Devil’s Lake State Park has more than 29 miles of hiking trails ranging from short, easy walks along the lakeshore to steep, rocky climbs up the East and West Bluffs. The 16 trails listed below are color-coded by difficulty: red for difficult, yellow for moderate, and green for easy to moderate. Each listing includes distance, estimated time, and a link to full details and photographs. Check our trail reports here.
Steep climbing trail with stone steps on the south face of the East Bluff. Spectacular views of the lake with the Balanced Rock formation to the south.
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Steep climbing trail with stone steps on the south face of the East Bluff with many scenic views.
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Side trail off the East Bluff Trail with stone steps leading to the Devil’s Doorway rock formation.
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Very difficult, steep climb with stone steps. The trail passes through a dramatic split in the rock face and reaches rounded glacial potholes near the top.
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Asphalt trail with stone steps winding along the East Bluff edge and through adjacent woods. Scenic views, drop-offs, Elephant Cave and Elephant Rock at the north end.
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Asphalt trail with stone steps. Steep climb on the south end, easier on the north. Crosses the bluff top past drop-offs with panoramic views of the lake and park.
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Part of the 1,000-mile Wisconsin Ice Age Trail. Wooded and grassy trail running between Parfrey’s Glen and the Ice Age Loop, with views of the Wisconsin River.
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Long, winding hiking and bike trail rising 325 feet from Steinke Basin. Follows the top of the East Bluff with scenic views. Low-lying areas often wet. Shared with cyclists.
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Two sections: an easy flat meadow hike and a second section climbing 300 feet up the East Bluff to join the Uplands Trail.
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Mostly gravel trail with one steep grade on the East Bluff between the North Shore. Entirely in the woods.
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Paved but uneven trail with lake views through fallen rocks (talus) and pine forests between the north and south shores. Can be combined with the West Bluff Trail as a loop.
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Wide compacted path along the base of the East Bluff connecting Balanced Rock, Potholes, and CCC trails. Natural grottos stay noticeably cool on hot days.
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Level grassy trail through an extinct glacial lake bed. Includes bridges and varied terrain. Often muddy after rain.
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Grassy trail with variable grades crossing County Hwy. DL twice. Features kettle ponds and marshes formed by glacial activity.
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Footpath from the group camp area to the south shore picnic and beach area. One staircase on this trail.
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The Ice Age National Scenic Trail passes through Devil’s Lake State Park for approximately 13.7 miles, making the park one of the most significant segments of the 1,000-mile Wisconsin trail. The Ice Age Trail runs portions of the East Bluff, West Bluff, Sauk Point, and Steinke Basin trails before continuing into the broader Baraboo Hills.
For information on trail accessibility, contact the park directly at (608) 356-8301 or stop at the park office near the North Shore entrance.