Leave No Trace, Except?

Anyone who frequents Devil’s Lake State Park knows how special this place is. From its towering quartzite bluffs to its pristine beaches, it’s a natural treasure we all want to protect. While most visitors try to follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles, there are some interesting “exceptions” that have become common practice at the park.

Common Sights at Devil’s Lake

If you’ve hiked the park’s trails or climbed its cliffs, you’ve probably noticed some of these practices that challenge traditional Leave No Trace principles:

The Creative Touch

Painted rocks have become increasingly common along park trails. While meant to spread joy, they’ve sparked debate among park lovers.

“Natural” Items

Ever noticed banana peels or apple cores tossed off to the side of a trail? Many hikers assume these will quickly decompose, but they can stick around longer than you might think.

Climbing Culture

Devil’s Lake’s world-class climbing & bouldering areas the impact of thousands of users – most notably in the form of concentrated use zones where plant life is gone, the soil is compressed and eroding, and of course, chalk marks on rock faces along the trails. From the North Shore to the CCC Trail, these visual traces of climbing & bouldering activity have become part of the landscape.

Trail Tunes

The soundtrack of summer weekends often includes portable speakers on popular trails. On a busy summer Saturday, it’s common to hear three or four different tunes all at once while hiking the East Bluff trail.

Path Finding

Regular visitors might know about various unofficial shortcuts and social trails that have developed over the years, particularly around popular climbing areas, overlooks, and fishing spots.

Something to Think About

With nearly 3 million people visiting Devil’s Lake annually, even small impacts add up. While none of these practices may seem significant on their own, they contribute to gradual and often ugly or harmful changes in the park’s environment over time.

Join the Discussion

As frequent park visitors and outdoor enthusiasts, we’re curious:

• What do you think about these common practices?
• Have you changed your mind about any of these over time?
• What creative solutions might help balance enjoyment with preservation?

Join us on Facebook to share your thoughts! Not on FB? Share in the comments below! If you’re new to Leave No Trace principles, check out the official Leave No Trace website to learn more.