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Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,580 Google reviews · Running trail in Grafton, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve'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.
73-acre bluff along Lake Michigan with dramatic views, hiking, picnic spots & fishing.
What runners say about Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve
“Well kept, flat trails, with an option to take a 5 flights of stairs down to the Lake.”
“Beautiful views, easy hike along bluff, and moderate amount of steps down to beach.”
“Well kept walkways, easy to follow signage, and spectacular views.”
“It’s a perfect family-friendly hike that inspires awe and appreciation for the raw beauty of nature.”
Good parking and a wide trail make it easy to get around. Lake views are beautiful and worth the walk. Beach looks nice from above but isn’t much for swimming. People were in the water anyway. Dead fish all over the shore, smelled bad. Decent place for a hike, but don’t go expecting a proper beach day
This is an absolutely beautiful location! The views of Lake Michigan are absolutely breathtaking! The walk from the parking lot takes about 10 minutes before you get to see the lake. I was very impressed with how blue Lake Michigan looked from up on the bluffs.
Absolutely breathtaking! We took our family on a hike through the nature preserve, and the moment we reached the gorge, it completely took our breath away. The trail was full of natural beauty—twisted roots, fallen trees, and scenes that felt like living artwork.
Such a beautiful place! Well kept, flat trails, with an option to take a 5 flights of stairs down to the Lake. There are benches everywhere to sit and rest, or just enjoy time views. The main trails are a small stone or gravel, and there are some side loop trails that are a thicker bark path.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful views, easy hike along bluff, and moderate amount of steps down to beach.”
“It's a little muddy today, but there is lots of mulch in the parking lot to be spread.”
“The trail was full of natural beauty—twisted roots, fallen trees, and scenes that felt like living artwork.”
“The main trails are a small stone or gravel, and there are some side loop trails that are a thicker bark path.”
“The trail itself is roughly a 2-mile loop, characterized by its width and generally level terrain.”
“Well signposted trails with a wheelchair accessible trail also marked.”
Plan your run at Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteco.ozaukee.wi.us
- Phone+1 262-284-8257
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
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