Highland Woods 6.4.21
Highland Woods: Thiensville, WI
I had been looking for a short hike also close to my home and got a hot tip the day before!
6.4.21
Simplicity
Driving through Mequon to the park, I passed where my kids had played soccer several times. Who knew this little gem was just down the road?! Upon arrival, I saw a wooden sign with three colored loops: red, black, and blue. I decided to do the big loop that would hit all three colors.
Into the Woods
I started on the blue trail, marked by a post with blue at the top. The trail went into the woods almost immediately but some purple wildflowers had caught my eye. Soon, I was surrounded by lush greenery with a huge spot of those same wildflowers off in the distance in a clearing where the sun could reach them.
Down the Hill
As the blue trail winded around it went down a hill. This is the only part of the hike I wished I had my hiking boots. It was a decent hill and Maxie sometimes gets a little excited rushing down the hills.
Prairie fleabane 
Look Up!
White wildflowers led me to a bit of an open area. The sky and clouds just looked crazy that day, especially against the dark green foliage. I was on the black trail for just a short time, then met up with the red trail.
Dame’s rocket (phlox) 
Such a Treat
I had never seen anything like it, I was surrounded by flowers. I kept walking and couldn’t believe the flowers kept going too. I soon came to the parking lot and decided to do the black to red loop trail to see all the flowers again. I came across a friendly, woman hiker and we chatted a bit. She remarked how this trail was “such a treat” and I completely agreed. It was such perfect timing to see the Dame’s rocket, a wild phlox in bloom.
And that, my friends, is today’s Tail from the Trail.
Cheers!
Ellen
Dame’s rocket (phlox) 
Hike Details
Trail: Mix of dirt and rock
Trail type: Loop trail, 3 loops total colored red, black and blue. It was very well marked. One full loop around the outside and one loop using black and red was about 2 miles total.
Parking: No sticker required
GOOGLE MAPS LINK TO HIGHLAND WOODS PARKING LOT
Bathroom facilities: Nope, just nature’s wide-open spaces.
Dog Friendly: Yes, must be leashed at all times. BYOB Bring Your Own (Poop) Bag! I did not see any bag dispensers. Please carry out your dog’s poop!
Bonus Track
I did have bug spray on and no critters bothered me. Given the tight trail in many places, I highly recommend bug spray. I have been using Natrapel tick and insect spray all spring and have not had bug issues. Note the two containers…the lighter container is the new packaging from what I can tell. Note, I have only used on humans. Maxie has her own tick / bug medications from the vet.
To be perfectly honest, I never heard of this one. Thanks for the share – sounds like a great close by hike to explore!
It’s really nice for a quick nature fix!