There S A Wisconsin Trail That Leads To A Quiet Beach

While the Wisconsin Dells has plenty of rollercoasters, waterslides, and t-shirt shops, the reason people first came here had nothing to do with a wristband. The Dells is filled with remarkable natural beauty and some of it might be closer and more accessible than you realize. The Chapel Gorge Trail leads nature lovers of all ages through a unique natural landscape, down to a quiet beach on the Wisconsin River. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy the hike.

The Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area is a unique wild corridor that traces the Wisconsin River on a five-mile stretch that crosses parts of Adams, Columbia, Juneau, and Sauk Counties.

Alltrails / Andrea Snowden

The Chapel Gorge Trail can be found on the east side of the river, just two miles from the heart of the Wisconsin Dells.

Alltrails / Alexa Bryant

The Chapel Gorge Trail is a 1.5-mile looped trail that passes through stone outcroppings before arriving at a short climb down to a shoreline beach.

Alltrails / Bryan Woodyard

The trail takes hikers through a sandstone terrain that was created more than 500 million years ago. Towering cliffs here have been shaped by wind and water.

Alltrails / Ross Ginter

Because the terrain is so unique, it’s home to some very rare plants and animals – one protected plant grows on rock ledges and can be found in only two places on earth. Tread carefully!

Alltrails / Amy Advey

The trail is a relatively easy hike so it’s a great place for families to experience nature in the Dells. It takes about 40 minutes to complete the hike. Enjoy every step!

Alltrails / Greg Horstmeier

Learn more about the Chapel Gorge Trail on the state Department of Natural Resources website. You might work up a bit of hunger on the hike. Here’s a place in the Dells where you can actually dine with the fish!