Outdoor Adventures in Door County: Hiking, Biking & Kayaking

Outdoor Adventures in Door County: Hiking, Biking & Kayaking

Door County is an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering a perfect blend of scenic beauty and adventure. Whether you enjoy hiking through lush forests, biking along picturesque roads, or kayaking on the calm waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, Door County has something for everyone. With stunning trails, panoramic views, and opportunities for wildlife sightings, your trip to Door County will be full of unforgettable outdoor experiences. Here are some of the best hiking, biking, and kayaking adventures you can enjoy in the area.

1. Hiking in Door County 

Door County boasts miles of hiking trails that take you through state parks, along rocky shorelines, and deep into beautiful forests. Here are a few trails you don’t want to miss:

  • Peninsula State Park

    • Trail Highlights: With over 20 miles of hiking trails, Peninsula State Park is one of Door County’s most popular spots for outdoor enthusiasts. The Eagle Trail is a 2-mile hike that offers stunning views of Eagle Bluff and the bay, weaving through limestone cliffs and rocky shorelines. For a more leisurely walk, try the Sunset Trail, a 9.5-mile trail that winds through forests and open fields, offering beautiful sunset views.
    • Why You’ll Love It: This park combines scenic vistas, wildlife, and access to the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse.
  • Newport State Park

    • Trail Highlights: For those looking for a more rugged and serene experience, Newport State Park offers a wilderness setting with its 30 miles of hiking trails. The Europe Bay Trail is a 7-mile loop that brings you through forests, wetlands, and along sandy beaches.
    • Why You’ll Love It: Newport State Park is Wisconsin’s only designated wilderness park, offering peace and solitude away from the crowds.
  • Whitefish Dunes State Park

    • Trail Highlights: Whitefish Dunes features trails that pass through some of Door County’s most significant sand dunes. The Red Trail is a must-do, leading to the Old Baldy lookout, the tallest dune in Wisconsin.
    • Why You’ll Love It: The combination of dunes, beach access, and the chance to learn about the area's geology makes this hike a unique experience.

2. Biking in Door County

Door County’s rolling hills, winding roads, and dedicated bike trails make it a top destination for cycling enthusiasts. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a scenic bike ride:

  • Peninsula State Park Bike Trails

    • Trail Highlights: Peninsula State Park also features a beautiful 10-mile paved Sunset Bike Trail that loops around the park, offering stunning views of Green Bay and passing through forests, wetlands, and open meadows. This trail is perfect for both casual cyclists and families.
    • Why You’ll Love It: The trail is wide and mostly flat, making it great for a relaxing ride while taking in some of Door County’s most scenic landscapes.
  • Ahnapee State Trail

    • Trail Highlights: Stretching over 48 miles, the Ahnapee State Trail is a multi-use trail that takes riders through Door and Kewaunee counties. It is a former railroad line turned into a gravel trail, making it ideal for hybrid or mountain bikes. The trail takes you through peaceful farmlands, forests, and wetlands with plenty of wildlife sightings along the way.
    • Why You’ll Love It: This trail offers a peaceful, off-road biking experience and is a great way to see the local flora and fauna.
  • Washington Island Bike Tour

    • Trail Highlights: For a unique biking adventure, hop on the ferry to Washington Island and bike the island's quiet country roads. The 25 square miles of the island offer plenty of places to explore, from Schoolhouse Beach to Mountain Park Lookout Tower.
    • Why You’ll Love It: The laid-back, rural charm of Washington Island makes it an ideal spot for a scenic and relaxing bike ride, away from the busier tourist areas.

3. Kayaking in Door County

With miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan and Green Bay, Door County is one of the Midwest’s premier kayaking destinations. Paddle along rocky cliffs, explore hidden caves, and take in breathtaking views of the water. Here are some of the top kayaking spots in the area:

  • Cave Point County Park

    • Kayak Highlights: Known for its stunning limestone cliffs and underwater caves, Cave Point County Park is one of the most popular places to kayak in Door County. Paddle along the cliffs, explore sea caves, and enjoy the clear, turquoise waters.
    • Why You’ll Love It: The dramatic landscape of Cave Point makes it a thrilling adventure, especially for those who love unique geological formations.
  • Peninsula State Park - Nicolet Bay

    • Kayak Highlights: The calm waters of Nicolet Bay in Peninsula State Park are perfect for beginners or those looking for a peaceful paddle. You can kayak around the bay or venture further along the shoreline to take in the scenery of the park from the water.
    • Why You’ll Love It: This is a great spot for families or those new to kayaking, offering calm waters and beautiful views.
  • Washington Island

    • Kayak Highlights: Washington Island offers a more remote kayaking experience with options to paddle along the island’s quiet shores. You can also explore Rock Island (a small island off Washington Island) known for its lighthouse and pristine beaches.
    • Why You’ll Love It: This offers a quieter, more secluded paddling experience and the chance to discover hidden gems.

Plan Your Outdoor Adventure With Door County KOA Holiday

After a day full of outdoor activities, you’ll need a comfortable place to relax and recharge. Door County KOA Holiday offers the perfect base camp for your adventure-filled trip. With options for RV sites, Deluxe Cabins, and Tent Sites, we have accommodations to suit every camper.

Our campground sits on 58 acres of wooded land, just minutes from some of the top hiking, biking, and kayaking spots in the area. You can enjoy on-site amenities like fishing, swimming, and biking, or unwind by the fire after a day of exploration.

Book your stay at Door County KOA Holiday today and get ready to experience the best of outdoor adventures in Door County!

 

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