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Potholes & CCC Trail Loop

Merrimac, Wisconsin

4.3/5
based on 3 reviews

Details

Distance

1.2 miles

Elevation Gain

315 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Sarah Laughlin

Great hike! On the Potholes trail you will hike through an amazing split in the rock face towards the top. Neat experience, and views are well worth steep climb to the top! A series of rounded, eroded, depressions or potholes located near the top of trail.

Park in the South entrance group camping lot to find the trailhead, just a few steps North of the parking lot. A few different paths you can take, but took grotto trail (.3 miles) to Potholes trail (.4miles) and looped back on the CCC trail (1 mile). Very steep climb for a decent amount of the trail with lots of rocky steps but well worth it considering the view at the top overlooking the lake and surround area! Once you reach the top of the East bluff you can take a few different paths and explore the cliffs, very popular area for rock climbers as well.

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Features

Hiking
Beach
Dog Friendly
Lake
Scenic

Potholes & CCC Trail Loop Reviews

My friend took the liberty of counting all of the steps and determined there are over 600 stairs.

Hiked the Tumbled Rock Trail and the CCC Trail Loop around Devil's Lake yesterday with my (much more experienced) sister-in-law! The views were AMAZING, but as a more beginner, it was one hell of an ascent to the top to see Devil's Doorway. Would ABSOLUTELY do it again, but definitely need to train up some more first. Would highly recommend for moderate-intermediate hikers, or to go with someone who has done the hike before and knows the route!

While at Devil's Lake, make sure to check this trail out. It's not as strenuous as some of the others, in my opinion, but it gives you some really cool areas to explore. You won't be getting as much of the views of the lake as the East Bluff or Balanced Rock, but this is still very much worth it.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Balanced Rock Trail at Devil's Lake

Bouldering at Devil's Lake State Park in Wisconsin

Hike the East Bluff Trail to Devil's Doorway

Hike the Perimeter of Devil's Lake

Camp at Devils Lake State Park

Hike Parfrey's Glen