Ice Age Trail: Devil's Lake Loop

Devil's Lake State Park offers multiple parking areas. For this loop, you can typically find parking at the North Shore or South Shore entrances. Be aware that parking lots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.

Yes, as this loop is located within Devil's Lake State Park, a Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission sticker is required. You can purchase a daily or annual pass at the park entrance or online. No additional permits are needed specifically for jogging the trail.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trails within Devil's Lake State Park, including this loop. However, they must be kept on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

The best time to jog this loop is typically during the spring and fall. Spring offers lush greenery and fewer crowds, while fall provides spectacular foliage. Summer can be very hot and humid, and winter conditions can be dangerous due to ice and snow on the steep sections, making it unsuitable for jogging.

This loop is considered difficult for jogging due to significant elevation changes and rugged terrain. Expect steep ascents, particularly on the West and East Bluffs, and technical sections like the CCC Trail which requires some scrambling over boulders. It's not recommended for beginner joggers.

The terrain is highly varied. It starts with flatter sections of pavement and well-worn paths, but quickly transitions to rugged, rocky trails. You'll encounter exposed stone steps, singletrack, and even boulder fields requiring scrambling. Some sections, like the Uplands Trail, are gentler and gravel-bedded, winding through hardwood forests.

This loop offers spectacular scenery and unique geological features. You'll pass by the iconic Devil's Doorway Rock Formation and the impressive Balanced Rock, which provides a stunning view of Spirit Lake. The CCC Trail overlook also offers panoramic views of Devil's Lake.

Given its 14.4 km (8.9 miles) distance and difficult rating, it typically takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes of continuous jogging to complete. However, allow extra time for enjoying the views, navigating technical sections, and accounting for the challenging climbs.

This loop is a highlight of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, showcasing Wisconsin's glacial history with unique geological features like quartzite bluffs rising 500 feet above the lake. It combines the best of the Ice Age Trail with the beauty of Wisconsin's most visited state park, offering diverse terrain, stunning views, and historical Civilian Conservation Corps structures.

Yes, the route incorporates significant portions of the official IAT - Devil's Lake Segment. It also passes through sections of the Johnson Moraine Loop Trail, Upland Trail loop, and Tumbled Rocks Trail, among others.

Devil's Lake State Park is Wisconsin's largest and most popular state park. Beyond the required vehicle admission sticker, be aware of rules regarding littering, campfires, and quiet hours if you plan to stay. The park offers amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and a nature center. Always check the park's official website for the most current regulations and conditions.