21 Best Wisconsin Dells Hiking Trails in 2024
Are you looking for the best Wisconsin Dells hiking trails? If so, you’ve landed on the right article. In this post, I’ll cover the top 21 hikes in the area, from fun little jaunts to challenging treks.
Whether you’re looking for a tranquil patch of forest or bluffs with sweeping vistas, this list has you covered.
Let’s dive in!
21 Best Wisconsin Dells Hiking Trails
Lace up your hiking shoes, fill your water bottle, and tuck your hiking poles under your arms, it’s time to enjoy the best hiking Wisconsin Dells has to offer.
1. Bluff Canyon Trail, Lake Delton, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 2.3 miles | TIME: 52 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Ready for an easy hike through a lush forest? If so, you’ll love the soft springy ground on the Bluff Canyon Trail.
Stunning views of the Mirror Lake Narrows, sandstone cliffs, and intriguing rock formations make this trail even more enjoyable.
Want to take your dog along? No problem! Just keep your furry friend on a leash.
Note: You will need to pay an entrance fee since this trail is located inside Mirror Lake State Park.
2. International Crane Foundation Loop, Baraboo, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 0.8 miles | TIME: 17 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
If you love birding, the International Crane Foundation Loop is an excellent addition to your list of Wisconsin Dells hiking trails to check out.
Grab your binoculars and wander through prairies, forests, and wetlands admiring birds and wildflowers.
See if you can spot all 15 of the world’s cranes while you walk.
The path is well-maintained and easy to navigate, though you may encounter some boggy ground depending on the weather. No dogs are allowed here.
3. Prairie Vista Loop, Biggsville, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 1.2 miles | TIME: 27 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
If you’re willing to brave the bugs (insect repellant highly recommended), the Prairie Vista Loop in Biggsville is a quick and fun hike.
Keep an eye out for sandhill cranes while you explore the dry prairies, oak savannas, and wetlands above the Wisconsin River Valley. Stop at the Aldo Leopold Memorial for a foray into area history.
This trail is varied, so the surface can range from dry and sandy to a thick coating of leaves. It can get slippery in snowy conditions. Dogs are allowed if they are leashed.
4. Savanna Loop, Baraboo, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 0.6 miles | TIME: 12 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
If you’re pressed for time and can’t manage the Prairie Vista Loop, or are looking for more trails to add to your route, the Savanna Loop could be the perfect option.
It only takes 12 minutes to complete, but is a lovely space for birding, hiking, or cross-country skiing in the winter months.
The scenery is similar to Prairie Vista, mentioned above, but with a shorter time commitment.
You can bring your canine companion along on a leash.
5. East Bluff and East Bluff Woods Trail Loop, Baraboo, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 2.6 miles | TIME: 1 hour 17 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Wind between forests and cliffs on the East Bluff Trail in Baraboo. Expansive views, vertiginous drop-offs, and cool rock formations make this moderate trail a delight.
Follow the asphalt path, climb over rocks, get your heart pumping on the stone steps, and catch your breath while soaking in the vistas of Devil’s Lake.
Don’t forget to check out Elephant Rock and Elephant Cave at the north end of the trail.
6. Devil’s Lake via West Bluff Trail
DISTANCE: 4.8 miles | TIME: 2.5 hours | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Amazing views, rocky ascents, and a sandy beach make the West Bluff Trail in Devil’s Lake State Park a popular route.
Although it is steep and strenuous, the views, cool rock formations, and interesting technical obstacles on this trail will more than reward your efforts.
Give yourself plenty of time, as some hikers took 5 hours to complete this route! You’ll also want plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and possibly trekking poles.
Note: If you want to avoid crowds, consider making this an evening hike during the week.
7. West Bluff Trail to Balance Rock to East Bluff, Baraboo, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 5.1 miles | TIME: 2.5 hours | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Ready for an epic hike with steep climbs?
Nothing beats the beauty of Devil’s Lake, and a hike up to Balanced Rock via the West Bluff Trail is a perfect way to experience the gorgeous vistas. Finish off with the East Bluff trail to circle the lake completely.
Cliffside stairs and no shade add to the challenge, but the views will pull you forward again and again.
Rock climbing, hiking, and birding are huge draws to this area, so the trail might be busy.
Note: For an easier route, take the East Bluff Trail, then loop around and descend via the West Bluff. Expect extremely slippery conditions in the winter.
8. Tumbled Rock Trail, Baraboo, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 2.4 miles | TIME: 45 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Enjoy Devil’s Lake without taxing yourself on the Tumbled Rock Trail.
Walk along a paved lakefront trail surrounded by massive boulders, shimmering water, and striking scenery.
Take your swimsuit along and jump into water at different points along the way, cooling off, and basking in the beauty. Connect with friends while nature’s restorative power sweeps over you.
This hike is perfect for all ages and ability levels. It’s a perfect addition to any Wisconsin Dells vacation, whether you’re traveling solo or with family.
9. West Bluff Trail, Baraboo, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 2.9 miles | TIME: 1.5 hours | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Looking for the most impressive hiking trails Wisconsin Dells has to offer? If so, the West Bluff Trail is a hike not to miss.
Climb the equivalent of 36 flights of stairs to reach the striking quartzite cliffs of the Devil’s Lake Basin.
These cliffs rise up to 200 feet in the air, providing thermals for soaring eagles and hawks. The views from the top are epic.
This is part of the Ice Age Trail and includes cool rock features such as Cleopatra’s Needle and Prospect Point.
10. Balanced Rock Trail, Baraboo, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 0.7 miles | TIME: 39 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Hard/Moderate
Put your muscles through their paces with a challenging hike up slick rocks. Balanced Rock Trail is short, but steep with stone steps leading up to sweeping vistas.
At the top, you’ll get to see the enigmatic rock that gives this trail its name. It balances precariously on a rocky outcropping that drops down to Devil’s Lake below.
This is a fun trail to do with a dog, though it makes it more technical.
Be aware that in winter, the top is often icy and treacherous.
12. Balanced Rock Trail, East Bluff, and Potholes Trail Loop, Baraboo, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 1.2 miles | TIME: 51 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
If you’re afraid of heights, you might want to skip this one. The Balanced Rock to East Bluff to Potholes Trail Loop is a moderate hike with breathtaking views, a bit of bouldering, and steep drop-offs.
This trail is perfect for a quick and challenging workout with fabulous views and interesting scenery. You’ll want to wear shoes with excellent grip.
Note: You’ll need to pay for a day pass to access this trail.
13. Pewit’s Nest Gorge, Baraboo, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 0.8 miles | TIME: 21 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Pewit’s Nest Gorge is the perfect easy trail to give your muscles a break, introduce kids to hiking, or take older dogs out for a stroll.
Head to the right at the top of the trail for a beautiful natural section that ends with a swimming hole. Take your swimsuit along and join in the laughing splashing fun. It’s a perfect way to cool off in the summer months.
You can even use the rocks as a natural slide into the water. Fun!
14. Parfrey’s Glen, Merrimac, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 1.7 miles | TIME: 42 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Explore a 100-foot-deep glen cut-through with a mountain stream populated with crawfish on this hike to Parfey’s Glen.
Clamber over boulders, tromp across the creek and treat yourself to views of a lovely waterfall at the end.
This is one of the few waterfalls near Wisconsin Dells. Besides the waterfall, the rocks that make up the narrow valley plus the endangered plants and insects that live here make the glen a special destination.
Watch where you step and be prepared to get a little muddy.
15. Rocky Arbor Loop, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 1.4 miles | TIME: 34 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Explore a beautiful section of woods populated with glacial sandstone formations on this hiking loop in Rocky Arbor State Park.
Most of the hike is easy, but there are a few steep climbs and descents as the trail progresses. The loop starts and ends with a set of stairs. There is a bit of traffic noise during sections of the hike, but is generally tranquil.
Wear bug repellent because the mosquitoes emerge en masse on the lower sections of the trail.
16. River Road Loop Trail, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 0.8 miles | TIME: hours | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Treat yourself to a forest bath on the River Road Loop Trail. This short shaded trail leads through the Dells of Wisconsin Natural Area.
Tread carefully over the abundance of roots, and enjoy the birdsong and the sound of the breeze through the trees. Ahh, peace.
Note: This trail used to lead to Witches Gulch, but access has been restricted since 2016.
17. Witches Gulch Trail
DISTANCE: 0.8 miles | TIME: 15 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Enter a narrow glacier canyon over wooden bridges and listen to the shivery cascade of waterfalls and a burbling creek. Welcome to Witches Gulch!
The steep walls of this canyon curve in and out, inviting you onward. The scent of cedar, moss, and earthy sandstone envelope you while layers and layers of rock formations soar overhead.
Although Witches Gulch is only accessible through Dells Boat Tours, it is well worth the cost. You won’t spend long in the gulch, but the terrain is incredible.
18. Chapel Gorge Trail, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 1.8 miles | TIME: 40 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Enjoy a fun, easy walk to a small beach on the Wisconsin River on the Chapel Gorge Trail. It’s a popular spot, especially in the height of summer, so be prepared to share the trail and waterfront.
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the tranquility of the forest. Once you reach the beach, cool off with a swim, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
To avoid crowds, enjoy this trail in the spring or fall.
19. Ishnala and Echo Rock Trail Loop, Lake Delton, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 3.1 miles | TIME: 1 hour 11 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Splendid views of Mirror Lake, interesting rock formations, a bridge, and the chance to swim make the Ishnala and Echo Rock Trail Loop a fabulous choice.
This easy trail takes you through shaded and unshaded walking paths. The trail surface is a combination of sand, mulch, gravel, and asphalt.
Although there is interstate noise on one section of the trail, it is generally tranquil and beautiful.
Be sure to take the left fork at the bridge to see Echo Rock.
20. Northwest Trail Loop, Lake Delton, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 2.8 miles | TIME: 1 hour | DIFFICULTY: Easy
The Northwest Trail Loop in Mirror Lake State Park is a beautiful trail that winds through woods.
Climb up and down hills, enjoy views of the lake, then plunge into the forest. The trail is wide and well-maintained. Expect a few deer flies.
If you’d rather opt for an easier route, you’ll have four chances to do so. All-in-all, this is a relaxing walk perfect for all ages and abilities.
21. Devil’s Lake, Grottos Trail, Baraboo, Wisconsin
DISTANCE: 1.6 miles | TIME: 34 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Ready for something truly unique? If so, enter the fascinating Grottos Trail. It runs along the foot of the Devil’s Lake Bluffs. Cold air sinks into the grottos, creating deliciously refreshing hideouts on blistering summer days–nature’s air conditioner.
It’s also a fun trail on which to enjoy Wisconsin Dells winter hiking or snowshoeing.
You can turn this into a loop by adding on the Group Camp Trail.
Wisconsin Dells Hiking Packing List
Wondering what to take on a Wisconsin Dells Hike?
This is my list of essentials:
- Hiking shoes
- Trekking Poles (depending on the trail)
- Yaktrax (in the winter)
- Water Bottle
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Snacks
- Sunscreen/Hat/Sunglasses
- Insect Repellant
Wisconsin Dells Hiking: FAQ
There are tons of hiking opportunities available in the Dells with a range of difficulty levels and scenery to choose from.
Devil’s Lake State Park, Mirror Lake State Park, and the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area offer popular trails, including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Witches Gulch is an easy 15-minute hike that is only 0.8 miles out and back. What it lacks in length, it makes up for in unparalleled beauty.
There are many excellent hiking trails available in Wisconsin Dells, from steep ascents up quartzite cliffs to easy strolls through strewn boulders to peaceful jaunts in the woods.
The Chapel Gorge Trail is in a free and public section of the Wisconsin State Natural Area. The beach at the end is one of the few publicly accessible beaches on the river, making it a popular spot for swimmers, boaters, and cliff-divers in the summer.
Wisconsin Dells Hiking: Conclusion
Which of these Wisconsin Dells hiking trails catch your fancy?
Are you excited to get out in nature, move your limbs, enjoy some birdwatching, and put your muscles to the test?
I know I am. Happy trails!
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