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Routes
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United States
Wisconsin
Ashland County

Big Bay State Park

The best walks and hikes in Big Bay State Park

42

hikers

5

hikes

Hiking in Big Bay State Park offers routes through diverse natural settings on Madeline Island, characterized by coastal landscapes, including sandstone bluffs, a barrier beach, and a lagoon. The park features significant wetland ecosystems and varied forest types, such as northern forests with red and white pines. Trails primarily consist of established paths winding through woodlands and along the Lake Superior shoreline. Most routes have minimal elevation changes, making them accessible for various fitness levels.

Best hiking trails in Big…

Last updated: May 12, 2026

10

hikers

#1.

Bay View and Woods Trail Loop

5.06km

01:18

20m

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

3

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

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Popular around Big Bay State Park

Running Trails in Big Bay State Park

Tips from the Community

Renner Anderson
December 1, 2021, Big Bay Point at Madeline Island

Although there are many spectacular views all along the shoreline of Madeline Island, this one is worthy of pointing out because it is easily accessible with a short walk in Big Bay State Park.

4

0

Although there are many spectacular views all along the shoreline of Madeline Island, this one is worthy of pointing out because it is easily accessible with a short walk in Big Bay State Park.

2

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of hiking trails can I find in Big Bay State Park?

Big Bay State Park offers a variety of hiking experiences, primarily featuring coastal paths, lagoon views, and wooded trails. The terrain generally has minimal elevation changes, making routes accessible for various fitness levels. You'll find established paths winding through forests and along the shoreline.

How many hiking trails are available in Big Bay State Park?

There are 5 hiking routes documented in Big Bay State Park on komoot. These routes offer diverse experiences within the park's natural settings.

Are there easy hiking options for beginners or families in Big Bay State Park?

Yes, Big Bay State Park is very suitable for beginners and families. Out of the 5 available routes, 4 are rated as easy. An example is the Hiking loop from O'Brien South Shore, which is 3.3 miles (5.2 km) long and takes about 1 hour 21 minutes to complete.

What is the longest hiking trail in Big Bay State Park?

The longest trail available is the Barrier Beach loop from O'Brien South Shore. This moderate route spans 6.4 miles (10.3 km) and typically takes around 2 hours 39 minutes to complete, leading through coastal and wooded landscapes.

Are there any circular hiking routes in Big Bay State Park?

Yes, all the hiking routes listed for Big Bay State Park are circular loops. This allows you to start and end your hike at the same point, such as the Hiking loop from Big Bay State Park Group Camp Site 1, an easy 3.4-mile (5.5 km) trail.

What are the typical durations for hikes in Big Bay State Park?

Hikes in Big Bay State Park vary in duration. You can find shorter loops like the Hiking loop from O'Brien South Shore, which is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) and takes about 37 minutes, up to longer routes like the Barrier Beach loop from O'Brien South Shore, which can take nearly 2 hours 40 minutes.

What kind of scenery can I expect on the trails?

Hikers in Big Bay State Park can expect diverse scenery, including views of the Big Bay Lagoon, barrier beaches, and serene interior woodlands. The trails often combine coastal elements with forested sections, offering a varied natural experience.

Are there any moderate difficulty trails for a more challenging hike?

Yes, there is one moderate trail available: the Barrier Beach loop from O'Brien South Shore. This 6.4-mile (10.3 km) route offers a longer and slightly more demanding experience compared to the easy trails, while still featuring the park's characteristic coastal and wooded landscapes.

What do other hikers say about Big Bay State Park?

Over 30 hikers have used komoot to explore Big Bay State Park's varied terrain. While specific ratings are not yet available, the community frequently praises the park's accessible trails and the beautiful combination of coastal and wooded environments.

Are there any specific points of interest or landmarks along the trails?

The park itself is a significant point of interest, known for its unique coastal features like the barrier beach and lagoon. While specific highlight data is limited, the trails are designed to showcase these natural elements, such as the Big Bay Lagoon loop from Red Cliff, which offers views of the lagoon.

Is Big Bay State Park suitable for dog walking?

While specific regulations for dogs on trails are not detailed in the provided data, many state parks in the region generally allow leashed dogs on hiking trails. It is always recommended to check the official Big Bay State Park website for the most current pet policies before your visit.

What is the elevation gain like on trails in Big Bay State Park?

The trails in Big Bay State Park generally feature minimal elevation changes. For example, the Hiking loop from Big Bay State Park Group Camp Site 1 has an elevation gain of only about 21 meters (70 feet), making most routes relatively flat and easy to navigate.

Most popular routes in Big Bay State Park

Family-friendly hikes in Big Bay State Park

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