Geneva Lake Shore Path

The Geneva Lake Shore Path is a free, public trail winding around the entire shoreline of Geneva Lake.  In total, the entire shore path is just under 22 miles. Homeowners are required to keep the pathway clear and maintained; some areas have brick or paved walkways, while others may be a simple dirt path. No matter what you are walking on, the view from every point is stunning. Scroll down for tips when walking the shore path, or click the links below to purchase our shore path guide, watch our shore path video, or read more about the shore path.

 

Stories At The Lake - Geneva Lake Shore Path video

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Around the lake in a day? That's the goal we set out with on a sunny August day.
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SHORE PATH 101

PICK A ROUTE

There are several public entrance and exit points.

  • In Lake Geneva, you can access the shore path at Library Park in the heart of the downtown district. There’s also plenty of parking there for your car. If you have a state park sticker, you can also park at Big Foot Beach State Park and access the path from there.
  • In the Village of Williams Bay, the public boat launch and beach offer public shore path access, however, parking is limited during the summer.
  • In the Village of Fontana, there’s plenty of public parking near the lakefront.
  • The Town of Linn offers shore path access on Linn Pier Road at the boat launch, though parking is limited.

GO BEFORE YOU GO

The only restrooms on the shore path are located in the public entrance and exit points above. If those are locked, and they could be depending on the time of day or year, most nearby restaurants will allow you to use their restrooms.

THINK FEET

Wear comfortable shoes with good arch support! Make sure they have good tread for navigating steep and slippery surfaces.

MIND YOUR MANNERS

The Shore Path is public, but the yards, grounds and piers of the private homes along the path are not. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed and picked up after.

NO WHEELS

Bikes and strollers are not permitted. The shore path is not handicap accessible and those with mobility issues should start at the Lake Geneva Public Library and limit themselves to about a half mile, east or west, for the smoothest terrain.

WHAT TO BRING

Water, sunscreen and bug spray. Cell phone service can be limited in some areas.

WATCH THE WEATHER

Extreme heat and humidity can make the shore path unbearable, especially if you’re hiking the entire lake.

TAKE BREAKS

The public access points allow picnics, and there are plenty of restaurants. In Lake Geneva, there are dozens. Pier 290 in Williams Bay, with local and organic cuisine, is on the lake and Harpoon Willies is just off the path, along with Skip’s. Gordy’s and Chuck’s in Fontana are on the lake, and both have great burgers.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

The Geneva Lake Shore Path Guide is a pocket-size guide that describes 101 historical and contemporary points of interest along the shore path. It is available from the publishers of At The Lake, and can be found in area retail shops and resorts. You can also order it online here or by calling 262-729-4471.