17 Best Door County Hikes To Do In 2025
Planning on going hiking in Door County?
Then you’ve come to the right place because I love hiking in Door County, and as a Wisconsin local, it’s one of my favorite places in the state for being outdoors.
From the famous Peninsula State Park to the lesser-known hidden gems like Heins Creek, I’ve hiked all throughout the county and loved every second.
But I know that it can sometimes be hard to find new places to hike, especially in a place which isn’t so popular to visit for tourists, meaning there isn’t tons and tons of information online.
So to help you out, I’ve put together a list of the best hikes in Door County, so let’s get straight into it.
Best Door County Hikes
1. Peninsula State Park

DISTANCE: Various Trails from 0.5 to 10 Miles | TIME: 30 min to 6 hours | DIFFICULTY: Easy to Hard
Peninsula State Park, sprawling across 3,776 acres on the Door County peninsula, is a haven for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers alike.
This park is renowned for its stunning views of Green Bay, dense forests, and majestic bluffs. With trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks, there’s something here for everyone, making it a must-visit for your hiking adventures in Wisconsin.
Eagle Trail is a favorite among hikers who want a challenging yet enjoyable hike and is my personal go-to when hiking in Peninsula State Park. The trail takes you along the edge of a 150-foot cliff offering breathtaking views straight out of a dream.
It’s roughly 2 miles and is considered a moderate hike, but it’s well worth it for the panoramic views you get throughout the hike.
2. Newport State Park

DISTANCE: Various Trails from 1 to 11 Miles | TIME: 1 hour to Full Day | DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
Nestled at the tip of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula, Newport State Park stands as a sanctuary of tranquility and natural splendor.
As Wisconsin’s only wilderness-designated state park, it offers over 2,300 acres of forest and 11 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, making it an idyllic setting for hikers seeking solitude and unspoiled landscapes.
The park is also one of the best places in the state for stargazing. There is so little light pollution that the views of the sky are clear and unspoiled, offering amazing sights of the night sky. It gives me goosebumps every time I see the stars.
There are a good few trails to choose from but my recommendation is the Hotz Loop Trail, or a moderate hike that offers a bit of everything.
The Hotz Loop Trail takes you through a variety of landscapes, including dense woodlands, open fields, and along the lake’s edge – it has a little bit of everything.
3. Cave Point County Park

DISTANCE: 0.5 miles | TIME: 30 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Cave Point County Park is a year-round destination, enchanting visitors with its frozen beauty in winter and its vibrant, lush landscapes in the warmer months.
Spring and summer offer a kaleidoscope of wildflowers and greenery, while fall dazzles with fiery foliage that contrasts beautifully against the blue of the lake. If you love fall colors, it’s a must-see.
The Cliffside Trail is a journey along the edge of the park, where you’re treated to spectacular views of Lake Michigan crashing against the cliffs. The name is slightly misleading as there aren’t actually any caves to explore, but the cliffs are magnificent.
I love Lake Michigan and I’ve written about it a lot on my blog, but I have to admit, few places come close to Cave Point when I want to be near the lake. Just look at that sunset above…
4. Ice Age National Scenic Trail

DISTANCE: 13.7 miles | TIME: 5-7 hours | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Not to be confused with the Ice Age movies, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail offers plenty of stunning hiking trails.
The most popular is the Devil’s Lake State Park segment which is 13.7 miles, so it’s a lot longer than many of the other options on this list. It usually takes me 6 hours or so, so allow 5-7 hours to complete the trail.
This segment offers some of the most breathtaking views along the entire Ice Age Trail, where towering bluffs overlook the serene, glacier-formed Devil’s Lake. The glaciers are where the trail gets its name – so maybe there are some similarities to the Ice Age movies after all.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any glaciers in the modern day as the geology is all thousands of years old – the glaciers are long gone.
5. The Ridges Sanctuary
DISTANCE: Over 5 miles of trails to choose from | TIME: 1-3 hours | DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
The Ridges Sanctuary offers more of the best hiking spots in Door County, with more than 5 miles of trails to choose from.
While I prefer hiking on natural ground, I do love the Hidden Brook Boardwalk (1-mile round trip) which is a short and easy trail that takes you through the heart of the sanctuary’s wetlands. It’s also accessible for wheelchair users which is nice.
The starting point for all of the trails is the Nature Center which is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Note that there is a $5 fee to hike any of the trails, but under 18s do go free, and no dogs are allowed on the trails.
6. Whitefish Dunes State Park

DISTANCE: 14.5 miles of trails to choose from | TIME: 1-3 hours | DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
Whitefish Dunes State Park is also on the eastern Door County Peninsula, not too far from Cave Point County Park.
The park boasts 14.5 miles of hiking trails to choose from, with plenty of opportunities to get in and amongst nature without disturbing the rare plant and animal species that inhabit the area thanks to the park’s conservation efforts.
I recommend checking out the Black Trail (3-mile circuit), which takes you through mixed hardwood forests and exposes you to the dolomitic limestone bedrock of the Niagara Escarpment, which is pretty fascinating to see how the world has evolved through time right in front of your eyes.
The Black Trail also connects Whitefish Dunes to Cave Point, so you can take on a few different trails in one day.
7. Potawatomi State Park
DISTANCE: 0.5-3.5 miles | TIME: 0.5-3 hours | DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
Like most of the places on my list, there are lots of trails to choose from ranging from half a mile to 3 miles. None of the trails are overly challenging, and most take you through campgrounds and along the shore.
My go-to trail is the Hemlock Trail. It starts in car park 2 and is 2.6 miles in total. It takes you along the shore of Green Bay. I have two things which I love to do there, one is walk along the shore, and two is to take a spa in Green Bay.
The Ice Age Trail actually goes through Potawatomi State Park too, so it’s possible to tick off a few trails at one time by visiting Potawatomi State Park.
Note that a vehicle admission sticker is required for park entry which helps in supporting the maintenance and preservation of the park.
8. Rock Island State Park

DISTANCE: 5.2 miles | TIME: 2-3 hours | DIFFICULTY: Easy-Moderate
Rock Island State Park is one of the most unique hiking spots in Door County. As the name suggests, it’s an island. And it’s not to be confused with the park in Tennesee with the same name.
The island is part of Lake Michigan and is just off Washington Island. You can’t drive to the island and no cars are allowed on the island, so it feels quite serene. You need to get the ferry to Washington Island first.
For all of the effort it takes to get to the island, I always go for the longest trail to make it worth my time. It’s called the Thordarson Loop Trail and it does a circle of the island which is 5.2 miles long.
The island has some waterfalls along the way but the most prominent feature is the lighthouse which is from before Wisconsin was even considered a State!
There’s also a beach on the island where you can relax after hiking – sometimes you need something to look forward to in order to keep going, right?
9. Ellison Bluff County Park
DISTANCE: Approx. 1 mile | TIME: 30 mins | DIFFICULTY: Easy
When I don’t feel like walking for miles and miles, I always like visiting Ellison Bluff County Park. It’s right up towards the top of the peninsula and has just one short trail which is slightly over a mile.
Rather than hiking, it’s more of a gentle stroll along paths which anyone of any age and fitness level would have no problems completing.
The highlight is the stairway which leads you towards the edge of the towering limestone cliffs, part of the grand Niagara Escarpment. The views are worthy of a postcard, and I’ve taken some really beautiful photos there.
As it’s so far up the peninsula, it might not be worth the journey to hike for only a mile, so perhaps you can combine it with one of the other options on the peninsula from my list.
10. Toft Point State Natural Area
DISTANCE: 2 miles Out and Back | TIME: 1 hour | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Another place for hikes in Door County which I always love going to is the Toft Point State Natural Area. Natural Areas are always a personal favorite of mine – I think they have a nice charm to them that you don’t get from the State or County Parks. They’re never as busy either which I like.
If you like to go beyond the trails and paths, it’s a good option for you to explore. Just remember to always take safety precautions and ensure you are adequately prepared with the right equipment like a compass and map.
Personally, I like sticking to the trails, and the trail here is 1 mile in each direction, but there is no loop so you need to go there and back. Along the way, you can get a glimpse into the life of the Toft family, whom the area is named after.
If you’re a tourist visiting Door County, or if you fancy a staycation, there are log cabins which you can stay in for the night.
Booking Link
11. Plum Island Trails
DISTANCE: 5 miles of trails | TIME: 2-3 hours | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Plum Island is another Lake Michigan island filled with lots of great hikes in Door County, Wisconsin. It’s in between the peninsula and Washington Island, so it’s quicker to get to than Rock Island.
As a small island, you can pretty much hike anywhere and everywhere and it’s possible to complete all of the trails in one visit to the island.
I love the Eagle View Trail which is aptly named because of the bald eagle nest which you can spot along the route. Spotting animals and wildlife is a big part of what makes hiking enjoyable.
Unfortunately, they aren’t there as often as they used to be, but even if you don’t spot them, the hike is still beautiful,
12. Ahnapee State Trail
DISTANCE: Up to 48 miles | TIME: Up to 14 hours | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
The Ahnapee State Trail is the longest of these Door County hikes on my list, but admittedly, only 12 miles of the trail is in the county itself.
You can hike as much or as little of the trail as you want, but make sure to plan your route as the trail goes through all different terrains so you can choose between farmland, evergreen glades, prairies, woodlands and more.
If you enjoy other forms of getting active, it’s also a good spot for mountain biking and horseriding. And in the winter, snowmobiling and even cross-country skiing. It takes the phrase “it’s got a bit of everything” to a different level.
13. Horseshoe Island
DISTANCE: 38.2 acre island | TIME: A few hours | DIFFICULTY: Easy
When you Google Horseshoe Island, you’ll probably have an island from Antarctica come up. Unfortunately, that’s not quite in Door County, but the Horseshoe Island just north of Peninsula State Park is. As the name suggests, it is indeed shaped like a horseshoe.
The landscapes are very similar to those of the State Park, but it’s got the extra bit of fun of being an island so you always have a view of the coast. It’s pretty small and you can hike around the whole island in just a few hours.
To get there, you can either rent a kayak from Peninsula State Park and kayak to the island, which is my favorite way as I love being on the water, or you can get a boat.
14. Deathdoor Bluff Trail
DISTANCE: 2.5 miles | TIME: 1 hour | DIFFICULTY: Easy-Moderate
Deathdoor Bluff Trail is the most popular trail in Door Bluff Headlands County Park but it’s one of the quietest parks in the county, so it’s never too busy which is nice.
Don’t let the name “Death Door” put you off – the views here are incredible and you get stunning views over Green Bay, views which are arguably worth dying for, haha!
There isn’t much signage here which is my only complaint, but it’s a loop trail so it’s not too difficult to navigate.
It’s mostly through woodlands and forests, so it’s the perfect place to take your dog for a walk especially since it’s not too long either.
15. Ephraim Preserve at Anderson Pond
DISTANCE: 1.5 miles of trails | TIME: <1 hour | DIFFICULTY: Easy
The Ephraim Preserve at Anderson Pond is one of the least-known hiking spots in Door County, but it’s still one of the best. To give you an idea of how small it is, there are only spaces for 2 or 3 cars in the parking lot.
The trails at Ephraim Preserve wind gently through a diverse landscape, featuring forests, meadows, and the shores of Anderson Pond.
Make sure to keep your wits about you as the trail is known to have a lot of snakes – so if you are an animal lover, keep your eyes peeled and you can spot some wildlife.
16. Europe Bay Woods State Natural Area
DISTANCE: 10.3 mile loop | TIME: 3 hours | DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
Europe Bay Woods State Natural Area is part of Newport State Park, so you can do it on the same day as the Hotz Loop, and maybe even enjoy some stargazing in the evening which follows.
The area is protected for its diverse ecosystems, which include mature northern hardwood forests, wetlands, and of course, the picturesque Europe Lake.
From my experience, the best time to visit is between March and November – it’s one of the few parks in Door County which aren’t great in winter.
The trails are almost entirely through woods so you can imagine what it’s like when it’s icy. That being said, when it’s dry, the trails are well-maintained.
17. Heins Creek Nature Preserve
DISTANCE: 0.8 mile loop | TIME: 15 mins | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Last but by no means least of the best places for hiking in Door County is Heins Creek Nature Preserve. It is the shortest loop on my list though, so you might want to do a few laps.
Although you don’t want to rush round too quickly as it’s a great spot for birdwatching. You’ll see on my packing list in a minute that I say to have binoculars for birdwatching – definitely bring them for this trail.
There are lots of benches along the way too. The nature preserve is there to be enjoyed and spend some time in rather than hiking the loop as quickly as possible.
Door County Hiking Packing List
When you go hiking in Door County, or anywhere for that matter, you should always ensure you are prepared with the right equipment to ensure you are always safe, and so you can always enjoy yourself.
I know how hard it can be to know what to bring with you, so to make your life easier, I’ve put together a list of what I have for hiking in Door County. To be honest, I don’t bring everything on this list every time I go out, but I do own all of it and I take what I see fit on each given day. Most of these things I only take for long hikes.
Essential Gear
- Sturdy Hiking Boots: Waterproof and supportive to handle different terrains.
- Backpack: A comfortable, durable backpack with enough space for your gear and supplies.
- Water Bottles or Hydration System: Stay hydrated – consider a water filter for longer trails.
- Trail Maps and Compass/GPS: Stay oriented – even if you plan to use your phone, have backups.
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Layered clothing that can be adjusted for changing conditions. Include moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating layer, and a waterproof outer layer.
- Hat and Sunglasses: Protection against the sun and elements.
- Gloves: Especially for cooler mornings and evenings, or winter hikes.
Health and Safety
- First-Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, blister treatments, and any essential first-aid items.
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Always wear SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
- Insect Repellent: To protect against ticks and mosquitoes.
- Tick Removal Tool: Keep it handy, especially in warmer months.
- Headlamp or Flashlight: With extra batteries, in case your hike lasts longer than expected.
Nutrition and Comfort
- Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, and other non-perishable snacks.
- Lunch: If planning a day hike, pack a lightweight, nutritious lunch.
- Reusable Utensils: Minimize waste and convenience for meals.
- Insulated Water Bottle: To keep beverages hot or cold, depending on the season.
Additional Items
- Camera or Smartphone: For capturing memories. Consider a portable charger for your phone too if you are going on a long hike.
- Binoculars: For birdwatching or viewing distant landscapes.
- Lightweight Towel: Quick-drying, for drying off sweat or after a spontaneous swim.
- Sitting Pad: For comfortable breaks on rugged terrain.
- Garbage Bag: Pack out all trash, including organic waste like fruit peels. Remove to leave no trace!
Season Specific
- Swimsuit and Quick-Dry Towel: For a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan or a hidden creek.
- Ice Traction Devices for Boots: If hiking in winter, for extra grip on icy trails.
- Gaiters: To keep snow or debris out of your boots.
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Mary’s Top Tips For Hiking In Door County
As a Wisconsin local, I have lots of experience with these hikes in Door County. I want you to enjoy your time hiking as much as possible, so I’ve put together some of the top tips I have picked up over the years.
- Download the Door County Land Trust App: The Door County Land Trust has its own app with information about all of its locations as well as some hiking trails. It is available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store.
- Embrace the Seasons: Every season in Door County offers a different hiking experience. Fall offers amazing colors, Winter offers the opportunity for snowshoeing, Spring offers lots of wildlife and Summer has nice weather.
- Gear Up for Varied Terrain: Make sure you prepare for a mix of terrains, from sandy shores to rocky paths as most of the trails on my route go through more than one type of terrain.
- Use AllTrails: AllTrails is a good resource for any hiker and can be used to find even more trails to explore. It’s also good for getting up-to-date reports from other hikers so you know what the conditions are like before setting off.
- Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart: Even on cooler days, staying hydrated is key. Carry a refillable water bottle at all times. I always like to snack on energy-boosting foods like nuts, fruits, and granola bars along the way too.
- Leave No Trace: Door County’s natural beauty is pristine, and it’s up to us to keep it that way. The attitude of “take nothing, leave nothing” should always be your mindset.
- Check Tick and Bug Precautions: Depending on the time of year, Door County can have active tick and mosquito populations. Make sure you have bug spray and check for ticks when you get home.
- Plan Your Route and Timing: It’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the trail maps and difficulty levels before you go, but this post should have you covered for that.
- Consider a sunrise or sunset hike: All of the spots on my list are beautiful, but trust me, they’re even more beautiful when the sky is filled with yellows, oranges, pinks and purples.
- Respect Wildlife: If you encounter animals on your hike, keep a safe distance, do not feed them, and observe quietly. Remember, you’re a guest in their home.
FAQs
Below are some questions related to hiking in Door County along with my expert answers to each question.
Eagle Trail in Door County stretches for a scenic 2 miles. The hike consists of breathtaking cliffs and lush forests, the perfect combination for a hike in Door County.
Cave Point County Park offers a brisk 0.5-mile hike. It’s perfect for soaking in stunning lakeside views and geological wonders without spending your whole day out hiking.
The Eagle Walk is Wisconsin is better known as the Eagle Trail and it’s around 2 miles in Peninsula State Park.
Final Thoughts: Door County Hikes
And there you have it, a complete list of the best Door County hikes.
As I’ve said throughout the article, I love the hikes here – they’re all so pretty.
My personal favorites are Cave Point and the Ice Age Scenic Trail. They’re so much fun to hike.
Now that you know all about hiking here, check out my other post on the best backpacking trails in all of Wisconsin.
This is great information! We’re going the end of August and will use your guide for information!!