Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve — Attraction in Town of Grafton

What an incredible place. I first learned about the Lion's Den Gorge in October of 2020. I went back to visit on a warm, sunny day for Wisconsin and saw the icebergs melting. The beach was difficult to access. There were rocks falling down from the clay cliffs and mudfalls (aka muddy waterfalls) forming. In some areas atop the cliffs it is very muddy. The stairs had snow packed on them and some ice. It's important to pay attention and hold onto the handrailing (and take your time). I don't recommend bringing young children to the beach this time of the year. I'd wait until the ice/snow melts. It's safer. I arrived at about 12:20PM and the parking was just starting to get crowded. There are porta potties near the parking closest to the park. There are garbage cans, too. This is a county park, which means you don't have to pay to access the park. There are two main paths to get to the beach. One is closer to the side of the clay cliffs and one is more inward. The beach goes for miles - it's absolutely amazing. It's a lengthy walk to get to the beach, so keep that in mind. Also, there are a series of staircases you have to take in order to reach the beach. After you climb down the stairs there's a pretty creek. There also seem to be a lot of cedar trees in that particular area. It is beautiful! Dogs are allowed at the park. Just please be respectful and pick up your...

This was a perfect day to enjoy the hike and beach walk to find beautiful rocks. (I love to build cairns.) The water was an incredible blue and the waves sounded so peaceful. Taking a hike from the parking lot down a long stairway is fun but not if you have any issues walking. Going down is slow and easy but coming back up may be a challenge. However, as this was my first visit I do not know if other access points to the beach are easier. The trails are well marked, and there is obviously lots of environmental protection being done. This is a beautiful place to really appreciate nature. We enjoyed the day with many families (with and without children,) many dogs and lots of areas for kids to climb and play. We made the hour drive and spent almost 3 hours enjoying the beach. As we left we all agreed that the drive is absolutely worth a return trip. Whether you like to hike, let your kids explore, sit and listen to the waves, or give your pup a romp, there is plenty of room for anyone here. And I have to say everyone we met was friendly and made sure all visitors got to enjoy the place together. It is a wonderful place to spend your time. When we arrived at 11:00 there was plenty of parking. When we left at 2:00 the lot was full, but cars were coming and...

Wear bug spray! As an out-of-shape American, you can make it to the beach but you'll be sweating and prob need to pause on your way back up the stairs. A mile hike on the main GRAVEL PATH following posts for Lions Den(stick to the gravel!!!). Then at a point where 4/5 paths converge, you'll see stairs straight ahead. It's 100 steps down, with landings to pause on every 5-10 stairs, and a bench halfway down. Don't bring kids under 5 unless you want to carry them down or up, bc they'll prob get fussy or could fall. Strollers can make it to the stairs and be chained at the top. Wheelchairs can't really make it all the way to the stairs due to some uneven gravel and downward sloping(upward on the return hike) the closer u get to the stairs. Poison ivy rampant on both sides of the trails, so stay on the paths! Very rocky beach, but also fairly private. If you plan to swim, bring lunch, plenty of water, a hat/umbrella for shade, and sunscreen bc the hike is long enough where you won't want to make 2 trips. Sunny beach without much shade. Easy, flat hike so no need for hiking boots. Comfortable sandals or comfortable water...