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.
Last updated: May 12, 2026
10
hikers
5.06km
01:18
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
hikers
5.78km
01:29
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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6
hikers
3.88km
00:59
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
2.39km
00:37
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Big Bay State Park
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.
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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.
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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.
There are 5 hiking routes documented in Big Bay State Park on komoot. These routes offer diverse experiences within the park's natural settings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.


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