautiful falls. Many trails at different levels.
Did the entire loop. Well marked nicely maintained trails, waterfall was filled with waders on this 90 degree Sunday. Didn't see anyone on the west trails. Short steep inclines gives you a bit of a workout. Overall easy (walk) hike.
Overall the trails were kept up and nice to walk on. Lots of small steep hills that are challenging. Not a ton of variety in terms of views on the trails, but it was a nice long hike. It's too bad the lake is no longer there. Pretty populated area with lots of great energy.
The Nelson Farm trail starts off very flat through beautiful plains. The hills are what I would call severe, not moderate, so be careful on that. The falls are beautiful but FULL of kids so it's not a relaxing experience. We saw many snakes and even a rattler so watch the ground