Ice Age Trail

The Ice Age Trail is a scenic and unique national scenic trail in Wisconsin, spanning approximately 1,200 miles and tracing the edge of the last continental glacier in North America. As it passes through Devil’s Lake State Park, the trail offers some of the most breathtaking and geologically significant segments of the entire route.

Within Devil’s Lake State Park, the Ice Age Trail incorporates about 13.7 miles of the park’s approximately 29 miles of hiking trails. This segment of the trail showcases the park’s remarkable glacial features, including steep cliffs, deep valleys, and Devil’s Lake itself, which is surrounded by quartzite bluffs rising dramatically from its shores.

The trail through the park is marked by significant elevation changes and rugged terrain, providing a challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views. Hikers can explore a variety of landscapes, from dense forests and serene lake shores to rocky bluffs and open prairies. These areas are rich in biodiversity and offer ample opportunities for wildlife observation.

Some of the most iconic sections of the Ice Age Trail in Devil’s Lake State Park include the East and West Bluff Trails. The East Bluff Trail features the famous Devil’s Doorway, an impressive rock formation, while the West Bluff Trail offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape from above. Both trails are interconnected by the Tumbled Rocks Trail at the base of the bluffs along the lakeshore, allowing for a comprehensive loop that covers diverse terrains and elevations.

For those interested in geology, the trail through Devil’s Lake State Park is a living museum displaying the powerful forces of ice, water, and time. It’s a segment of the Ice Age Trail that not only challenges hikers physically but also offers them a deep connection with the ancient natural history of the region.