Are you looking to go hiking in Door County? If you are make sure you read this list of the best places to start and what all 17 of these amazing hikes have to offer.
I found Door County to be a stunning location and after an adrenaline-pumping hike in the mid-summer heat, you’ll have plenty of places to refresh and cool down. Door County has it all!
17 Amazing Hikes In Door County
From scenic beach strolls, cave explorations, or good old-fashioned forest hikes, the diverse range of breathtaking experiences most definitely makes hiking in Door Country an outdoor dream!
So, let’s dive right into the excitement and take a look at the best places to go hiking in Door County!
Eagle Trail
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Entry fee: $11
If you want a hike that has it all, don’t miss out on Peninsula State Park’s mind-blowing Eagle Trail as it offers you such a diverse range of experiences, you’ll find yourself in a mental debate about which one to start with!
The trail leads you up a tall staircase and through parts of the Niagara Escarpment which holds majestic cliffs, rocky terrains, breathtaking tree roots, and jaw-dropping views of Green Bay.
As an added bonus, you can walk through the entire trail in as little as 2 hours! Yes, this is a great trail for hikers of all levels since it is fairly short and easy.
Just be careful not to lose your balance on the rocky climbs! So join us for a life-changing experience that transforms good hiking in Door County into great hiking!
Ice Age Trail
Length: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Entry fee: $10
Travel back into the Ice Age with this bucket list-worthy trail that deserves its rightful place at the top of your bucket list! The Ice Age Trail holds a list of historical spectacles for everyone to enjoy.
Take a stroll through the Mammoth Trail to experience a day in the life of some bone-chilling pre-historic creatures such as sabertooth tigers, mammoths and cave lions. ( Thankfully, you won’t encounter any of these creatures on your walk!)
If that’s not thrilling enough, why not try out one of the park’s Incentive Trails that ends with an exciting reward ( as if the experience in itself isn’t rewarding enough!)
The park also offers a variety of kid-friendly activities and if you are in Door County, hiking with dogs, you can always bring your furry friends along to see where their fellow mammals used to roam.
Has the hiking excitement given you the munchies? Make a pitstop at Alexander’s of Door County for a luxurious, but affordable lunch! Choose between a juicy steak or some tasty seafood for sit-in or take-away( if you’d rather rejuvenate at home.)
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Whitefish Bay Dunes State Park
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Entry fee: $9
What do you do when you’re looking for beach vibes and desert vibes, but can’t decide between the two? Well, you pack your hiking gear and your picnic baskets and head over to Whitefish Bay Dunes State Park! This dynamic trail is truly a “two birds with one hike” situation.
Not only does it lead you up to the tallest sand dune in Door Country, but the dune is positioned right next to the beach.
So, you can experience an Arabic desert hiking experience followed by a refreshing, Californian-style dip in Door County’s cool waters!
Also, if you’re looking for Door County running trails, this park is the best place to burn that extra energy.
But wait, there’s more! The trail also leads you through a lush and shady forest where you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife if you pay close enough attention.
Now, we are on three birds with one hike! The Whitefish Bay Dunes State Park truly holds some of the best hiking trails in Door County.
Plum Island Hiking Trails
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Entry fee: $5
Plum Island has a mind-blowing trail that not only comes with breathtaking ocean scenery but also takes you on a short kayaking expedition through Death’s Door.
Death’s door is the passage that you will row your boat through in order to reach the island. The island is also a wildlife haven-especially for the patriotic hikers out there who want to catch a glimpse of the USA’s infamous bald eagle.
The Island’s trails also lead to a spectacular outlook tower where you can take in the island’s mystical beauty from a bird’s eye view. Hiking in Door County ( or anywhere really) doesn’t get much better than this!
If you’re looking for the full ocean experience, why not spend a few nights at Westwood Shores Waterfront Resort that comes with a pool, a gym, and breathtaking ocean views!
Toft Point Natural Area
Length: 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Entry fee: Free
History-check. Scenery-check. A mind-blowing adventure of epic proportions- check! When it comes to hiking in Door County, there is no shortage of historical ambiance and zen-inducing beach vibes.
One of the best trails that include all of the above can be found in the Toft Point Natural Area!
This is an excellent choice for beginner hikers who are looking for an educational experience since it leads you through the Toft family’s homestead where you can update your mental-encyclopedia on conservation.
It also leads you past majestic cliffs, through shady forests, past the crystal-clear Michigan Lake, and straight to the shoreline where you can set up your picnic baskets for a delicious energy reboot after your hike!
The lush forest is also home to a variety of bid-species which makes Toft Point Natural Area a great hiking choice for birders! So, if you’re hiking in Door County, be sure to add Toft Point to your bucket list. You won’t regret it!
Cave Point County Park
Length: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Entry fee: Free
If you’re looking for a crashing, smashing and visually dashing hiking experience, be sure to stop by Cave Point County Park!
The trail takes you through beautiful forest and to rocky shores where you can take in the sunrise, sunset or catch a glimpse of nature’s fury during stormy weather as the waves violently crash over the rocks.
The trail got its name from its limestone-based underwater caves and is an excellent choice for fishermen who want to catch some juicy dinner. You will need to bring along a kayak, since swimming around the rocks is never a good idea.
Park officials have also warned kayakers to be cautious during stormy weather since the ocean is a lot more powerful than most people realize. Also when it comes to winter hiking in Door County, the glassy icicles that form over the rocks are truly a sight to behold!
If fishing isn’t your cup of tea, you can always dig into some greasy comfort food at Peninsula Pub! Try out their juicy burgers or fried fish. I mean- sometimes it tastes better when someone else catches it.
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Ellison Bluff State Natural Area
Length: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Entry fee: Free
Strutt your stuff on Ellison Bluff State Natural Area‘s hiking trail that comes with a scenic, wooden catwalk where you can show off your fitness skills regardless of your hiking level!
The park is somewhat of a hidden gem and holds a history that stretches all the way back to 1950. It is also home to a variety of bird species and an ancient, 250-year old cedar which makes this one of the best hiking trails in Door County for birders and nature enthusiasts!
The trail takes you past tall, limestone cliffs that form a part of the Niagara Escarpment. It is also a mostly-shaded trail which makes it an excellent choice for those of us who don’t like breaking too much of a sweat.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can always take a scenic drive through the park!
Thordarson Loop
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Length: 5.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Entry fee: Free ( ferry fees may apply)
Here’s another one for the historical beach lovers out there! If the Cave Point, County Park trail left you begging for a similar ( but different) experience while hiking in Door County, you simply cannot afford to miss out on the Thordarson Loop Trail.
The reason for this dynamic trail making it onto our list includes the fact that, outside of the jaw-dropping scenery, the trail is also home to some magnificent and historical architecture.
Take a stroll to the lighthouse or put your nerves to the test by hiking through one of the island’s graveyards. There is also a cultural boathouse that displays Chester Thordarson’s electrifying inventions!
If the island in itself is too beautiful to leave, you can always bring your tents for a fun-filled day followed by a relaxing night next to a campfire.
Just remember that you’ll need to take a ferry to the island, so don’t forget to bring your lifejackets!
White Cliff Nature Preserve
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Entry fee: Free
If you’re looking to try out some winter hiking in Door County, the White Cliff Nature Preserve is the way to go! This winter wonderland is an excellent choice for hikers of all skill levels and takes you through ancient forests and wetlands.
If you are in Door County, hiking with dogs, you are welcome to bring your pets along for a scenic stroll through the orchids.
Previous hikers have warned about mosquito overload, so be sure to bring your mosquito repellant if you’re planning on hiking in the summer.
Otherwise, pack your snow boots, earmuffs, and coats for a magical hiking expedition through the snowy forests that look like they come straight out of a Christmas movie!
Europe Bay Trail
Length: 7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Entry fee: $8 for locals and $11 for out of state visitors
This one is for the hermit hikers out there! If you’re looking for a breathtaking, but secluded spot to go hiking in Door County, the Europe Bay Trail is a perfect choice.
The trail takes you through a diverse range of terrains including forests, meadows, uplands, and ( surprise, surprise) a peaceful shoreline.
The trail is located inside Newport State Park along with more than 10 additional trails to enjoy. It leads you to Lake Michigan which can become quite mosquito-infested in the summer.
So, be sure to bring some mosquito repellant or reschedule your trip to the park for some winter hiking in Door County.
Are you looking for a full, weekend experience, you can always book your spot in one of the park’s three campsites for a place to reboot before you try out one of its other trails the next day!
Poetry Trail
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Entry fee: $8 for locals and $11 for out of state visitors
Are you looking for some inspiration while burning those extra calories? The Newport State Park, Poetry Trail offers you a cultural and educational hiking expedition.
If you’re new to hiking (or a literature junkie), you can try out the 1 mile, poetry trail that displays the fantastic works.
The trail leads through a beautiful forested area with poetry plaques that creates an outdoor classroom atmosphere.
It is a relatively easy trail and has quite a few benches for inquisitive hikers who want to sit and ponder the poetry while they rejuvenate.
Inside Scoop: Leaves and bark, leaves and bark to lean against and hear in the dark.
If the inside scoop left you begging for more, then head over to Newport State Park and get ready for a day of history, poetry adventure and self-discovery- You may even find that you’re a poet, but you don’t know it!
Indulge in the full, poetic experience and book your stay at White Lace Inn! This 3-star experience is great for anyone who wants a place to rest after their cultural hike. As an added bonus, it comes with a jacuzzi, so don’t miss out!
Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Hiking Trails
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Length: 6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Entry fee: Free
If you’re looking for an immersive wildlife hiking experience to enjoy with your friends, family, ( or alone), then Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary should jump straight to the top of your bucket list.
This is, without a doubt, one of the best hiking trails in Door County, due to the diverse range of wildlife that you’ll encounter.
The Sanctuary offers an educational experience and was established with the intention of connecting humans and animals with their rescue and preservation programs.
To add to the excitement, if you’re looking for some raging waterfalls in Door County, the sanctuaries adrenaline-pumping hiking trail will lead you straight to one!
Important note: This is a non-smoking trail due to the fact that the whole purpose of the trail is to promote wildlife preservation. So, it’s probably not the best choice for smokers unless you think you can manage without it!
The trails are reasonably short, making this a perfect expedition for hikers of all skill levels.
Are you a chipmunk, raccoon or squirrel person? Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary has a trail for every animal preference!
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Heins Creek Nature Preserve
Length: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Entry fee: Free
Travel back in time at Heins Creek Nature Preserve for a life-changing hike with an ancient, cultural twist! Not only is this a great choice for winter hiking in Door County, but it is used to be home to a native American village over 1500 years ago.
That’s not all! The trail also flutters with birdlife that nest in the lush forests that you’ll be hiking through.
Once you’ve gotten your daily dose of leaves and branches, you can hike along to the Kangaroo lake where you’ll find the architectural evidence of the Native American village along with a few sand dunes that give the trail an extra touch of diversity!
If you’re hiking in winter, the trail transforms into a winter wonderland with snow covering the forest and frozen lake. Luckily, hiking at a brisk pace will help you to tame the shivers, but don’t forget to bring your flasks and coats!
Crossroads At Big Creek
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Length: 7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Entry fee: Free
Have you ever wondered whether you can be a valedictorian and a fitness junkie simultaneously? Well, you can at Crossroads’ Big Creek Trail! Embark on an educational experience while boosting your fitness levels and learning about Door County’s rich cultural history.
The Crossroads Preverse not only offers some of the best hiking trails in Door County ( especially in terms of scenery) but it also has a variety of educational resource centers available for the brainiacs who want to learn more while they burn more of those unwanted calories.
The hiking trail leads you through shady forests, green meadows and watery wetlands as well as taking you past a few peaceful streams that are guaranteed to give you your daily dose of zen. Talk about diversity! There is certainly no adventure that is too big for Big Creek!
The Ridges Sanctuary
Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Entry fee: $5
Education, preservation and scenic sensations- there is something for everyone to enjoy when hiking in Door County! The Ridges Sanctuary is another “jack of all trails” when it comes to hiking trails that have something extra to offer.
The Sanctuary offers a variety of hiking experiences including guided hikes and night hikes for the night owls who don’t like to be in the sun for too long.
Their trail takes you through lush forests, past quiet creeks and straight to the shoreline where you can dip your toes in Door County’s cool waters.
If that doesn’t seal the deal, The Ridges Sanctuary is also home to a wide variety of wildlife including 14 endangered species and more than 50 different bird species. It seems that the only thing that Door County doesn’t offer is a boring day out!
Give yourself some time to unwind and book your stay at Eagle Harbor Inn for a 3-star experience for the family to enjoy! As an added bonus, the Inn offers breakfast so you don’t have to go out of your way to kickstart your day.
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Fern and Lynd Point Loop
Length: 2.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Entry fee: $8 for locals and $11 for out of state visitors
She sells seashells on the Fern and Lynd Point Loop’s diverse hiking terrain that is perfect for hikers of all skill levels! If you’re anything like I am, you probably don’t like looking at the same thing for too long.
Thankfully, the trail takes you through lively forests to captivating shorelines and glassy lakes. It also features a cave for the explorers out there!
The trail, with its diverse terrain, is a great place for the family to enjoy. It is also one of the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Door County, so don’t forget to bring your pets along on your hike!
If you are a fitness junkie who would like to pick up the pace, you’ll find that the Fern and Lynd Point Loop is also one of the top Door County running trails to test your stamina on. So grab your running shoes and dog leashes-We’re going on an adventure!
Don’t forget to stop at Zero Sum Door County for a healthy breakfast and fruit juice to boost your energy before you embark on your hike. Take a look at their full menu options here.
Three Springs Creek
Length: 1.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Entry fee: Free
Take a hike through one of the most historically and environmentally significant hiking trails in Door County for a memorable and cultural outdoor adventure! This is a moderately difficult trail, but the spectacular scenery makes it worth the strain.
Other than the wide range of wildlife that you’ll encounter, the trail also takes you through diverse forests, wetlands and rocky terrains!
The Three Springs Nature Preserve‘s wetlands are home to a specific range of wildlife species that won’t be able to survive elsewhere which is where the trail gets its environmental significance from.
As an added bonus, you can pack your fishing rods for a day out at the water where you don’t have to leave empty-handed. ( Just make sure that you only take the fish that you catch in order to avoid disturbing the trails fragile ecosystem.)
Also, if you are looking for dog-friendly hiking trails in Door County, you can bring your furry friends along to enjoy the adventure with you! This spectacular hiking trail is truly a sight to behold. So, don’t miss out on this diverse outdoor adventure!
Conclusion:
There you have it, my list of 17 amazing hikes in Door County, that will not disappoint even the most experienced of hikers!
From caves and shorelines to forests and wetlands, the diverse terrains and variety of educational experiences that it has to offer most certainly make Door County one of the best-hiking destinations in the country!
Explore the secret caves, take a dip in the ocean or bring your pets along for a bucket-list-worthy adventure that is bound to leave you begging for more.
If you are looking for even more amazing travel destinations across the US or abroad check out our site TravelCroc.com for more awesome places to visit!
