Hiking

There are over 19 miles of hiking trails at Mirror Lake State Park. 

Please note, during the winter snow season most trails are groomed for cross-country ski season and hiking is not allowed.  For more information, see our Mirror Lake Winter Recreation webpage. 

Echo Rock trail (0.6 miles, 0.4 paved)

Most of Echo Rock Trail is paved and accessible. The trail leads to overlooks of Mirror Lake and takes hikers to Echo Rock, a soft sandstone outcropping on the edge of the lake.

Fern Dell trail (3 miles)

This three-mile loop trail south of the park office is open to hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. The trailhead along with a small parking lot is located on Hastings Road, 0.25-miles south of the park office.

Hastings trail (2 to 3 miles)

This trail has plenty of ups and downs through pine and oak woods. Hikers and Bikers follow the outside loop for a 2.6-mile trail or take the PINECONE PASS (0.4 mile) to make a shorter 2-mile loop.

Ishnala trail (2.2 miles, 0.3 paved)

This trail offers prairies, woods, hills, a stream and rock cliffs in the gorge. Access the Ishnala Trail from the Pioneer Trail or across the pedestrian bridge over the Mirror Lake Gorge along the Echo Rock Trail.

Kilbourn trail (0.8 miles)

Kilbourn City was the original name of Wisconsin Dells until 1931. Kilbourn Trail begins at the beach area and connects with the group camp, amphitheater and Bluewater Bay campground.

Lakeview trail (0.2 miles)

This short trail connects the boat landing with the campground.

Newport trail (1 mile)

Named for an 1857 boomtown that sprang up a mile south of present-day Wisconsin Dells. The trail skirts the lake and winds through oak woods.

Northwest trail (2.3 miles)

This trail winds through both pines and hardwoods with lake views. The trail passes an old resort foundation. Steep hills and sharp turns make this the most challenging trail. RINGLING PASS (0.3 mile) and WILDWOOD PASS (0.6 mile) allow for shorter trips.

Pioneer trail (1.6 miles)

The Pioneer Trail meanders through oaks and pines and up and over plenty of hills.

Turtleville trail (2.4 miles)

This 2.4-mile loop trail south of the park office is open to hiking, biking and cross-country skiing. This trail can be accessed from the trailhead parking lot on Mirror Lake Road near the Wild Rice trail connector or at the trail crossing with Fern Dell Trail.

Wild Rice trail (0.6 miles)

Travel along a portion of the western shore offering beautiful views of the lake and its wildlife.

Bluff-Canyon trail (2.1 miles)

This trail winds upwards above the narrows and faces the Fern Dell Gorge and Pulpit Rock. See history written in the sandstone walls across the top of the trail. This hike can be made shorter by taking the Lakeview Ridge Pass.