Are you in search of scenic hiking destinations for fall? The Upper Midwest is home to thousands of picturesque trails that represent the scenic and varied landscapes of the region. Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, Wisconsin is a top hiking destination to enjoy the cooling temperatures and changing fall colors. Home to 29 miles of hiking trails of rolling to rugged terrain, Devil’s Lake is a feast for the senses. It’s a must visit for a fall hike!
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Devil’s Lake | History and Geology
The geologic history of Devil’s Lake State Park is fascinating. The stunning quartzite bluffs are part of the Baraboo Range, thought to have formed over 1.6 billion years ago. The bluffs that surround Devil’s Lake today were constructed from layers of sand deposited by rivers that moved through the Baraboo Valley. Sediment deposited by rivers millions of years ago was compacted over time, compressed by great heat and pressure. It is now dense layers of quartzite, (metamorphic rock) that we observe in the form of scenic, stately bluffs that surround Devil’s Lake. Along the base of these bluffs is a talus slope of large quartzite boulders known as Baraboo quartzite.
Baraboo Quartzite | Buckingham Fountain, Chicago, IL
**FUN FACT: Did you know? The crushed stone that surrounds Buckingham Fountain in downtown Chicago is Baraboo quartzite.
Devil’s Lake | Hiking
Devil’s Lake State Park is home to over 29 miles of hiking trails of varying lengths and terrain. From a short paved trail to a strenuous climb, there are numerous options to suit your hiking preference. For a full list of hiking options at Devil’s Lake, be sure to visit the Wisconsin DNR’s Devil’s Lake website.
I’ll highlight three of my favorite trails here:
Tumbled Rocks Trail: This one mile trail is accessible for people with disabilities, making it a nice option for those with small children or those with mobility issues. Along the western shoreline and talus slope of the west bluff of Devil’s Lake, the Tumbled Rocks Trail is the least strenuous of all trails at the park. It is one of the most scenic, in my opinion!
The East Bluff and West Bluff trails are gorgeous treks at higher elevation. Both trails are the most challenging in the park, but both very scenic, and absolutely worth the effort!
East Bluff Trail: One of the park’s most difficult trails is the East Bluff Trail, following the East Bluff of Devil’s Lake. This 1.7 mile trail has an abundance of stone steps, ups and downs, and scenic views of the lake.
West Bluff Trail: The most difficult trail at Devil’s Lake is the West Bluff Trail, a 1.4 mile hike with stone steps, ups and downs, and challenging terrain. However, the views are worth every challenging step!
Devil’s Lake State Park | Trail Information
You can find detailed information on Tumbled Rocks Trail, East Bluff Trail, and West Bluff Trail on the AllTrails website and AllTrails app. For detailed trail maps on the go, the All Trails app has been my go to for the past few years. Sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE.
Hiking Gear
Weather is ever-changing in Wisconsin! Mornings and evenings can be chilly, and midday sun can be intense, even into the fall months. For COOLER fall days, consider the Outdoor Research Trail Mix Snap Pullover – Women’s or Men’s. Explore Fall Gear & Apparel up to 60% Off. Jackets & Layers Up To 65% Off
Hiking Packs
My go to pack for day hikes is Osprey’s Talon 11. I have faithfully carried this pack for 10 years. The Talon has an adjustable hip-belt, mesh front pocket, and two water bottle compartments with plenty of room for snacks and an extra layer inside.
If you prefer a lumbar pack for hiking, check out the Talon 6 Multi-sport Lumbar Pack.  Osprey’s Packfinder is a great tool to find the pack that best fits your frame and activity.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail
Devil’s Lake State Park is located along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, a 1200-mile recreational trail traveling through the state of Wisconsin. The Devil’s Lake segment of the Ice Age Trail passes through the park. Collectively, this segment is a 13.7 loop around Devil’s Lake that includes portions of the following trails within the park:
Devil’s Lake State Park | Directions
You can enter Devil’s Lake State Park from the North or South shore. Access the main entrance and Visitor’s Center on the North shore on Highway DL at S5975 State Park Road, Baraboo, WI, 53913. The South shore entrance is located on South Lake Road. Both entrances feature picnic areas, shelters, and beach areas.
Devil’s Lake State Park | Information and Hours
Hours: Devil’s Lake State Park is open from 6am – 11pm daily, 365 days a year. Summer and fall are the busiest seasons in the park. Multiple parking lots are located near the main entrance and Visitor’s Center. These lots fill quickly and are sometimes full by mid-morning. Be sure to arrive early for a good spot!
Park Fees: Wisconsin residents: Vehicle passes are $28 for a 12-month pass, or $13 for a daily pass. Non-Wisconsin residents: Vehicle passes are $50 for a 12-month pass, or $16 for a daily pass. Self-service kiosks are available to purchase vehicle admission passes, or online through the Wisconsin State Park System.
Devil’s Lake State Park | Visitor Center
Visitor Center: Be sure to check out the Devil’s Lake Visitor Center, located at the North entrance. You’ll find t-shirts and sweatshirts, patches, postcards, mugs, snacks, and other Devil’s Lake themed gifts. Visitor Center hours are as follows:
- Monday – Thursday 8am-6pm
- Friday – Sunday 8am-6pm
Adventure in the Madison Area
If you’re interested in exploring a great bike trail in the Madison, WI area, read more in my blog post, Madison Wisconsin’s Scenic Lake Monona Loop | Bike the Midwest’s Most Bike-Friendly City!
Explore Madison Wisconsin’s Scenic Lake Monona Loop | Bike the Badger State
Enjoy your hike(s) at this beautiful Wisconsin State Park!
-Erin
