Getting Out: Newport State Park

The waters of Europe Bay. Photo by Myles Dannhausen Jr.

Most visitors to Door County are well aware of Peninsula State Park, but relatively few make the trek north to Newport, the state’s only designated Wilderness Park. For a beautiful, easy hike, head to Europe Bay for a trek on the Hotz Trail. 

Difficulty: Easy, with some small hills to climb

Distance: The Hotz Trail loop to the north of Europe Bay Road is about three miles. 

Time: 40-60 minutes 

Features: Start by hiking north from the trailhead, and you’ll meander along the edge of the forest, with several opportunities to take short spurs to the beach. (You can also start along the beach before turning inland on the north end of the beach.) The trail then loops south to bring you near the shore of Europe Lake. For a longer hike, add the Europe Bay Trail to the south of Europe Bay Road.