Devil’s Lake State Park – Day Hike

Situated along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Devil's Lake State Park offers magnificent views from 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake. Visitors enjoy nearly 30 miles of hiking trails, four miles of off-road bike trails, lakeshore picnic areas, swimming beaches, scuba diving, paddling opportunities, campsites, concession stands, picnic shelters and picnic sites, fishing, hunting, rock climbing and year-round naturalist programs.

The Nature Center at Devil’s Lake State Park invites visitors to explore what makes Devil’s Lake unique. Interactive exhibits introduce visitors to the park’s wildlife, geology and history, with hands-on displays, live reptiles and amphibians, a vast collection of historical photos and a play area for families. The center also serves as a hub for year-round interpretive programs, including guided hikes, wildlife programs and family-friendly activities led by the park naturalist, you can also check out snowshoes in the wintertime.

Are you ready to challenge yourself? This 13.3-mile loop has several inclines and lots of breathtaking views, but don’t worry we will take plenty of breaks along the way and stop for lunch. Bring plenty of water, snacks, pack a lunch and your camera to take pictures. This hike usually takes 6 to 7 hours depending on breaks. We will be doing parts of several trails: the Roznos Meadows Trail, Ice Age Trail, Upland Trail, Johnson Moraine, West Bluff Trail, South Shore Boardwalk, Grottos Trail, Potholes Trail and the East Bluff Trail. You can download the trail beforehand off of AllTrails if you would like. It is listed under “Ice Age Trail, Upland, West Bluff and Johnson Moraine Loop”. Friendly dogs are always welcomed.

Please note the West Bluff Trail and the Potholes Trail involve steep rock step climbs. The Potholes Trail has 100+ rock steps. If you have any hesitation on heights, this may not be the outing for you. If you want to just join in the hikes before the steep ones begin, at around mile 7 we will be back at the North Shore parking lot and you can just leave from there or do other hikes. Those remaining will continue on.

What to Bring
Please bring water, electrolytes, snacks and a lunch to eat on the trail. Trekking poles are always a good thing to bring if you use them.

Directions
Due to the limited amount of parking spaces at the Ronzo‘s Meadow trailhead parking lot. We will instead meet at 8:30AM in the North Shore parking lot and carpool over to the Ronzo‘s parking lot at 8:45AM for a 9AM hike start time. I will be by the North Shore Château parking area at a picnic table wearing a bright orange shirt that says Midwest Adventurers on the back so everyone can find me.

Weather
This is a spring outing, please check the weather forecast and come prepared for various temperatures. It may be cool in the morning, but warm up later in the afternoon. Typically May high temps range from the 60’s to 70’s.

Fees
There is no fee for this day hike. A Wisconsin State Parks vehicle sticker is required for parking in Devil’s Lake State Park.