Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Wisconsin

Ozaukee County

Lion's Den Trail Loop

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Wisconsin

Ozaukee County

Lion's Den Trail Loop

Easy

4.9

(8631)

8,632

hikers

Lion's Den Trail Loop

Q: How long does it take to hike the Lion's Den Trail Loop?

The Lion's Den Trail Loop is approximately 3.3 kilometers (2 miles) long and typically takes about 50 minutes to complete. This duration can vary depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views.

Q: What is the terrain like on this trail?

The trail is generally wide, flat, and well-maintained, winding through wooded areas. However, be prepared for natural elements like twisted roots and fallen trees. A significant feature is the presence of numerous stairs, especially when descending to and ascending from the beach at the bottom of the gorge. There is also an accessible trail section available.

Q: Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, which is part of the Ozaukee County Parks system. It is free and open to the public.

Q: Is the Lion's Den Trail Loop dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome, but please ensure they are kept on a leash to protect the natural environment and other visitors.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike this loop?

The trail offers beauty year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer is popular for enjoying the beach, but be mindful of potential mosquitoes. Winter hiking is also possible, but conditions may vary.

Q: Where can I park for the Lion's Den Trail Loop?

Parking is available at the Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. The main trailhead is easily accessible from the parking area, providing a convenient starting point for your hike.

Q: What kind of scenery and viewpoints can I expect along the route?

You can expect breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from 100-foot bluffs. The trail winds through wooded areas, leading to the rocky beach at the base of the gorge where a creek flows into Lake Michigan. Key highlights include the Lion's Den Trail itself, the Lion's Den Gorge Beach , and a stunning View of Lake Michigan from Lion's Den Gorge .

Q: Is the Lion's Den Trail Loop suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, it is generally considered an easy and family-friendly trail. However, the numerous stairs leading to and from the beach can add a moderate challenge, so be prepared for some elevation changes in those sections.

Q: Does the trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of other official trails within the preserve, such as the Bluff Trail, Trillium Trek, Birch Way, Waterfowl Walk, and Gorge Loop, offering opportunities to explore more of the area.

Q: What should I bring for a hike on this trail?

Given the varied terrain and natural elements, it's advisable to wear sturdy hiking shoes. Bug spray is recommended, especially during warmer months, due to prevalent mosquitoes. Also, consider bringing water, particularly if you plan to spend time at the beach.

00:51

3.27km

20m

Hiking

The Lion's Den Trail Loop offers an enchanting escape into nature, winding through diverse habitats from lush cedar forests to dramatic bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan. You'll traverse well-maintained paths, including boardwalks, before a memorable descent via a staircase into the Lion's Den Gorge, leading to a secluded rocky beach. This easy 2.0-mile (3.3 km) hike, with only 77 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain, takes approximately 51 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick, scenic outing.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is family-friendly and welcomes dogs on a leash. While much of the route is easy, the staircase into the gorge adds a moderate challenge, so wear appropriate footwear. The preserve is enjoyable year-round, but many find the fall colors particularly spectacular. Accessible sections like the Gorge Vista and Lake Vista ensure that many can enjoy the stunning views.

This 73-acre preserve is an ecological jewel, recognized for its rich biodiversity, including woodlands, lake bluffs, and wetlands. It's a fantastic spot for wildlife spotting, especially migratory birds. The trail's combination of easy paths, breathtaking Lake Michigan views, and varied natural environments makes it a highly regarded and popular choice in the Grafton, Wisconsin area.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

556 m

Lion's Den Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The trail is well maintained and provides a different vibe compared to the high cliffs and water views of the Bluff Trail. As you walk through the stunning forested area, you'll find benches along the way where you can stop and rest. This area becomes particularly amazing in the fall as the leaves begin to change colors.

Tip by

1.85 km

Lion's Den Gorge Beach

Highlight • Beach

At the beach area, you can enjoy an intimate and close-up view of the water, as well as a unique perspective of the towering cliffs when looking upward. This spot provides a refreshing break where one can opt for a leisurely picnic or simply soak in the serene surroundings.

Tip by

2.93 km

View of Lake Michigan from Lion's Den Gorge

Highlight • Viewpoint

Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve offers more than a mile of 90-100 meter cliffs overlooking Lake Michigan. The views are extraordinary. A walk along the shoreline of Lake Michigan is a must.

Tip by

3.27 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.50 km

620 m

139 m

Surfaces

975 m

852 m

645 m

620 m

137 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Thursday 2 July

32°C

17°C

30 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

This route was planned by komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike the Lion's Den Trail Loop?

The Lion's Den Trail Loop is approximately 3.3 kilometers (2 miles) long and typically takes about 50 minutes to complete. This duration can vary depending on your pace and how much time you spend enjoying the views.

What is the terrain like on this trail?

The trail is generally wide, flat, and well-maintained, winding through wooded areas. However, be prepared for natural elements like twisted roots and fallen trees. A significant feature is the presence of numerous stairs, especially when descending to and ascending from the beach at the bottom of the gorge. There is also an accessible trail section available.

Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve, which is part of the Ozaukee County Parks system. It is free and open to the public.

Is the Lion's Den Trail Loop dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome, but please ensure they are kept on a leash to protect the natural environment and other visitors.

What is the best time of year to hike this loop?

The trail offers beauty year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer is popular for enjoying the beach, but be mindful of potential mosquitoes. Winter hiking is also possible, but conditions may vary.

Where can I park for the Lion's Den Trail Loop?

Parking is available at the Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve. The main trailhead is easily accessible from the parking area, providing a convenient starting point for your hike.

What kind of scenery and viewpoints can I expect along the route?

You can expect breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from 100-foot bluffs. The trail winds through wooded areas, leading to the rocky beach at the base of the gorge where a creek flows into Lake Michigan. Key highlights include the Lion's Den Trail itself, the Lion's Den Gorge Beach, and a stunning View of Lake Michigan from Lion's Den Gorge.

Is the Lion's Den Trail Loop suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, it is generally considered an easy and family-friendly trail. However, the numerous stairs leading to and from the beach can add a moderate challenge, so be prepared for some elevation changes in those sections.

Does the trail connect with other paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of other official trails within the preserve, such as the Bluff Trail, Trillium Trek, Birch Way, Waterfowl Walk, and Gorge Loop, offering opportunities to explore more of the area.

What should I bring for a hike on this trail?

Given the varied terrain and natural elements, it's advisable to wear sturdy hiking shoes. Bug spray is recommended, especially during warmer months, due to prevalent mosquitoes. Also, consider bringing water, particularly if you plan to spend time at the beach.

Are there any specific natural features to be aware of?

While enjoying the diverse plant life, be mindful of potential poison ivy alongside the trail. The intricate root systems along the path are also a notable natural feature. The stunning blue water of Lake Michigan and the mirror-like reflections on calm days where the creek meets the lake are also highlights.