Tucked between dramatic bluffs and glacial lakes, Devils Lake State Park, WI, is easily one of the most iconic and rewarding destinations in Wisconsin for outdoor enthusiasts. As the most-visited state park in Wisconsin, it offers a unique blend of rugged beauty, sweeping vistas, and accessible adventure, not to mention landscapes that are a far cry from the flat terrain most people picture of the Midwest. The hiking trails at Devils Lake State Park are legendary, drawing everyone from seasoned backpackers to families out for a day in nature.
Whether you’re climbing up the stone steps of the East Bluff Trail or wandering through shaded forests on the Uplands Trail, there’s no shortage of scenic routes to explore. But hiking is just the beginning of things to do in Devils Lake State Park. The lake itself offers opportunities for swimming, paddling, and soaking up the sun on quartzite-lined beaches, while climbers scale the park’s sheer rock walls, and photographers capture the moody magic of this glacial landscape.
There’s something timeless about this corner of the state. Beyond the hiking trails, though, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Baraboo. The town is packed with charm and character. Stop by the International Crane Foundation, enjoy more great hiking trails and natural areas nearby, including Parfrey’s Glen, or grab a drink at local wineries, breweries, or distilleries. For a touch of history and quirky small-town character that’s impossible not to love, dig into Circus lore with a visit to Circus World.
When it comes to places to stay near Devil’s Lake State Park, the Inn at Wawanissee Point stands out as one of the most romantic bed and breakfasts in Wisconsin. Perched on a bluff overlooking the park, the Inn offers a front-row seat to the stunning scenery that defines the Baraboo Hills. Mornings start with gourmet breakfasts and end with stargazing over the scenic landscape. After a long day exploring some of the best hiking trails in the Midwest, you’ll appreciate the comfort, hospitality, and spectacular views that make the Inn a destination in its own right. Book your trip today!
The Best Hiking Trails at Devils Lake, Wisconsin
Devils Lake State Park is a natural wonder tucked into the heart of south-central Wisconsin. Set within the ancient Baraboo Range, this park is known for its striking geological formations, including billion-year-old quartzite bluffs that tower over a 360-acre lake. It’s one of the most scenic spots for Wisconsin hiking, with dramatic cliffs, deep forests, and quiet backcountry hiking trails all woven into a single destination. Whether you want a challenging climb with sweeping views or a peaceful walk through hardwoods and prairies, there are plenty of hiking trails in Devil’s Lake State Park to fit your mood.
A segment of Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail travels through Devil’s Lake, marking some of the most distinctive landscapes in the state. This region of Wisconsin was untouched by the last glaciers, which left behind rugged terrain perfect for hiking. As you traverse the hiking trails at Devil’s Lake State Park, you’ll walk through oak and maple groves, across talus slopes, and along the ridgeline above Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin. Wildlife sightings are common, including white-tailed deer, foxes, eagles, and pileated woodpeckers.
Whether you’re a casual day hiker or a serious trail junkie, you’ll quickly see why this is often listed among the best state parks in Wisconsin. We’ve listed our favorite hiking trails in Devil’s Lake State Park below.
9 Best Devil’s Lake State Park Trails
- The East Bluff Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park. This 1.7-mile hike climbs to the top of the East Bluff and offers spectacular views of Devils Lake below. Expect stone steps, narrow passages, and lots of foot traffic, especially on weekends. As you hike, you’ll pass by Elephant Rock and Elephant “Cave.”
- The West Bluff Trail is 1.4 miles long and is just as scenic as the East Bluff Trail, but often a little less crowded. It ascends the opposite side of the lake and offers equally dramatic views from high above the western shore.
- If you’re looking for easier hiking trails along Devil’s Lake, head to the Tumbled Rocks Trail. This easy 1-mile walk hugs the western edge of Devils Lake and is ideal for those seeking a more leisurely experience. It’s mostly flat, with excellent lake views and close proximity to picnic areas.
- Balanced Rock Trail is short and steep at just 0.4 miles, but it’s one of the most iconic spots to visit in Devil’s Lake State Park. This trail connects the South Shore to the East Bluff Trail, and climbs through large boulders and leads to one of the park’s most famous rock formations, Balanced Rock.
- If you’re looking to really stretch your legs, one of the longest hiking trails in Devil’s Lake State Park is the Upland Loop Trail. At 3.8 miles, this loop is one of the most peaceful hikes in the park, and leads you through wooded uplands and restored prairie where you’re more likely to hear birdsong than conversation.
- Another peaceful hike in Devil’s Lake is the Johnson Moraine Trail. This 2.8-mile trail winds through woodlands and moraine landscape left by the last Ice Age.
- The Roznos Meadow Trail is a leisurely 1.8-mile stroll through open meadows and prairies, and it’s especially lovely in late summer and fall when wildflowers and golden grasses are in full bloom. It also connects to the Uplands Trail.
- Don’t miss the 4.5-mile Sauk Point Trail. It meanders across a wooded and grassy ridge, through meadows, and into the woods, and leads to the highest point in the Baraboo Hills.
- From Devil’s Lake State Park, you can access Parfrey’s Glen via the Parfrey’s Glen Trail. This trail is less than a mile long, but leads you to the spectacular, hushed, narrow gorge covered with moss and ferns, and home to plenty of unique and endangered species.
Each of these trails gives you a different perspective on the park’s unique terrain, and many of them can be combined to create your own loop or extended day hike. Whether you stick to the lake’s edge or head up into the hills, the hiking trails at Devils Lake State Park promise a memorable day outdoors.
The Best Bed and Breakfast Near Devil's Lake State Park
After a full day on the hiking trails of Devil’s Lake State Park, WI, there’s nothing better than returning to a space designed for comfort, quiet, and scenic beauty. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Inn at Wawanissee Point, the best bed and breakfast near Devils Lake, Wisconsin. Located just minutes from the park’s south entrance, this stunning property offers panoramic views of the Baraboo Hills and the lake below. Every detail of your stay has been thoughtfully curated, from plush beds and luxurious baths to afternoon wine and cheese and homemade breakfasts that rival anything in town.
The contrast between the wild beauty of the trails and the peaceful setting of our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast is part of what makes a romantic getaway here so special. After climbing the East Bluff or wandering the quiet backcountry on the Uplands Trail, you can unwind in the hot tub or sip wine by the fire pit as the sun dips below the ridgeline. Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply taking a break from everyday routines, this is a destination that will elevate your entire experience.
With its unbeatable location, intimate atmosphere, and commitment to hospitality, a stay at our Bed and Breakfast in Wisconsin turns a trip to Devils Lake, Wisconsin, into something you’ll want to relive again and again. We’re one of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets, and we’d love to welcome you across our threshold this summer. Book your stay today!
