From a leisurely family stroll along a self-guided nature trail to a more demanding hike, Door County's natural beauty is best enjoyed close up and on foot.
Hiking trails abound in the five state parks as well as in many of the smaller county parks.
There are multiple trails and loops of trails to choose from in Peninsula and Potawatomi state parks. The 11 miles of trails at Whitefish Dunes State Park include a self-guided tour past replicas of the structures used by Native Americans in the area. Newport State Park, a semi-wilderness area, features 28 miles of trails and is a favorite of backpacking campers and day hikers. Nature lovers will enjoy the unspoiled beauty and rare plants at Toft's Point and the Ridges Sanctuary, both located near Baileys Harbor. A trip by ferry or boat to Rock Island will link hikers to more than six miles of trails, covering terrain that ranges from sandy beaches to rocky shores to towering bluffs.