HomeWisconsinPort Washington › Sauk Creek Nature Preserve

Sauk Creek Nature Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 148 Google reviews · Running trail in Port Washington, Wisconsin · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Sauk Creek 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.

ScenicDog-friendlyTrailhead parkingQuiet

Secluded spot featuring a small waterfall, hiking trails, deer, salmon and trout.

What runners say about Sauk Creek Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (148 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“So beautiful with trails to different spots on the river.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“Very nice quiet place when my boyfriend and went to it.”

We love walking down to our local nature preserve. A picnic table or two and a porta potty would be nice additions!

★★★★☆ — Scott , Jul 2025

I go practice fishing whenever I can. Really short distance from just about anywhere in Port Washington. Multiple entrance, and when the river is low, the rocky outlines on the bank can make swimming holes. But do make sure you stick to the trail, for once you stray, you may find yourself on private property.

★★★★★ — Hafele , Jun 2020

Port’s hidden gem. When not overtaken by fisherman from IL, this is an awesome place to walk. Quick .5-1.5 mile loops.

★★★★★ — Aaron , Apr 2020

What a great hidden gem!!! The walk was nice and the creek was so calming 😌🙌

★★★★★ — Jane , Mar 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 148 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions

“So beautiful with trails to different spots on the river.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 3 mentions

“Very nice quiet place when my boyfriend and went to it.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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🐕 Dog-friendly

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Plan your run at Sauk Creek Nature Preserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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 — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Trail mapOfficial trail map
  • Websiteowlt.org
  • Phone(262) 338-1794
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 5:30 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 5:30 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 5:30 AM–8 PM
Thursday 5:30 AM–8 PM
Friday 5:30 AM–8 PM
Saturday 5:30 AM–8 PM
Sunday 5:30 AM–8 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Sauk Creek Nature Preserve

3236 Co Hwy KK, Port Washington, WI 53070

Get directions

Running trails near Port Washington

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Sauk Creek Park

2.7 ★★★☆☆ 3 reviews

Port Washington, WI

under a mile away

Whitefish Park

4.1 ★★★★☆ 18 reviews

Port Washington, WI

under a mile away

Upper Lake Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 913 reviews

Port Washington, WI

Scenic

Large park on Lake Michigan with a playground, scenic views, hiking/biking trails & beach access.

under a mile away

Rotary Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 132 reviews

Port Washington, WI

Scenic

Relaxed, park offering picnic tables and lake views.

1.0 miles away

Coal Dock Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 480 reviews

Port Washington, WI

BoardwalkScenic

Clean, friendly park featuring a gazebo, picnic tables and a lighthouse.

1.1 miles away

Port Washington South Beach Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 477 reviews

Port Washington, WI

ScenicDog-friendly

Lakefront beach spot with soft sand, shallow, clear water and an alerting system for riptides.

1.2 miles away

All running trails in Port Washington, WI →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.