Sad news today. Former Devil's Lake State Park Naturalist and author Ken Lange has passed…
Mirror Lake State Park which is located between Baraboo & Wisconsin Dells has created 2 brand new hiking trails and they are ready for you to explore! We put together this 7-minute HD video to give you a spring preview…
About The Trails
In my opinion, the new Bluff / Canyon & Lake View Ridge Trails will be the new stars of Mirror Lake State Park. The trails feature everything that makes Wisconsin Dells’ nature unique from tall pines and twisting oaks to the trademark sandstone cliffs and formations. If you keep your eyes open you might even see a bald eagle soaring above you.
The two trails are made up of a larger 2+ mile loop, called the “Bluff / Canyon Trail”, which is divided to create a shorter loop called the “Lake View Ridge Trail”. The Lake View Ridge Trail is about a mile in length. (see the map below) Both trails are quite moderate with some rolling hills that most folks will find easy to navigate. (They are also open for snowshoeing in winter.) The best scenery is located along the outer Bluff/Canyon trail where it traces the top of sandstone cliffs on the north side of Dell Creek. That said, there are some dangerous cliff edges as well. Hikers will want to stay on the designated trails, keep their kids close.. and of course, keep pets on a leash.
One side note, since the trails are brand new, you have to be cautious to avoid lots of tripping hazards where trees and shrubs were cut to create the trails.
Google Map
This map shows the parking area and approximates the layout of the featured trails.
Getting There
The Trailhead and parking area are located within the Mirror Lake – Pine Oak Forest State Natural Area on Hwy 23 just west of Lakeview Road. While the trail names are not there yet, the parking area is noted on the current Mirror Lake State Park Map. (The coordinates are: 43.568509, -89.829843) Remember, you do need a Wisconsin State Park sticker to park on the lot.
Thank you to everyone who worked to create these new trails! Without the support of the Friends of Mirror Lake State Park and funding from the park’s annual S’more Fun Run, we wouldn’t have this new area to explore. I expect these trails are quickly going to become some of the most popular in the park!
Remember, “Leave no trace”, and protect the landscape by staying on the designated trails!
For nearly 2 decades the Skillet Creek blog has focused on 3 main goals; To inspire you to visit and explore the Devil’s Lake region, to help you get the most your visit by sharing tips, events, and other helpful information. Lastly to advocate for our environment & wildlife and talk about how we can keep our natural areas amazing now and into the future! That last goal can sometimes cause controversy, but it’s the only way we can accomplish the first two. – Derrick Mayoleth, Owner.
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