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Rocky Arbor State Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 891 Google reviews · Running trail in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Rocky Arbor State Park'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.
Tranquil, 144-acre park with campsites & hiking trails amid pine-tree forests & sandstone bluffs.
What runners say about Rocky Arbor State Park
“Showers were clean, save for a few messy guests, not the parks fault, and signs point the way to everything you need.”
“We hiked the whole loop trail and campground, and although the trail was wet and muddy in spots, it was beautiful!”
“Sites were surrounded by trees and campground was very quiet, despite being full (site was pure sand, just FYI).”
Such a great park! Whether hiking, camping, picnicking, or just coming to relax in nature, you will have a wonderful time at Rocky Arbor State Park! We hiked the whole loop trail and campground, and although the trail was wet and muddy in spots, it was beautiful!
The bugs on the hike are unbearable. Hike the trail in the fall or winter for the best experience. Nice campground in the Dells, but sites need gravel for parking big rigs. See video. Close to many activities and walgreens if you forget anything.
A smaller State Park, but man what a great hiking trail and probably the most unique office of any of the parks! The main area offers restrooms, plenty of tables and grills, bubblers, a shelter, and a playground. The hiking trail is absolutely gorgeous!
Beautiful park, closely situated to the Dells, but feels private. Sites were surrounded by trees and campground was very quiet, despite being full (site was pure sand, just FYI). Showers were clean, save for a few messy guests, not the parks fault, and signs point the way to everything you need.
Trail conditions & character
“We hiked the whole loop trail and campground, and although the trail was wet and muddy in spots, it was beautiful!”
“The landscape and geological features of Rocky Arbor State Park are some of the more unique and interesting out of all of the Wisconsin state parks.”
“Only downside was interstate noise, which grew much louder on the outskirts of the camping loop, so if youre in a tent, youre not gonna have peace and quiet.”
“Sites were surrounded by trees and campground was very quiet, despite being full (site was pure sand, just FYI).”
“A stable, mostly flat short loop with some pretty bluffs on the low side and one you make the turn, a straight trail through the woods.”
“The main area offers restrooms, plenty of tables and grills, bubblers, a shelter, and a playground.”
Plan your run at Rocky Arbor State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitednr.wisconsin.gov
- Phone(608) 254-8001
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–11 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–11 PM |
Running trails near Wisconsin Dells
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mirror Lake State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,184 reviews
2,200-acre park featuring a lake, woods & cliffs with a beach, hiking trails & canoe rentals.
Wellness Park
5 ★★★★★ 2 reviews