Best Running Trails in Door County
Are you heading to Door County, Wisconsin this year and looking forward to running some great trails? Door County will not disappoint! From southern to northern door, there is a little bit for everyone with trails perfect for beginners and experts alike.
With the Bay of Green Bay on one side of the peninsula and Lake Michigan on the other, you will not be short on gorgeous scenery. With five state parks and tons of trails, you will not run out of places to explore. If you are looking for maps of the trails, the Wisconsin DNR website has excellent maps of each park. I will start you off running in southern Door County and then we will head north to one of my favorite parks.
Potawatomi State Park
Starting off in southern door county just south of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin is the gorgeous often over looked Potawatomi State Park. This park is lesser known than Peninsula State Park, but don’t let that fool you. The trails here are amazing! There are three main trails approximately nine miles total to get a great run in. The trails vary in terrain with plenty of tree roots to keep your eyes busy.
Take your time while running the Ice Age Trail, as it follows along shores of the Bay of Green Bay. It not only has great views, but plenty of technical bits from gnarly tree roots to rocks. This is my favorite section of trail in the park, because the trail runs on top of the cliffs overlooking the water. For more information on the Sturgeon Bay Segment of the Ice Age Trail, I have dedicated an entire post to the trail.
Tree Roots! 
The Hemlock Trail and the Tower Trail run through tall canopied trees. I especially love running these two trails in fall when the leaves are changing. If you are on The Tower Trail, it will take you to the top of the highest bluff in the park. Keep running to the old ski hill overlook for an expansive view.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
This state park is located on Lake Michigan just north of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The lake side of the peninsula typically has cooler temperatures, making Whitefish Dunes State Park a better trail running option on a warm summer day. This park is best known for the dunes, don’t let that dissuade you the trails are amazing here! I love when there is a cool breeze off the lake.
With multiple different trails in the park, it’s easy to start to pile up the miles. The trails are perfect for a beginner. I would suggest to go early when the park opens to avoid crowds if you here during summer.
Do you enjoy an nice cool swim after your run? Due to high water levels, the beach has been getting smaller and smaller, but still remains picturesque. Find a spot on the beach after your run and take some much needed cool down time.
Peninsula State Park
Peninsula State Park is a Door County favorite. Located in Fish Creek, Wisconsin, this is the perfect park to enjoy all year long. The views in the park range from scenic bay views, cedar-hemlock forests, mature hardwoods to the stunning cliffs of Niagara Escarpment. There are plenty of miles of trail to keep you busy.
One of my favorite trails to run is the popular Sunset Trail. This trail is 9.6 miles long. It is an easy trail to run with fine gravel base. It is relatively flat. The Sunset Trail is a trail also used by bikes, so it can get busy. I especially love the section that runs along the bay, you can’t beat those views! Perfect for an evening run, while the sun is setting!
With over 20 miles of trails, you won’t run out of trail to run! The park has a range of trails from easy to difficult. If the sunset trail seems a bit to easy or you need some hills worked into your run, I would recommend you check out the Eagle Trail. If you plan to explore the Eagle Trail be prepared to practice some power hiking up rocky and rooted terrain.
Newport State Park
Newport State Park is my favorite park in Door County for running. Located just north of Ellison Bay, Wisconsin near the tip of Door County with over 30 miles of trails you are sure to get a great run in. This is the only wilderness designated state park in Wisconsin, which makes for a perfect escape from the Door County crowds.
One of my favorite trails to run in the park is the Newport Trail. It has tiny trails off the main trail that lead out to small coves along Lake Michigan. Gorgeous right?
Another favorite of mine is the Europe Bay Trail Loop. It’s 7 miles of trail with lake views that take you to the north end of the park and back. I would suggest to add on the Lynd Trail Point Loop for an additional 2.5 miles of trail on the lakeshore. This trail will branch off the Europe Bay Trail.
As far as the terrain goes, all of the trails in the park are easy running and relatively flat. Some tree roots but not overly technical. I have even run the trails in road shoes without an issue. If you have time, I would suggest an evening run. Once you are done with your run, stay until dark. The park is designated a Dark Sky Park making it the perfect location to stargaze or perhaps be lucky enough to catch the northern lights.
Washington Island
Washington Island is an excellent place to run. It is a 35 square miles and located off the tip of Door County. It is a short ferry ride across. I would recommend you take your car on the ferry, so you can drive around the island. There are short trails, beaches and plenty of back roads to get lost on. The last time I was on the island there was tons of fog making the beaches and trails exceptionally gorgeous. As the fog lifted it looked like steam coming up off the lake.
Many of the trails are short, but you can add in some country roads to add some distance. Do you love a beach run? I recommend to check out Sand Dunes Park for a nice run on the beach.
How about a run through a gorgeous state natural area? Big and Little Marsh has a nice trail system. Starting out with running on sand and then end with an emersion of the smell of cedar trees as you run through the woods. What could be more perfect?
Trail sign 
Sand! 
Wooded Trails!
The Door County Land Trust has many great trails throughout Door County. Washington Island has some stunning trails also. One of my favorites was Boo’s Bluff. A short trail that leads to a beach that is definitely run worthy! After your run, make a stop in town at the KK Fiske Restaurant for some lawyer a local favorite.
Trail Sign 
Almost to the beach! 
Another beautiful beach!
Rock Island
Rock Island is a state park located just a short ferry ride from Washington Island. The ferry is pedestrian only as there are no motorized vehicles on the island. There is water available, but make sure to bring everything you need to the island as there are no stores.
There are 10 miles of trails on the island. Plenty of trail to enjoy for a short or long run. If you are on the island and want to get the most bang for you buck, I would suggest the Thordarson Loop Trail. The trail runs the entire circumference of the island. Take in views of the lake, lighthouse, historic cemeteries and an old water tower. Plan your trip here in late spring and summer, as the ferry only runs Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
Door County Back Roads
Not convinced that you’ll have time to slip away from your family for a trail run? Door County has tons of scenic roads for running as well. Many of the roads have little traffic providing for some much needed solitude. You can easily find a scenic route right outside your door!
