Make the most of fall with these Wisconsin day trips

GREEN BAY - Ah, fall. What a gorgeous season. 

But while pumpkin spice everything and Halloween decorations seem almost inescapable now, just like summer, fall seems to make its exit just as quickly as it arrives. 

That means Wisconsinites best take advantage of the crisp air and beautiful colored leaves while they last. 

Because, as it turns out, leaves are changing faster this year. 

Karen Stahlheber, assistant professor of natural and applied sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, said leaves collected from the area this season have slightly more pigment than leaves collected and studied in her classes at the same time last year.

A Smokey Mountains foliage map estimates nearly all of Wisconsin will reach peak leaf color between Sept. 24 and Oct. 1. 

Good thing Wisconsin and its nearby regions have more than enough places to enjoy the colors of fall. 

Here's a list of some of the best day trips to take to get outdoors and experience fall the right way. 

High Cliff State Park, Calumet County

Just 45 minutes south of Green Bay is High Cliff State Park in Sherwood.

With 1,187 acres, the park offers visitors ample spots to soak in the fall colors. According to its website, it's the only state-owned recreational area on Lake Winnebago — Wisconsin's largest lake.

The park's name derives from its location along the Niagara Escarpment with cliffs that act as beautiful lookouts.

The park's combination of foliage, water and rock is an ideal autumn escape into the elements.

Peninsula State Park, Door County

Head 68 miles northeast from Green Bay and explore Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek. 

The Department of Natural Resources characterizes it as Wisconsin's "most complete park" with more than 400 campsites, a golf course, a beach, bike trails and more.

One forest lush with maple and beech trees and another "vertical forest" comprised of white cedar trees cascading off bluffs sets the perfect stage to watch fall unfold.

Cave Point County Park, Door County

Just less than 60 miles northeast from the city is Sturgeon Bay's Cave Point County Park. 

This spot, wildly popular for its underwater caves, cliff jumping and summertime swimming in Lake Michigan, also stands as a glorious, natural backdrop as the seasons change. 

The county's website highlights the location's limestone cliffs lined with cedar and a variety of other tree species which provide a picturesque view of fall like no other.

Potowatomi State Park, Door County

Potowatomi State Park in Sturgeon Bay — about 43 miles northeast of downtown Green Bay — boasts an extensive trail system.

The park's webpage states a portion of the Ice Age Trail runs along a 1,000-mile national scenic trail which winds along the edge of Wisconsin's last continental glacier. 

In addition, the park's Tower Trail leads visitors to a 75-foot tall observation tower that sits on the park's tallest bluff. It looks out over the 1,200-acre park, showcasing a kaleidoscope of color during fall months. 

Bay Shore Drive, Door County

The area of Bay Shore Drive, about an hour northeast of Green Bay between Sturgeon Bay and Egg Harbor, offers drivers and cyclists alike a stretch of colorful woods, bluffs, fields and two county parks. 

The slow-paced, winding road hugs the shoreline of the bay of Green Bay allowing visitors to take in all the scenery. 

Point Beach State Forest, Manitowoc County 

Point Beach State Forest in Two Rivers, 40 miles southeast of Green Bay, offers visitors a desirable mixture of more than 2,900 acres of beach and woodlands along Lake Michigan. 

Its 6-mile sandy shoreline is an obvious destination for walks on the beach, but the spot is also an incredible vantage point to witness the forest's lush tree line change colors during fall. 

Navarino State Wildlife Area, Shawano County

Navarino State Wildlife Area stretches across southern Shawano and northeast Waupaca counties with nearly 15,000 acres of land. 

According to the DNR, the area 43 miles northwest of Green Bay, features "sandy uplands and ridges with marshy depressions," with the most developed spaces near its Lower Wolf River Bottomlands Natural Resources Area.

There are also plenty of wetlands as well as open fields and forest area including aspen, oak and pine plantations — excellent for hiking and enjoying the fall colors. 

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Fond du Lac County

Take a drive about 1½ hours south of Green Bay to find Kettle Moraine State Forest in Campbellsport. 

Its northern unit spans across 30,000 acres stretching across Sheboygan, Fond du Lac and Washington counties.

There are separate horseback, hiking and biking trails surrounded by abundant trees and shrubbery. The forest's Greenbush recreation area trails feature several aesthetically-pleasing loops, making it a good spot for those wishing to take a short walk or wanting to camp overnight.

Peshtigo River State Forest, Marinette County

Nestled an hour north of Green Bay is Wisconsin's newest state forest — Peshtigo River State Forest in Crivitz. 

The DNR lists the park's most popular attraction as the 5-mile Spring Rapids Trail.

The trail includes steep hills and loops, all surrounded by beautiful serene views which are accented by the sounds of the river. With more than 9,000 acres of forest, the park is a great place for visitors to feast their eyes on the many colors of fall. 

Sugarloaf Mountain, Michigan

For a further drive, and perhaps an overnight stay, check out Sugarloaf Mountain outside of Marquette, Michigan. 

The view is well worth the 3½-hour drive north from Green Bay. 

It's located about 6 miles north of downtown Marquette in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 

A hike to the peak leaves visitors surrounded by fall color. 

RELATED:Wisconsin's summer was cool, wet and gray. 90-degree weather didn't hit until fall

Closer options

UW-Green Bay campus

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay's campus is tucked away on the far northeast side of the city. Its buildings are encompassed by large clusters of trees creating a sea of color best viewed from the 8th floor of the college's Cofrin Library as well as the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum. 

Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, Suamico

The Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve in Suamico is just a 15-minute drive northeast of Green Bay, and it has a little bit of everything.

Brown County's website shows the preserve has more than 900 acres of forest, meadows and wetlands and over 9 miles of hiking trails.

Heritage Hill State Historical Park, Allouez

A quick 3-mile shot from downtown is Heritage Hill State Historical Park in Allouez. 

The park's website refers to it as a 50-acre "living history museum." 

Located along the Fox River, Heritage Hill is a captivating mixture of nature and preserved historical buildings. 

Brown County Park & Pet Exercise Area, Hobart

Seven miles west of Green Bay is the Brown County Dog Park & Exercise Area in Hobart. 

Its hilly, woodsy and has a trail along Duck Creek. But, perhaps the best part about it is that visitors are allowed to bring their furry best friends along to breathe in the fresh fall air together.

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

The largest park within the Green Bay area parks system is Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary on the city's northeast side. 

The 700-acre wildlife refuge cares for thousands of orphaned and injured animals each year. The sanctuary is home to all sorts of plant and animal life, making it prime destination for nature walks, fishing, bird watching and more.