Hiking Guide
Devil's Lake State Park

Click Here to View a Map of Devil's Lake State Park

Trail Information

Most trails are color-code with metal squares attached to posts or trees.  To follow a given trail, merely follow the designated color.  The estimated hiking time is based on hiking the entire trail one way, except for the loops which are round-trip.  Be aware that trails may vary in difficulty.  Steep climbs or descents and stairways may be encountered.  Use caution when on steep bluffs or near cliffs.  Devil's Lake has designated use areas such as trails, picnic areas or other developed areas which are inspected and maintained by park staff.  All other areas are considered undesignated areas.  Park visitors are encouraged to limit their activities to designated areas.

Trails

Balanced Rock:  A difficult, steep climbing trail with stone steps on the south face of the East Bluff.  Spectacular views of Devil's Lake with the Balanced Rock formation off to the south of the trail. (.3 mile, approximate hiking time: 1 hour)
 
 
 

CCC:  A difficult, steep climbing trail with stone steps on the south face of East Bluff with many scenic views. (.6 mile, approximate hiking time: 1 hour)

Devil's Doorway (purple):  This is an easy, level asphalt trail along the edge of the top of the East Bluff with views of Devil's Lake with drop-offs along the way.  There is a notable side trail with stone steps to the Devil's Doorway rock formation. (.5 mile, approximate hiking time: .25 hour)  Access to this trail is from East Bluff, East Bluff Woods, CCC, Potholes and/or Balanced Rock trails.

East Bluff (orange):  A medium effort trail that has asphalt with stone steps as it winds back and forth between the edge of the bluff and the adjacent woods.  Goes to the top of the East Bluff for many scenic views and drop-offs.  Elephant Cave and Elephant Rock are at the north end.  (1.3 miles, approximate hiking time: 1.25 hours)

East Bluff Woods (yellow):  An easy-medium, gravel and grassy trail with one steep grade on the East Bluff between the North Shore and the Balanced Rock.  Entirely in the woods. (1.3 miles, approximate hiking time: 1.25 hours)

Grottos:  A wide, easy going, compacted gravel path along the base of the south end of the East Bluff connecting Balanced Rock Trail, Pothole Trail, and the CCC Trail. (.7 mile, approximate hiking time: 1.25 hours) Accessible from the Group Camp parking lot.

Ice Age Loop (red):  A medium effort trail that is long, winding, and grassy with variable grades through fields, brushy areas, and woods.  Reaching the top of the East Bluff for some scenic views at the south end.  (4 miles, approximate hiking time: 2.5 hours)  Bikes allowed.

Ice Age Trail:  Part of the 1,000 mile Wisconsin Ice Age Trail, this medium- difficult wooded, grassy trail runs between Parfrey's Glen and the Ice Age Loop.  Highlights include spectacular views to the south and the Wisconsin River.  (4 miles, approxmate hiking time: 3 hours)  (Not shown on map, located to the east of the Ice Age Loop Trail)

Johnson Moraine Loop (white):  An easy, grassy trail with variable grades crossing Country Highway DL twice. Named for the terminal moraine of the Wisconsin Glacier which it follows on the north side of County Hwy, DL.  There are a number of kettle ponds and marshes in this area.  (2.5 miles, approximate hiking time: 2 hours)

Parfrey's Glen Trail:  An easy-medium trail with difficult creek crossings.  It follows through a deep gorge left by glacier action and ends at a small waterfall. (.8 mile, approximate hiking time: 1 hour) Leaving this trail is prohibited and subject to a fine.  No food, beverages or pets are allowed.  This trail is not on the map.  It is located to the east of the Ice Age Loop Trail following after the Ice Age Trail.

Potholes:  A very difficult, steep climbing trail with stone steps.  Good views of the south areas of the park can be seen.  A series of rounded, eroded depressions- or potholes- are located near the top.  It is wooded near the bottom.  (.3 mile, approximate hiking time: 2 hours)

Steinke Basin Loop (green):  An easy, level, grassy wooded trail through an extinct glacier bed.  Includes bridges and a variety of land covers. (2.5 miles, approximate hiking time: 2 hours)

Tumbled Rocks:  An easy, level asphalt walkway winding through quartzine boulders at the base of the West Bluff at lake level. (.8 mile, approximate hiking time: .5 hour)  1000 feet of this trail is accessible to wheelchairs from the North Shore picnic area.

West Bluff (red):  A medium effort trail that is asphalt with stone steps and a steep climb on the south end and an easier climb up the north end.  Goes across the bluff top past drop-offs with many scenic views of the lake and park.  (1.5 miles, approximate hiking time: 1.5 hours)

For more information on trails and trail maps, stop in at the Visitors Information Station located at both the North and South entrances.

Explore and Enjoy!