The Devil’s Lake State Park region hosts more than 27,000 acres of publicly accessible land open to outdoor recreation. Located just outside of the city of Baraboo in Sauk County, Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake State Park is at the center of more than 25 parks and natural areas. These unique natural spaces are preserved for scientific research and conservation while allowing for low-impact recreation, such as hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, birdwatching, or fishing, and many allow hunting as well.
Quick Trail Map
Hiking Trails Within 30-minute drive of Baraboo/Devil’s Lake State Park
Popular Local Parks & Natural Areas
Click on a link below for property details, maps, photos, and tips.
Mirror Lake State Park (External Link.)
– Camping, Canoeing, Hike, Bike, Ski
Parfrey’s Glen SNA
– Deep gorge, small waterfall. (No Pets!)
Pewit’s Nest SNA
– Gorge, waterfall, short trail.
Gibraltar Rock SNA
– Amazing overlooks
Natural Bridge State Park
– Large sandstone arch hidden in a forest.
Rocky Arbor State Park
– Camping, short trail, sandstone features near Wisconsin Dells
Small County Parks
Sauk County’s smaller parks offer some nice opportunities to find a quiet spot, while still enjoying some amenities. Day passes are $5 a day. Annuals are $25 each or two for $40.
White Mound County Park (External Link)
– Camping, swimming, nature trails.
Hemlock County Park (External Link)
– Picnic Area, Fishing Pier
Lake Redstone County Park
– Picnic Area, Swimming Beach
Nearby, But Less Crowded!
Click on a link below for property details, maps, photos and tips.
Ableman’s Gorge
– Former quarry, tall cliffs, short trail, geology.
Baxter’s Hollow
– Nature trail, woods, wetlands, rocky stream.
Durward’s Glen (External Link.)
– Privately owned, public welcome, small glen, stream.
Sauk Prairie Recreation Area
– Prairie, bike trails, hiking
Merrimac Preserve
– Nature trails, prairie, forest, wetlands.
Dells of the Wisconsin River
– Short trails, view Wisconsin river, small beach.
Out-of-the-way, Quiet Gems
These smaller lesser known natural areas within 30 minutes of Devil’s Lake State Park.
With Trails or Other Infrastructure
These options offer limited infrastructure. There may be a trail, overlook, road or restroom nearby. (But don’t count on restrooms!)
Ferry Bluff SNA
Hemlock Draw SNA
Fairfield Marsh Waterfowl Production Area
Wisconsin Heights/Black Hawk Unit of the Lower Wisconsin Riverway
Pine Island Wildlife Area
Seeley Lake
Spring Green Preserve SNA
Weidman Woods County Park
Schluckebier Prairie SNA
“Wild” Locations
These locations often lack clear parking, trails or other facilities. Follow select links for more information.
Cady’s Marsh SNA
Honey Creek SNA
Mazomanie Oak Barrens SNA
Hulburt Creek Woods SNA
Loddes Mill Bluff SNA
Lower Narrows SNA
Lost Lake SNA
McGilvra Woods SNA
Pan Hollow SNA
Pine Hollow SNA
Sauk County Forest