Hike the Lion's Den Gorge Loop

Grafton, Wisconsin

4.7/5

based on 11 reviews

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Distance

1.8 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Jon Mattrisch

Stunning views of Lake Michigan. Five story bluffs. Beautiful nature scenes. Dozens of acres of trails and exploration. All just 30 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee, WI. If you're looking to capture some beautiful pictures of Wisconsin, or just want to hike along the shores of Lake Michigan, Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve is where you need to be.

Lion's Den Gorge is a gorgeous nature preserve featuring a variety of unique nature scenes. The park includes massive bluffs, sand dunes, forests, creeks and bridges, hiking trails and stunning vistas of the Lake Michigan shoreline. The preserve is 72 acres and is located in the town of Grafton, just north of Milwaukee. You won't need a vehicle pass or any paid admission to visit the preserve.

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Chillin

Photography

Hiking

Beach

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

Lake

Picnic Area

Romantic

Scenic

Wildflowers

Hike the Lion's Den Gorge Loop Reviews

Jen Buck

Hike the Lion's Den Gorge Loop

07/01/17

My boyfriend and I frequent Lions Den. We love the variety of trails and the rocky beach area is beautiful! It is also just a short drive up the shore to Port Washington which is a great little town to have lunch (or a margarita) at Beanies Mexican Restaurant which have swings instead of bar stools!

4.0

Kyle Heise

Hike the Lion's Den Gorge Loop

09/30/16

The first time I went, I was a little bored. So I scaled down the embankment down to the lake. If only I had stayed on the the trail. . .I have been back multiple times and stayed on the trail because the staircase offers some great scenery and I still get to the same place. 5/5 because it is family friendly.

5.0

Jen Muecke

Hike the Lion's Den Gorge Loop

09/07/16

This is a beautiful preserve on the lakefront, connected to a wetland complex owned by the USFWS. I live nearby and have been to this park in every season and wanted to note that it's open during the winter. The trails can get a little icy but it's just as lovely covered in snow. It can get pretty busy in the summer and on weekends so the colder months have become my favorite time to visit.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike the Lion's Den Gorge Loop

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Hike the Lion's Den Gorge Loop Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike the Bluff Trail to the stairs at Lion's Den Gorge

Hike the shore of Lake Michigan at Doctor's Park

Hike the North and South Beach Trail at Harrington Beach State Park

Hike the Quarry Lake Trail at Harrington Beach State Park

Hike through the Menomonee River at Lime Kiln Park

Explore Atwater Park

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