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Hike the Lion's Den Gorge Loop

Grafton, Wisconsin

4.7/5
based on 11 reviews

Details

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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Features

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

Lion's Den is gorgeous! I went for the second time this weekend after discovering that this place existed. Both times, the weather was very different and it made the place feel completely different. There are so many landscapes to see ranging from the beach to the bluffs and the wetland. It's basically flat the entire time except for the steps to the beach so it is great for anyone who wants to get outdoors

I went to Lions Den just for a day, but it was quite enjoyable! It was not hard to find, nor was parking difficult. The hike itself was very pretty. Lots of great spots to throw down a blanket and have a picnic while admiring the stretch of Lake Michigan. There are a few boardwalks, and lots of thin trails that lead into the forest and marsh around it. If you walk a little less than a mile along the main path, you'll come across a flight of stairs. Those stairs will lead you straight down over a creek and to the waters edge. Here, you can walk along the coastline or skip rocks!

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

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

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Hike the Quarry Lake Trail at Harrington Beach State Park

Hike through the Menomonee River at Lime Kiln Park

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