Devil’s Lake
Devil’s Lake, in Baraboo, about 35 miles from Madison, is probably the most popular State Park in Wisconsin, at least in terms of number of visitors. If you go on a weekend, you might see a lot of people… but it’s worth it!
There are trails for everyone here: you can go up and down the bluffs, once or on each side depending on how much of a challenge you want, you can choose a flatter trail alongside the lake for not much challenge at all, or if you want to go the distance, opt for the Ice Age Trail segment here which is 10 miles long.
Don’t think you can’t visit Devil’s Lake in the winter, this place is beautiful in every season!
For a full map of the park and its trail, click here. And without further ado, my description of five of the trails at Devil’s Lake State Park:
East Bluff Trail
If you start on the North Beach, the way East Bluff Trail is somewhat steep, and at one point you can choose to stay closer to the lake and on a rocky trail, or go deeper in the woods on a trail that is less rocky but has more roots. They meet up again to continue along the bluff.
You get some nice views the lake from this trail a few times, and the end of it is flatter and easier, arriving at a point where you can choose to continue on East Bluff Trail to go see the Devil’s Doorway, or go directly down to South Beach, seeing the Balanced Rock on the way down. This crossroads is also where you meet up with the Ice Age Trail.
The iconic Devil’s Doorway, in the Fall.
Balanced Rock Trail
Balanced Rock Trail is less than half a mile, but tough! It’s also part of the Ice Age Trail segment.
Coming down from the East Bluff Trail to lake level is STEEP. The rocks that go down are uneven, and this is a difficult part of the trail. If the terrain is wet in any way, I’d suggest going up this way instead of down, because the rocks can get slippery.
That being said, it’s a beautiful trail and beautiful views (not just the Balanced Rock), but it can be slow if there are a lot of people taking it at the same time.
If you’re going down this trail, remember that trail etiquette suggests you give priority to the people who are going up, since it’s harder for them than for you.
This whole trail is part of the Ice Age Trail segment at Devil’s Lake.
The iconic Balanced Rock, with a view of South Beach.
West Bluff Trail
Although a little longer, the West Bluff Trail is slightly easier than the East Bluff, in my opinion with a slightly gentler slope going up and down each side. It’s still steep, more so on the north side, but it has benches along the top and has slightly better views of the lake, in my opinion.
It is less rocky, as the trail is paved, although you still have to deal with roots from the trees that broke the pavement. You can often see turkey vultures from above from some of the lookout points.
Going down on the north side, it meets up with the Park Road, and then continues down to the North Beach.
This whole trail is part of the Ice Age Trail segment at Devil’s Lake.
View of the lake from the West Bluff, on a summer day.
Tumbled Rocks Trail
Tumbled Rocks Trail is one mile long, all along the lake, flat and paved and beautiful!
It’s a great option to still experience the beauty of this place if you can’t quite handle the steep bluffs or tough trails.
It’s mostly flat, and mostly paved, though in some areas you still have to deal with roots.
Some sections are narrow and you might wait to let people by before you can continue your hike.
Roznos Meadow Trail
As the name indicates, this trail goes through a meadow, and is therefore pretty flat and easy. It gives nice views of the bluffs from far and below, goes through grassy lands and includes a couple of boardwalk sections.
Roznos Meadow Trail connects Highway 113 (where there is a parking lot) and the Upland Trail Loop, and is 1.8 miles long, one way.
If you’re there on a hot sunny day, be aware that there is very little shadow on this trail.
This whole trail is part of the Ice Age Trail segment at Devil’s Lake.
And after your hike, there’s nowhere better to refuel than at the Cheeze Factory in Baraboo!