Best Fall Hikes in Door County, Fall Colors 2022

Lake Michigan, Door County WI – Honey enjoying some fall colors and beautiful beaches!

Hiking Door County in the fall is one of the most enjoyable free activities you can do! Here are my favorite fall color {2022}spots that myself and Honey (my golden retriever) to get outside.

Heins Creek Nature Preserve, Jacksonport. This is a short loop of .75 miles managed by the Door County Land Trust. It is ecologically unique, parts of it are creek, dune, and leads out to Lake Michigan. Tread lightly, take only pictures and appreciate this gem this fall!

Haines Creek: https://www.doorcountylandtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/HeinsCreekNaturePreserve_printable_map.pdf

Lautenbach Woods, Egg Harbor. This 1.25 friendly hike features beautiful Door County escarpement with unique hardwood forests, and native prairie. Some slight elevation gain takes you in and out of the forest. This one is Honeys favorite! We have also spotted bird of prey and find this quiet trail very tranquil.

Lautenbach Woods; trail goes through the woods & native prairie: https://www.doorcountylandtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/LautenbachWoodsNaturePreserve_printable_map.pdf

Ellison Bay Bluff County Park, Ellison Bay. This is a larger county park with a few different wheel chair accessible trails. There is one trail that follows along the large limestone rock cliffs. We kept Honey on leash here! This park also features parking, rest rooms and a picnic area with amazing view of Lake Michigan.

Honey enjoying the changing leaves in Ellison Bay: https://www.travelwisconsin.com/county-parks/ellison-bay-bluff-county-park-255120

Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve, Sturgeon Bay. This is an incredibility scenic hike that takes your from native prairie up an escarpment into a friendly 2.5 mile loop. This one features two different parking options.

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Color change at Bay Shore Blufflands Nature Preserve is not one to miss this fall! : https://www.doorcountylandtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/BayShoreBlufflandsNaturePreserve_printable_map.pdf

The Ridges Sanctuary, Bailey’s Harbor. This is a non-profit preserve that is locally run and managed with unique landscapes, trails, and open spaces. There is limited parking, no dog’s allowed in this sanctuary, and has a minimal entrance fee so make sure you do your research beforehand. It is truly a special place however, and worth the trip. Learn more here: https://www.ridgessanctuary.org/

The Five State Parks in Door County. For such a small county there are 5 state parks that are each unique in historical culture and colorful in the fall. They all have great trails and views of the water. Learn more about state park options here: https://www.travelwisconsin.com/natural-attractions-and-parks/five-state-parks-in-door-county-199937

Door County in the fall is truly a beautiful place. I always pack a rain jacket to be prepared for cold, windy, and damp days. I also recommend waking early to optimize quieter times on these trails! I hope you enjoy your time outside this fall.

Egg Harbor is home to me! Birds eye view of where I grew up. Door County is sincerely one of the best places to enjoy fall colors!

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