Oh dear nature-loving pal (the one like me), let me fill you in on why Wisconsin Dells is the perfect destination for you and if you are looking for hiking trails in Wisconsin Dells – you are in a right place.
You know that feeling when you’re totally submerged in nature and your senses come alive? Well, here it’s in abundance.
Miles and miles of hiking trails and 13 lakes for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Not to mention, you can even take a scenic boat tour and admire the magnificent rock formations that date back millions of years. Trust me, it’s a sight to see. And if you’re looking for a thrill, try out the zip lining and ropes course to get your adrenaline pumping. So, pack up those hiking boots and your sense of adventure and head on over to Wisconsin Dells – nature’s playground.
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Hiking trails in Wisconsin Dells
Hiking in Wisconsin Dells might just be the adventure you’ve been looking for, and not just because of the breathtaking views or the great exercise. With over 1500 miles (in Wisconsin overall) of trails to choose from, there’s something for everybody: beginners and advanced hikers, adventure seekers and occassional strollers. You can hike through striking rock formations, lush forests, and gorgeous river valleys.
You’ll see a whole range of flora and fauna, from wildflowers and ferns to eagles and turkeys. And if you’re lucky, you might even find a mushroom that won’t make you hallucinate.
But perhaps best of all, hiking in Wisconsin Dells is a fantastic way to “get away from it all” and unplug, without having to give up modern amenities like indoor plumbing and access to delicious cheese curds. So what are you waiting for? Get your trekking shoes on and hit the trail!
Further reading:
Gibraltar Rock Hiking Trail
Gibraltar Rock Hiking Trail is a breathtaking trail that offers hikers and adventure seekers an exhilarating experience.
Rising to about 200 feet above the surrounding terrain, Gibraltar Rock is a geological formation created during the ice age and is a remnant of an ancient mountain range.
The trail is known for its stunning limestone cliffs, dense forests, and panoramic views of the beautiful Wisconsin countryside.
Hikers can also expect to encounter a wide range of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, rabbits, and various bird species. This trail is perfect for solo hikers, families, and groups of friends looking for a challenging yet rewarding adventure.
Length: The Gibraltar Rock hiking trail is approximately 5 miles in length, providing hikers with ample opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Time Needs: Hikers can expect to spend around 2 to 3 hours on this trail, depending on their speed and level of fitness.
Difficulty Level: The terrain on the Gibraltar Rock hiking trail is mostly moderate, with a few steep inclines and declines along the way.
Scenic Views: One of the highlights of the Gibraltar Rock hiking trail is the stunning panoramic views from the top of Gibraltar Rock. Hikers can see for miles in every direction, taking in the rolling hills and lush greenery of the surrounding landscape.
Wildlife Spotting: As you hike the Gibraltar Rock trail, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of wildlife. Deer, squirrels, and wild turkeys are just a few of the many animals that call this area home.
Rocky Arbor hiking trail
The Rocky Arbor King Trail is located closer to Rocky Arbor State Park, which is 1.5 miles from Dells, Wisconsin.
This hiking trail is about 1.5 miles long, underlines characterized as a moderate hiking trail. It is one of the quiet, yet tranquil picnic spots that you can pick during a trip to Wisconsin.
While it is not as strange as, it is always important that you come prepared and wear proper hiking boots to prevent any injuries on your feet or any attack from insects and other creatures that you will find in different parts of this trail.
Devil’s Doorway Loop
The Devil’s Doorway Loop is an outstanding hiking trail located in the beautiful Mirror Lake State Park in Wisconsin. The trail stretches up to 1.9 miles and offers a challenging and thrilling hiking experience for nature enthusiasts. The trail’s name was derived from the unique rock formation that stands magnificently at the highest point of the trail, resembling a doorway straight out of a fantasy movie. The magnificent beauty of this Doorway offers a stunning view of the surrounding valleys and the stunning bluffs that give Wisconsin its prominence.
The trail passes through a dense forest that is home to a variety of wildlife species such as deer, birds, and squirrels, making the hike even more exciting and thrilling. The trail features an elevation gain of over 375 feet, making it a moderate to strenuous hike, and visitors can expect to encounter a few steep sections along the way.
The Devil’s Doorway Loop is a must-visit hiking trail for anyone looking for a unique and challenging outdoor adventure in Wisconsin. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, this trail is sure to leave you in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds it.
East bluff trail
This is a 2.6-mile hiking trail that is located in The Dells, Wisconsin. It is one of the iconic hiking trails because even though it is characterized as moderate, it is an easy hiking trail and you can explore it with your family and friends. During your trip to the area, you might find many people hiking especially during the summertime. Therefore, you should always go during the early hours of the day when there are few people.
It gives you an amazing view of the lake, and the rocks making it one of the best locations that you can visit during your hiking trails in Wisconsin. There are different places whereby you can take your refreshment, especially if you are tired of hiking. It is always important that you always wear proper hiking books to prevent any injuries during hiking on this trail.
Echo Rock hiking trail
The Echo Rock Hiking Trail is one of the most exceptional hiking trails in Wisconsin that covers about 3.1 miles and this characterizes the moderate hiking trail. It is one of the best places where you can visit because it is located on an overlooked Mirror Lake. The path in this hiking trail is well paved.
Therefore, it is suitable for pet owners, families, as well as people with wheelchairs. It is a perfect environment for doing the outdoors as you explore different parts of Wisconsin. You will find all kinds of animals and other plants on this path because it is uniquely diverse. The hiking trail presents you with the perfect opportunity to interact with nature as well as explore some of the best-forested parts of Wisconsin.
Witches Gulch
This is another iconic hiking trail that is located in Dells, Wisconsin. It covers 2.0 miles and it is characterized as an easy hiking trail.
This is an iconic hiking destination and it will give you some of the best memories as you can explore different areas. It is important to note that it allows wheelchairs so therefore it is a family-friendly place.
The Witches Gulch trail is particularly renowned for the narrow canyon walls that snake their way through the rugged terrain, providing hikers with a rewarding journey through the heart of the wilderness. At a length of just over one mile, the trail is accessible to hikers of all levels, making it a fantastic destination for families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.
Visitors can expect to see spectacular views of the surrounding bluffs, an array of plant and animal life, and even the occasional waterfall on their journey. If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable hiking experience, Witches Gulch should be high on your list of must-visit destinations.
Palfrey’s Glen Trail
This is one of the top hiking trails in Wisconsin, and it covers about a mile and can be classified as easy to moderate.
The trail begins at the parking lot, where hikers can access the Glenview Trailhead. The path takes you through a beautiful forest and meanders along the steam. After crossing the stream, hikers will enter Palfrey’s Glen where they will witness a beautiful waterfall, and impressive rock formations.
One of the most mesmerizing features of this trail is the narrow canyon walls, which are almost 50 feet high in some areas. Hiking enthusiasts can take in the beauty of Palfrey’s Glen and experience the peace and tranquility of nature.
The trail encompasses stunning flora and fauna, including wildflowers, oak trees, and an abundance of bird species. Along the way bird watchers, can spot owls, woodpeckers, and crested flycatchers to name a few.
Chapel Gorge Trail
This hiking trail is characterized as moderate and it covers about 2 miles. During a trip to the region, you are going to see some of the exceptional locations, in this part because it is always filled with forests as well as amazing fauna and flora. The hiking trail provides you with a tranquil environment by you can go relax and unwind as you see some of the unique creatures in nature.
During your hike on this trail, you see some of the most legendary rock formations in the region, as well as some of the features that have been shaped during the Ice Age. This hiking trail is usually filled with a high number of people.
Therefore, it is important that if we want to explore the different parts of this hiking trail, then you should visit, especially in the morning hours when the number of people is still low. It is always important that you wear protective hiking gear to prevent any attack or bites from insects.
Tumbled Rocks Trail
The tumbled rocks hiking trail is located in one of the best destinations in Dells, Wisconsin that is 1.6 miles long and is characterized as an easy hiking trail. It is therefore you can hike this trail with your family as well as young children and elderly people.
This hiking trail is located closer to Devils Lake Park and it is one or more or less a linear walk along the shore of the lake. This is a perfect hiking trail for your family and friends because there is one of the best-paved parts in this part of Wisconsin.
Living in this area, you will see the vast scenery that is piled up by boulders as old as the old rock formation that you have never seen before in any part of America. Wisconsin offers you the best experience of hiking and tumble rocks trails are one of the most exceptional hiking trails that you will get in the region.
The hike is simple, therefore you do not need any experience in hiking or tracking so you can traverse this exceptional environment. Take your time to wear proper hiking gear and explore the different parts of this hiking trail.
Baxter’s Hollow Trail
Baxter’s Hollow Trail is a beautiful hiking trail located in Wisconsin that covers 1.8 miles of scenic terrain. The trail is nestled in a deep valley and is surrounded by wooded hills, making it the perfect destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The trail is rated as moderately difficult, with some steep inclines and rugged terrain that can challenge hikers of all skill levels.
The trail winds along the banks of a babbling creek, which provides a peaceful background soundtrack for those hiking the trail. Along the way, hikers will see a variety of wildflowers, colorful foliage, and an abundance of wildlife that can be seen from the trail. One of the highlights of the trail is its beautiful waterfall, which is a popular photo spot for visitors.
In addition to its natural beauty, the Baxter’s Hollow Trail is also steeped in history, with historical markers outlining the trail’s past significance. The trail was once used by Native Americans as a hunting and gathering grounds and later served as a logging area during the 1800s.
Overall, the Baxter’s Hollow Trail is a must-visit destination for those who love nature, history, and outdoor adventure. It’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature and experience the beauty of the Wisconsin wilderness.
Pewit’s Nest Trail
Perhaps this is the shortest hiking trail in Wisconsin. This trail covers about 0.9 miles and it is classified as a moderate hiking trail. It is one of the most fun activities that you can do during your trip to Wisconsin. During your visit to this part, you can hike to the area as it ends in a part whereby there is a water pool that is surrounded by cliffs.
This is a perfect environment for taking photographs as you relax and unwind.
The hiking trail is well marked and it is important to note that you should always see follow the route because you do not want to interfere with the different habitats or interact with animals that are always found in the forest in this part.
You do not have to interact with people in crowded parks or even on crowded hiking trails. You can enjoy the short trails on your own and go to the pool as you get some entertainment that you can never find anywhere else.
The ‘400’ State Trail
The ‘400’ State Trail is a magnificent hiking trail in Wisconsin that is approximately 22 miles long and travels through the stunning rural landscapes of the State. The trail was formerly a section of the Chicago and North Western Railway, which used to serve as a transportation link between Elroy and Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Road purchased the line in 1954 and subsequently rebuilt the railbed, which became inactive in 1968. The trail is named after the ‘400’ passenger train, which was known for its speed and punctuality, and made the journey between Chicago and Minneapolis in just 400 minutes.
Today, the trail follows the same route as the former railway, taking hikers through three gravel tunnels, one of which is over 1400 feet long, and through picturesque towns such as Wilton and Norwalk.
The trail also offers outstanding views of the surrounding valleys and farmland, making it a popular hiking spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Overall, the ‘400’ State Trail is a must-visit destination for anyone who enjoys hiking in Wisconsin’s beautiful and historic landscapes.
