Devil's Lake East Bluff Trail Hiking Guide
The East Bluff is the side of Devil's Lake that people put on postcards. The DNR describes the park's quartzite bluffs as rising 500 feet over a 360-acre lake, and the East Bluff Trail follows the top of them for 1.7 miles, rated most difficult. Most hikers start from the north shore, climb stone stairways past Elephant Rock, detour to Devil's Doorway, and return through the woods behind the rim.
Permit: Wisconsin state park vehicle admission required: $13 daily or $28 for 12 months with Wisconsin plates; $16 daily or $50 for 12 months out of state
Up the Steps, Back Through the Woods
Mapping apps list the East Bluff and East Bluff Woods loop at about 3 miles with roughly 680 feet of gain; the DNR measures the East Bluff Trail alone at 1.7 miles one way. From the east end of the North Shore area, stone steps climb quickly to the first overlook, above Elephant Cave and Elephant Rock. The trail then rises and falls along the rim. Where it meets the top of the Balanced Rock Trail, turn back on the East Bluff Woods Trail, which returns through forest instead of retracing the cliff edge.
The Devil's Doorway Detour
Devil's Doorway, the doorway-shaped quartzite formation that appears in so many photos of the park, sits on a DNR-listed 0.1-mile side trail along the edge of the bluff, reached from the north via the East Bluff Trail. It is short but rated most difficult: bare rock, uneven ledges and real drop-offs a few steps away. Footing on polished quartzite is poor when wet. Keep children close and dogs on a short lead here, and expect a queue for photos on busy days.
North Shore Parking, Fall 2026 to Spring 2027
The DNR has the North Shore parking lots under construction from early August 2026 through spring 2027, done in phases so some parking stays open, and the North Shore boat launch lot has been closed since July 6, 2026. Expect fewer spaces close to this trailhead. The South Shore day-use lots are open with no construction planned; from there, the Balanced Rock or Potholes trails climb to the south end of the East Bluff, a steeper way onto the same rim.
Footing and Winter
The lower trail is asphalt and stone steps; higher up you are often walking on the quartzite itself, with roots and loose rock between outcrops. The trail is not maintained in winter, and the stairs and rock become icy and slippery, so microspikes are the minimum from late fall through early spring. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail, on a leash no longer than 8 feet. A pet picnic area sits on the north shore, since dogs are barred from regular picnic areas and beaches.
Admission and Arrival Time
Every vehicle needs a Wisconsin state park admission pass. Daily passes are $13 with Wisconsin plates and $16 out of state; 12-month passes are $28 and $50. Self-service card kiosks stand outside the North Shore visitor center and at the South Shore entrance, or buy online before you leave. The DNR warns that lots often fill before 9 a.m. on weekends and holidays from May through October, and this is the park's busiest bluff.
Hiking tips for Devil's Lake East Bluff Trail
- Return on the East Bluff Woods Trail to make a loop instead of retracing the cliff edge.
- Expect reduced North Shore parking until spring 2027 and consider starting from the South Shore.
- Arrive before 9 a.m. on summer and fall weekends, when the DNR says lots often fill.
- Treat Devil's Doorway as a scramble: wet quartzite is slick and the drop-offs are unfenced.
- Carry microspikes after the first freeze; the trail is not maintained in winter.
Nearby trails to explore
- Devil's Lake Balanced Rock Trail
- Devil's Lake West Bluff Trail
- Parfrey's Glen Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
The East Bluff packs Devil's Lake's best-known views into a 3-mile loop. Use TrailMates to find Madison hikers heading to Devil's Lake. Download the TrailMates app to connect.