Hikes:
1) Mt. Ashwabay Ski and Recreation Area: (Summer home of Big Top Chautauqua): Extensive network, great views, beautiful old cedar and pine stands, lots of birding opportunities. Be sure to explore the Historic Nourse Sugarbush.
2) Meyers Beach Sea Caves Trail (part of the NPS mainland unit). Great spot to hike before going to the Cornie Fish Shed for late lunch/dinner.
3) Big Ravine/Iron Bridge Trail: Start in the city and hike all the way up to Erickson's Orchard for homemade cider donuts. You can also just do short hikes here, too. Very well marked, and the trailhead is in downtown Bayfield right at the end of Broad Street.
Google Map Link with Bayfield Specific Trails: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1Jh3nX_ralVm55e07FINLgty7hnLMQfoV&ll=46.79386104159775%2C-90.87335256611698&z=13
Perfect Waterfall+Picnic Spots:
All three of these beautiful hikes feature a short walking distance, a waterfall, and a great lunch spot. The falls vary greatly depending on the season so make sure to explore them throughout the year to watch how they change.
1) Houghton Falls State Natural Area (just north of Washburn): Approx 0.5 mile hike to the overlook. Incredible during spring thaw/meltdown. The rock outcropping at the end of the trail is perfect for lounging with a book on a sunny day. Make sure to be back to the parking lot by closing time. The gate automatically locks and you will be fined by BCSD(instructions and hours of operation listed at the trailhead).
2) Lost Creek Falls: On Hwy C, just south of Cornucopia. Relatively flat hike along Lost Creek to get to the falls, which are a wide with a large undercut area that can make small ice cave in the winter. The area beneath the falls is wide and good for wading. There is a picnic table nearby.
3) Siskiwit Falls: Just East of Cornucopia: Nature preserve featuring both a meadow that’s great for birding and a wide slab of rock creating a falls that is great for sliding during warm days in August. Ample parking. Falls are almost vieawable from the car. Total trail distance is less than a mile.
4) Bonus Waterfall: St. Peter's Dome/Morgan Falls: This one is a bit south so you might want to catch it on the way to or from Bayfield. The pools at the bottom of the cascading falls are great for wading on a hot summer day, and the view from the top of St. Peter’s Dome is spectacular, especially in the fall. If you wanted to make a whole day of it you could also hit Copper Falls State Park.