The best walks and hikes around Lake Delton

Yes, many trails in the area are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. Mirror Lake State Park is a popular choice for hiking with dogs. For a quieter experience, consider the trails in Rocky Arbor State Park, which also welcome leashed pets.

The region is great for family outings. Most trails have minimal elevation change. A good option is the Bluff-Canyon Trail loop, which is a relatively short and easy walk through the woods in Mirror Lake State Park.

The Lake Delton area is more known for its sandstone cliffs and serene lakes than for significant waterfalls. While you won't find large, cascading falls directly on the main hiking trails, the unique gorge and dells formations carved by water offer their own spectacular scenery, especially within the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area.

While most of the popular hiking is on natural surface trails within state parks, there is a five-mile multi-use path that loops around Lake Delton itself. It's ideal for walkers, runners, and cyclists looking for a paved surface away from the more rugged park trails.

Mirror Lake State Park generally offers gentler, flatter trails that wind through woodlands and along the lake. In contrast, Devil's Lake State Park is famous for its challenging hikes involving steep, rocky climbs up 500-foot quartzite bluffs. Trails there, like the East Bluff Trail, offer stunning views but require more effort and sturdy footwear.

Many of the best trails are located within Wisconsin State Parks like Mirror Lake, Devil's Lake, and Rocky Arbor, which require a vehicle admission sticker for entry. However, you can explore areas like the Chapel Gorge Trail, part of the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area, without a state park fee.

Most trails in the state parks are designed as loops, making them convenient for hikers. A great example is the Northwest Trail loop in Mirror Lake State Park. It's a pleasant walk of about 3.2 miles (5.1 km) through the woods.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the stunning sandstone cliffs, the peaceful lakeside paths, and the well-maintained trails through lush forests. The unique geology of the Dells of the Wisconsin River is a frequently mentioned highlight.

The Chapel Gorge Trail is a relatively short loop of about 2 miles (3.2 km). Most of the trail is an easy walk through the woods, but there is a steep section of steps leading down to a sandy beach on the Wisconsin River. It's manageable for most hikers but requires some caution on the descent.

Echo Rock is a fantastic sandstone formation within Mirror Lake State Park that you can walk right up to. For more dramatic, sweeping views, the bluffs at Devil's Lake State Park are unmatched, offering panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding landscape from formations like Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway.

Mirror Lake State Park offers some accessible options. The park has a .25-mile paved trail, an accessible fishing pier, and a beach picnic area. The five-mile paved loop around Lake Delton itself is also suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

Yes, several trails lead to beaches. The Chapel Gorge Trail descends to a lovely sandy beach on the Wisconsin River. Both Mirror Lake State Park and Devil's Lake State Park have designated swimming beaches that are easily accessible from their trail networks and parking areas.