“The best view comes after the hardest climb” – Unknown
Devil’s Lake State Park is located in Wisconsin, just north of Madison. This park offers 30 miles of hiking trails, a lake with gorgeous views, quartzite bluffs, and Ice Age history. It has something to offer every hiker, from the paved Tumbled Rocks Trail along the lake to the steep and rocky Potholes Trail up the bluffs.
Tumbled Rocks Trail
Tumbled Rock Trail is on the west side of Devil’s Lake. This is the easiest trail, running 1 mile one-way (from the north to the south shore). The West Bluff Trail also runs along this side of the lake for 1.4 miles, but includes a steep incline and decline to bring you above the lake. There are many beautiful viewing spots along this side (see below). Pack a lunch and enjoy the view!
Images: viewpoints from the West Bluff and Tumbled Rocks Trails
East Bluff Trail
The east side of the lake was my favorite-and the hardest! The east bluffs include popular sites such as Potholes, Devil’s Doorway, and Balanced Rock. When hitting the East Bluff Trail, you can ascend from the north or take the steeper southbound route, which is what I did by taking the Potholes Trail. This trail runs for 0.3 miles, but it feels much longer as it is incredibly steep along the rockface. Make sure to take breaks to catch your breath and the views!
Images: Views From East Bluff Trail
Potholes are what you think they are: giant depressions in the rock face. However, these were made by glaciers, so they are much cooler than your average hole in the ground. Who doesn’t want to see an ancient pothole? Even if potholes don’t excite you, I’d still suggest taking this trail for the views alone.
Devil’s Doorway is a must-see, standing rock formation, with a gorgeous view of Devil’s Lake. This is 0.1 miles from the main West Bluff Trail. You’ll want to stop here, take in the stunning view, and take lots of pictures. Interestingly, another name for the lake is Sacred Lake, as this was an area where indigenous people built effigy mounds (placards mark the sites today).
Balanced Rock is another accurate name for this site: a rock balanced on a rock. This trail is 0.4 miles long, with the rock 3/4 of the way up. I took in the sight from coming down from the bluffs, which were slippery with the snowmelt, so be careful when descending in the winter months.
Images: Potholes, Devil’s Doorway, and Balanced Rock
NOTE: If you’re doing a loop of the park, connect the East Bluff Trail and the West Bluff Trail back to the north shore. This will give you incredible views of the lake and surrounding woods. Other trails branch off from this area, but completing the loop will give you roughly 5.5 miles total.
Parfrey’s Glen Trail
Another incredible hiking spot is Parfrey’s Glen Trail. If you love moss, rocks, and feeling like you’ve entered a fairytale, then this is the trail for you. Only 0.7 miles one-way, this moderate trail brings you along a stream to a glen. Surrounded by sandstone and greenery (even in winter), you’ll feel transported to another world. The quartz embedded in the sandstone is stunning, the stream is cool and calming, and the views… well, pictures don’t do them justice.
All I can say is: you need to fit this trail into your Devil’s Lake State Park weekend. You’ll thank me later.
Images: the beauty of Parfrey Glen Trail
Overall Thoughts
Overall, I 100% recommend Devil’s Lake State Park and its trail system for hikers. You can find some great accommodations nearby in Baraboo, adorable shops in their downtown area-I recommend A Sense of Adventure for gifts from around the world, and Bekah Kate’s Kitchen, Kids, and Home for gifts for the whole family. Baraboo’s downtown shops, events, and dining are listed here.
Do you have a favorite trail at Devil’s Lake State Park? Let me know by commenting below!
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