Devil’s Lake

The following items may be weather dependent. Checking the weather in Baraboo, WI before departure on the 16th will help you pack appropriately.

Weather Report Baraboo, WI

Pack regardless of weather:

• backpack/daypack
• large water bottle
• bug spray WITH DEET (bug spray without DEET will not protect against ticks)
• sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• hiking boots or sneakers (preferably with laces to secure snug fit)
• If needed: EPIPEN, inhaler, other necessary medication(s)
• snack for trail hike such as granola or protein bar
• portable charger/cords for phone or watch

Consider packing for changing weather:

• layered clothing
  • base layer: t-shirt (preferably moisture wicking)
  • mid layer: long sleeve, thicker sweatshirt
  • outer layer: water proof / wind resistant
  • pants (protect from mosquitos and ticks)
• breathable socks (extra pair if raining)
• if chilly: coverage for ears/hands

TTP will be brining the following items (but will have limited supply of sunscreen & bug spray).

• limited: generic sunscreen  & bug spray
• first-aid kit
• barbeque food such as brats (including vegetarian) and sides
• snacks such as granola/protein bars
• extra water
• printed maps of park and trails
• lawn games, cards, blankets

You are welcome to bring your own lawn chair or blanket.

Schedule

click to view large version

Effigy Mounds at Devil’s Lake

Hiking Trails Guide

Click the button above to learn more about each hiking trail that Devil’s Lake has to offer. During our optional guided hike, we’ll be following the East Bluff Trail.

EAST BLUFF TRAIL

MODERATE (1.7 MILES, 45-90 MINUTES)

Connecting the North Shore and South Shore areas of Devils Lake State Park, the East Bluff Trail is one of two trails offering lofty, inspiring views of Devil’s Lake and its tall, craggy bluffs. Departing from the east end of the North Shore Visitors’ Area is the easiest, most gradual way to reach the Devils Lake cliff tops.

The route mixes dirt trails with occasional stone stairways, all through a wonderful hardwood forest landscape with regular opportunities to see grand views of the Lake. While you gain 500 feet of elevation along the way, the East Bluff Trail is much more manageable then the heart-thumping Balanced Rock, Potholes, or CCC trails.

Visitor Guide

Devil’s Lake State Park is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and is Wisconsin’s most popular state park with about 3 million visitors per year. The over 10,000-acre park anchors more than 27,000 acres of parkland and natural areas open to public recreation in Sauk County. Historically Devil’s Lake or “Tewakącąk”, which means Spirit Lake, sits on ancestral Ho-Chunk land and contains ancient effigy mounds that are part of their cultural heritage.

A great motivator to stay on designated trails in Devil’s Lake is the possibility of brushing into these two forms of Nature’s revenge: wild parsnip & poison  ivy. These plants are commonly found around the trails’ edge and unrequitedly abound the further off-trail one goes.

Wild Parsnip

You only need to brush your skin on Wild Parsnip to experience phytophotodermatitis, a sort of chemical burn that combines with the sunlight to cause you a world of suffering. The burn can come from touching the leaves, stems and fruits of wild parsnip. Once exposed, your skin will begin to itch and redden in 24 to 48 hours. In many cases, blisters will appear soon afterward. These blisters can ooze and and become infected. In time, the affected area can turn dark brown to almost black; healing can take up to two years. It’s nasty!

Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy, which has the awesome scientific of “Toxicodendron radicans”, is feared by hikers due to the irritating red rash it can cause if your skin comes in contact with the leaves. For most of us the itching, rash and swelling will slowly go away in a couple of weeks. If you get into it, wash your skin in warm, soapy water as soon as possible. Wash your clothing. Don’t scratch and give calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream a try to sooth the itching. You may even want to try taking an antihistamine pill. If you experience severe blistering, fever, or difficulty breathing, seek medical treatment.

Identifying Poison Ivy

Kids who grew up in “outdoor” families were often taught the old, “Leaves of 3, leave it be!” warning. But, it’s not always that simple.. and there are quite a few plants out along the trails that are perfectly harmless, but have “leaves of three”. Jack-in-the-Pulpit and Raspberries are just two examples. Then to make things more confusing, poison ivy doesn’t always play by the rules. It “mostly” has leaves of three. Its leaves are usually jagged, but not always, sometimes shiny by not always, usually grows on the ground, but can vine up a tree as well! Oh, and in the autumn it’s one of the first plants to turn red! That said, once you look at enough of it, you’ll usually recognize poison ivy in all its forms.

The poison Ivy in the picture above is classic.  This is what you’ll usually see lying in wait along the trails of Devil’s Lake State Park.

Boat Rental & Concessions Info

Boat Rentals

Standup Board, Paddleboat & recreational kayak rentals are available through concessions on either side of the lake during the summer season.

• $100 deposit & valid ID required
• PFDs provided
• Rentals are available on a first come, first served basis. While both rental locations have a large selection of watercraft, availability may be an issue on busy days i.e. weekends/holidays.
• Specialized kayak available for people with disabilities. To reserve, please call ahead.

Prices:

• Single Kayak- $17.00 per hour
• Double Kayak- $ 25.00 per hour
• Paddle Boards- $22.00 per hour
• Paddle Pontoons – $35.00 per hour

ALL BOAT RENTALS ARE DEPENDENT ON AVAILABILITY, WEATHER & WIND CONDITIONS

*Please wear your life jacket anytime you are on the water!

Be respectful of the land and other hikers.

Below are a few unwritten rules among the hiking community and can help make your hike and the hike for others more pleasant.

• Don’t toss your trash – not even biodegradable items such as banana peels. It is not good for animals to eat non-native foods and who wants to look at your old banana peel while it ever-so-slowly decomposes? If you packed it in, pack it back out.
• Respect the sounds of nature. Speak in low voices and turn your cell phone down, if not off. Enjoy the presence of peace and let others do the same.
• Hikers going downhill yield to those hiking uphill.
• If taking a break, do not obstruct the trail and ensure people can easily pass.
• If hiking in a group, don’t take up the whole width of the trail; allow others to pass.
• Walk through the mud or puddle and not around it, unless you can do so without going off the trail. Widening a trail by going around puddles, etc. is bad for trail sustainability. Just because it looks easy to cut the corner off of a switchback doesn’t mean it is a good idea. Help preserve the trail by staying on the trail.
• Don’t feed the wildlife. While many animals stay hidden, others are not so shy. Giving these creatures food only disrupts their natural foraging habits.
• Leave what you find. The only souvenirs a hiker should come home with are photographs and happy memories. (And maybe an improved fitness level!)
• When relieving yourself outdoors, be sure to do so 200 feet away from the trail and any water sources. Follow the Leave No Trace principles.

Source: American Hiking Society. Please visit the AHS Website for more information.