balanced rock trail

I wouldn't do this trail if it rained recently. This trail is quite radical and involves very steep, narrow steps. These steps get very slippery when wet. It can take days for them to dry off. I actually saw a man fall (he wasn't seriously injured). The really problem is on the way down. The steps are actually made from stone or rocks taken from the bluff by the CCC years ago, so they've only become smoother and more slippery. Even when it's dry, I wouldn't recommend this trail for young kids. Again this trail is quite radical. In some places there are really no steps and you have to do some scampering. If you're really worried about the trail use the bluff woodlands trail (which really has no steps) to access Devils Doorway and Balanced Rock. As always, ask the ranger when in doubt.

My favorite trail in the park. This is a bit of a vertical trail, but steps throughout. Most can handle this trail, just stop as often as needed and enjoy the beautiful views. I had a routine a few years back of coming everyday after work, climbing this trail, then watching the sunset from Devil's Doorway. I wish I was there right now...!

My husband and I took this trail and we really did know what we where getting into we where trying to get back to the North Parking lot where we parked our car. This is not for the faint of heart. Make sure you have plenty of water we did not and it was very warm and like I said we did not know this trail at all. It is straight up and not easy for people who are not it the best of shape (ME). Thankfully we met a very nice family and the man probably thought I was going to die he shared their water with me because I was dehydrating. We hiked Devils Lake Bluffs in the last 23 years and this one take the cake. I am 67 years old and my oldest daughter told me I should go back and do it again the next day. I said I don't think so. The views on this trail are AWESOME so if you are in shape GO FOR IT you wont regret it.

Love this trail, as it provides a great cardiovascular challenge and breathtaking views at numerous spots as you climb. I would not recommend this for very young children, but for anyone who has reasonable cardiovascular strength, this is a great hike and provides a nice workout.

careful hike up the East Bluff Trails will bring you to an amazing view of Devils Lake and Balanced Rock...among many other magnificent views.

Be careful WHEN you hit this trail. I would not want to come down this one, but going up was OK. Tis one of those things to be really glad you've done it when finished.....

We hiked this trail with our 4,6 and 8 year old. Completely doable, just stay close to them (if you can keep up with them). Lots of areas to fall but also so much to explore. They were all champs on the climb and loved every minute of it. The trail is essentially large stone steps (several hundred of them) that weave up a 400+ foot assent through what looks like a rock slide.This is one of the most beautiful trail designs I have seen in the Midwest. I am pretty sure this dates to CCC (WCC) times because you don't see trail engineering like this anymore.Take lots of water and good shoes. We hiked up Balance Rock, did Devils Doorway and came down the Pothole trail and it took us an hour.

If you need something flat do this trail at Devil's Lake. There are bugs at times so be ready for that. Great for all ages!

This hike was a great treat. The whole hike seems to be a great walk up a pile of balanced rock combined with beautiful views of Devil's Lake. Then toward the top you come to "the Balanced Rock", a true gem. This hike is easily combined with the East Bluff and West Bluff for a great loop around the lake.

Balanced Rock trail is a strenuous trail but worth it when you get to the top. The trail is stone "stairs" which clime approximately 500 feet in 3/10 of a mile. From the top you have beautiful view of Devil's Land and Baraboo. From the top there are three ways to get back to the bottom. Back down Balanced Rock trail, Potholes trail or the CCC trail. All are rated as difficult and steep. Gives one a good excuse for use of the hot tub later in the day.This is one of the few Wisconsin state parks which accepts the National Parks senior pass. Most of the state parks in Wisconsin charge an elevated fee, with no senior discount, for our of state visitors.

Very beautiful view from the top, but be prepared for the hike. I would not recommend it for children.

My wife and friends hiked this trail this past weekend while camping at Devil's Lake. It was fairly cold for mid-September, so the hike was a welcome workout to get the blood pumping. The trail was probably a 6 out of 10 difficulty, where 1 would be a flat road, and 10 would be scaling rocks and boulders. There were some difficult points where you needed to concentrate as one slip of the foot could result in a pretty serious accident, but for the most part, it was enjoyable and a good workout. There are many places to stop and look out from the bluffs over Devil's Lake and Baraboo for great pictures. If you are in the area, or camping, I would highly recommend hiking this trail, and seeing Balanced Rock.

This is one of the more challenging trails at Devil's Lake. Not a long trail, but it is mostly rock steps up the bluff. There are nice views of the lake and surrounding as you get above the initial tree line. Potholes is a similar trail in the park that doesn't offer quite the same views (more forested), but was probably more challenging. I'd recommend taking that one up and walking the bluff trail over to this one going down.

The first weekend in October is usually the best time to go, some years the peak color is the second weekend. What can I say, its a great hike. And there is lots of other hiking in the area. You can make a day of it with ease. Dog friendly and easy to get to.

It will get your juices flowing and heart rate going. Legs will feel it though.