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Devil's Staircase Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Running trail in Janesville, Wisconsin · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Devil's Staircase Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Devil's Staircase Trail
“Absolutely BEAUTIFUL hiking trail through the deep woods, with lots of cliffs and even a few small caves!”
“It’s a moderately easy hike with multiple sections of steps/stairs.”
Now this definitely an underrated hike and area of the Ice Age Trail! All the rocky and bluff beauty of the dells packed into a mile stretch along the Rock River! The trail starts near what seems to be an old quarry and “ends” by the beach in a very cool rocky gorge-esque ravine.
This review is for the approximately 1 mile staircase trail that is listed on all trails, not the longer 1.8 mile trail, although I think both of them use this part of the path. I really enjoyed this one - but I like trails with bluffs and water, so .....
It was fun, but this cliffy trail isn't for kids or when it's raining or snowing because it's a thin trail with 99% no railing and the railing it does have, is in cement that is buried in the ground, at an angle. There are 2 or 3 separate areas of rock steps.
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL hiking trail through the deep woods, with lots of cliffs and even a few small caves!
Trail conditions & character
“It takes you up on a ridge between the Rock River and its bluffs, so also almost the whole trail is bluffage on one side and river views on the other down below.”
“All the rocky and bluff beauty of the dells packed into a mile stretch along the Rock River!”
“The trail is primarily located on a hill, and for a portion is between a rock escarpment which raises above the river.”
“There are signs all over the park that say no pets (in the park or on the trails) from mid-May to mid-September, but there were people with their dogs on the trail.”
Plan your run at Devil's Staircase Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Janesville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Riverside Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 129 reviews
Riverside park, featuring a splash pad and tennis courses, plus disc golf.
Ice Age Trailhead Arbor Ridge Devils Staircase
4.7 ★★★★★ 82 reviews
Scenic destination for families, hikers and individuals, with an arboretum and river views.
Walt Lindemann Sportsman's Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 96 reviews
Recreational area with playgrounds, picnic tables and a deer pen.
Robert O Cook Memorial Arboretum
4.8 ★★★★★ 211 reviews
160 acres of native forest, wetland & marked trails known for cross country skiing & snowshoeing.
Traxler Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 877 reviews
Riverfront spot with picnic tables & a boat launch, also home to the Rock Aqua Jays water-ski team.
