Hike Cave Point County Park
1.5 Miles
Photography, Hiking
Beginner
Summer, Autumn
Out-and-Back
Located within Whitefish Dunes State Park, this is arguably the most scenic county park in Wisconsin. Offering the freedom to explore the park at one's own pace makes for a location you can spend all day at.
Cave Point County Park is 19 acres and it located adjacent to the much larger Whitefish Dunes State Park in Door County, WI. It has a small parking lot, restrooms, and an out-and-back trail. The parking lot is located near the southern end of the park.
The fractured rock bluffs lining the southern part of the park are a hallmark feature of the 400 million year old Niagara Escarpment. As you stand over the dolomite bluffs, you feel the ground rumbling beneath you from each crash of the waves. There have been many cliff jumpers who have jumped off the bluff closest to the parking lot when the waters are calm (obviously at their own risk).
From the bluffs, the trail goes northward through a forest and offers ample opportunities to find your way down to the beach. It feels as though the park has several different beaches, separated by land outcroppings - some are rock beaches some are sand, each has their own feel.
Don't forego this park just because it's a county park!
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Reviews
Overall rating:
Kayak this hike with a tour operator.
Great hike, be careful jumping and double check the depth. Also very slippery during rain or snow. Check out http://www.doorcountykayaktours.com or https://www.cavepointpp.com for a tour operator to see cave point with from the water.
Cool little spot
Awesome spot along the lake, the coves near the path entrance are very cool and could potentially be cliff-jumped in the summer during higher water levels. Whitefish Dunes State Park is right next door for additional exploring as well
Try it in a kayak!
I have been exploring Cave Point my entire life (awesome also in the winter!), but just recently began exploring it via kayak. On calmer days, you can poke through the caves and coves, and when the lake is low, there is a certain cave that contains a "limbo", in which you can lay flat on your boat and shimmy under a rock arch. Bring your own, rent a kayak, or go on a guided tour. There are a couple of companies on the peninsula- I'd specifically recommend Door County Kayak Tours.
