Visit less popular state park 'gems' this fall

Holy Hill is one of my favorite spots to visit in the fall. I make a trip there almost every year with my family.

But years ago I gave up on climbing the tower steps on a busy fall day. For me, wasting an hour or more in the tight, winding staircase isn't worth the quick glimpse of the surrounding countryside at the top.

Instead, I use that time to explore the terrain around Holy Hill, including the nice views from the church's base, the surrounding scenic roads, and the relatively quiet stretch of the Ice Age Trail that snakes nearby.

I'm much happier spending my time immersed in the colors than trying to snap a selfie with them from afar.

This fall, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is hoping to help outdoors lovers do a little of both with its "12-gem challenge." The DNR put together a list of 12 state parks a bit off the beaten path and is asking people to visit them and snap a selfie there for the chance to win a 2017 state parks admission sticker.

The list of parks leaves off the usual fall favorites — Devil's Lake, Peninsula, Governor Dodge — and instead steers people to some lesser known — and less crowded — natural spots.

"That's exactly the focus of why we tried to pick those parks — to try to draw people into those parks that have a little less visitation," said DNR spokesman Paul Holtan.

He said the DNR worked with the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks to select the "gems." The Department of Tourism will host the galleries of selfies (submitted on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #WISTATEPARKS) on its website, travelwisconsin.com, where people can also directly upload photos if they don't want to post them on social media.

Holtan  noted they tried to include properties from all over the state, so that no matter where somebody lives, they can easily participate. The list also notes special events and photo opportunities in each park, including the entrance stations, so people don't have to pay for an admission sticker to take part.

And while fall colors are creeping past peak in northern Wisconsin — including at Brunet Island, Governor Thompson and the Stower Seven Lakes Trail, all on the list — "they're just starting to come on strong down here," in southern Wisconsin, Holtan said.

Here's a snapshot of the 12 "gems" that are part of the challenge:

Brunet Island State Park , Cornell, Chippewa County. Even if the colors are past peak, the scenic Chippewa and Fisher rivers and groves of hemlocks and red pines provide picturesque backdrops for a selfie. Explore backwater channels and islands with a paddle, or use your feet on the 8 miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the Ice Age Trail. The park also provides a link to the paved Old Abe State Trail, which travels 20 miles south to Lake Wissota State Park. Snag a riverside campsite for an extended stay — the south campground is open year-round.

Governor Nelson State Park , Waunakee, Dane County. Position your selfie just right and you should be able to capture the state capitol on the other side of Lake Mendota in the background. Don a costume and visit Oct. 21 for a Halloween bonfire and candlelight hike along the 1.5-mile Woodland Trail.

Governor Thompson State Park , Crivitz, Marinette County. Launch a boat on the Caldron Falls Reservoir for a selfie with a view of the changing leaves from the water, or hike the more than 16 miles of trails for various backdrops, from the rock outcroppings scattered throughout the park to stretches of prairie with blooming purple and pink aster in the fall.

Harrington Beach State Park , Belgium, Ozaukee County. An easy, 45-minute drive from downtown Milwaukee, Harrington Beach isn't just a summer spot. Hike the 3/4-mile trail around Quarry Lake, rimmed by blocky limestone, colorful hardwoods and white cedars. Snap a selfie on a trail that parallels Lake Michigan or right on one of the beaches on the mile of shoreline. Visit Oct. 22 and snap a selfie next to a tiki light around Quarry Lake from 6 to 9 p.m., then enjoy hot beverages, snacks and live music after.

Hartman Creek State Park , Waupaca, Waupaca County. If you miss peak color at this park in central Wisconsin, you can still catch the golden show that tamaracks, which line some of the park's seven lakes, put on in the fall. The conifer's needles turn a beautiful yellow before falling off in autumn, usually after most of the hardwoods have lost their leaves.

Lakeshore State Park , Milwaukee, Milwaukee County. The city's skyline provides a different backdrop for a fall photo, with trees lining the Lake Michigan shoreline providing a dose of autumn color. The paved path that circles this small, urban island park are nice for strollers, bikes and wheelchairs, and also connects with the Hank Aaron and Oak Leaf trails.

Newport State Park , Ellison Bay, Door County. Wisconsin's only officially designated wilderness park is a nice, quiet change from the Door County's bustling western shore in fall. Backpack in to one of the park's rustic campsites to spend a night stargazing from one of the darkest spots in the state (the park is working toward designation as a Dark Sky Park from the International Dark-Sky Association). Thirty miles of trails provide plenty of photo opportunities, including along the 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Perrot State Park , Trempealeau, Trempealeau County. Bluff views — from above and below — are a highlight of this park at the confluence of the Trempealeau and Mississippi rivers in western Wisconsin. Hike one of the short but steep Brady's Bluff trails for one of the best views in the park of the Mississippi River Valley and the bluff's dry, open prairie.

Richard Bong Recreation Area , Kansasville, Racine County. Trails wind through a variety of colorful fall landscapes at this expansive recreation area that was once slated to be an air base. Take a selfie in the prairie with copper-colored little bluestem, in the maple and oak forest ablaze in yellow and russet, or in wetlands dotted with ponds and a small lake.

Stower Seven Lakes Trail , Polk County. Follow this 14-mile crushed stone trail on its fairly level route along an old railroad line between Dresser and Amery. Seven lakes along the way provide prime selfie opportunities, along with a floating bog just west of Wanderoos (between miles 7 and 8). Note that bikers age 16 and up need a state trail pass to ride, but it's free to hike.

Wyalusing State Park , Bagley. This park might compete with Devil's Lake for popularity if it were closer to Wisconsin's two biggest cities. It holds its own in southwestern Wisconsin, though, thanks to its prime location at the confluence of the state's two biggest rivers. Take in views from 500 feet above the Mighty Miss and the Wisconsin as well as the kaleidoscope of colors along the rivers' bluffs. The aptly named Bluff and Sentinel Ridge trails offer the best vistas.

Yellowstone Lake State Park , Blanchardville. No geysers here, but there is the park's namesake 455-acre lake, a relatively uncommon sight in southwestern Wisconsin. Take a paddle around or drop in a fishing line before testing your legs and lungs on the hilly 2-mile Oak Grove Trail. The climb is worth it for the ridge-top views of the surrounding Driftless Region.

More information: The 12-gem challenge runs through Nov. 13. Selfies must be taken at one of the locations within the challenge period, which began Oct. 5. Participants can submit one photo per property for up to 12 entries.

Share your selfie on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #WISTATEPARKS or upload it to travelwisconsin.com.

Winners will chosen at random and will receive a 2017 state parks admission sticker.

For more information, see dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/challenge.html.