Everybody loves a quick getaway from our busy life of school and work, especially during the fall months when Mother Nature is practically screaming at you to come hang out with her. What’s my favorite way to get outside in the La Crosse area?

Hitting the hiking trails in The La Crosse Area for a couple hours leaves me feeling refreshed going into the week. There is not a better adventure to take than a quick day-hike in the bluffs. This is absolutely a bucket list item for any La Crosse area college student. If you’re not sure where to go, here are a few of my favorite spots:

Hixon Forest Park. There are around 10 miles of hiking trails accessible from Hixon Forest Park. These trails will lead you up over 500-foot bluffs that are covered in absolute beauty. This gives you the true experience of the La Crosse hiking trails with spectacular Mississippi River Valley lookouts throughout. Tripleblaze.com, an online camping and hiking adventure website, rates Hixon Forest Park trails number 19 out of 100 in “Best Hiking Trails in Wisconsin”.

Grandad Bluff.Although this is not a true hiking trail, Grandad Bluff is a must see. At 600 feet, Grandad Bluff is the largest bluff in the La Crosse Area and is well known for its scenic overlook of La Crosse. The view of the Mississippi River Valley includes the three states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. In addition to enjoying the breath-taking view, you can also explore several bluff side hiking trails accessible from a gravel parking lot about quarter of a mile before Grandad’s entrance.

Great Rivers Bluffs State Park. If you have a car, grab a couple friends and drive across the river to Donehower, Minnesota. The Great Rivers Bluffs State Park is around a half hour from La Crosse. The park contains two Scientific and Natural Areas, King's and Queen's Bluff, offering 9 miles of hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Mississippi River Valley.

Find a few hours out of your afternoon to hit the great outdoors. Need help finding your way? No problem. Here are a couple helpful resources.

Visit this map, provided by the City of La Crosse Parks, Recreation & Forestry department, outlining all of the La Crosse Area bluff trails.

Visit this website, provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, with everything you need to know about the Great Rivers Bluffs State Park.