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Parfrey's Glen Trail One of my favorite trails in the Driftless area! It is unique and I haven't found anything quite like it without paying for a guided tour of Witch's Gulch in the Dells. The moderate trail is about 1 and 3/4 mile out-and-back. There is a dirt path for part of the trail. If you want to reach the cascading waterfall at the end of the trail, you will need to go off the beaten path. You will be walking through the creek and climbing over large boulders through the cavern. Bring shoes that can get wet, and that have good grips on them. If you are willing to make the trek, it is worth it! We hike this trail all year long when the weather is right. The park does require an entrance fee of $8 (out-of-state $11) per vehicle for a day-use pass or an annual pass for $28 (out-of-state $38). They are very strict about paying at this location because of its popularity. This is located just on the edge of Devil's Lake and worth stopping at both if you have the time. Address: 1377 County Rd DL Merrimac, WI 53561 Natural Bridge Trail This easy almost 2 mile trail will take you to the "natural bridge" and continue to an overlook and loop back through the woods to the parking lot. You could also continue through the prairie for an additional mile hike that will link back to the parking lot. The park is open year-round, but our favorite is in the spring. Bring bug spray and check for ticks when you are done with this one. The park does require an entrance fee of $8 (out-of-state $11) per vehicle for a day-use pass or an annual pass for $28 (out-of-state $38). There is not much cell service here, so be prepared with directions. Address: E7792 CTY Rd C North Freedom, WI 53913 Sugar Maple Trail If you make it to Wyalusing, the Sugar Maple Trail is a must. This moderate 2 mile hike will take you up and down through the bluffs and to a small waterfall. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. We visited in early spring, but summer or fall would be a good time to visit as well. Renting a canoe and paddling the backwaters and down the Mississippi River or swimming at one of the beaches would be a great way to cool down after this hike. The park does require an entrance fee of $8 (out-of-state $11) per vehicle for a day-use pass or an annual pass for $28 (out-of-state $38). Address: 13081 State Park Ln Bagley, WI 53801
Ice Cave Trail A popular and easy 3/4 mile hike to see the frozen waterfall. If you drive through the park, there is also a short hike at the top of the bluff overlooking the landscape below. The park does require an entrance fee of $8 (out-of-state $11) per vehicle for a day-use pass or an annual pass for $28 (out-of-state $38). Address: E13660 State Hwy 33 Ontario, WI 54651 Echo Rock Trail This easy 1 mile loop takes you along Mirror Lake and some unique land formations. You also get to see the famous Ishnala supper club from across the lake. We did this hike during the winter, so there were snowshoers and cross-country skiers on the trail as well. The trail was slippery at parts, so watch your step if you go in the winter. In the summer, you could cool off swimming at one of the park's beaches. The park does require an entrance fee of $8 (out-of-state $11) per vehicle for a day-use pass or an annual pass for $28 (out-of-state $38). Address: E10320 Fern Dell Rd Baraboo, WI 53913
Pewit's Nest This easy and short 0.8 mile out-and-back hike will take you along Skillet Creek. You can also hike the bluff and look down on the waterfalls here. We have been here in the winter, spring, fall, and summer; and there are ALWAYS other people here. In the summer, there are often people swimming in the pools, hiking along the shallow creek, or picnicking along the trail. In the winter, you can walk between the bluffs, just be careful because there can be open pockets in the ice. The park does require an entrance fee of $8 (out-of-state $11) per vehicle for a day-use pass or an annual pass for $28 (out-of-state $38). Address: E10651A CTH-W Baraboo, WI 53913
Nelson's on Rush River If you are looking for something unique to do with kids, take them to Nelson's on Rush River, just north of Maiden Rock. This is technically in someone's backyard, however, every year the owner (Roger) sets up these ice structures from the artesian well that springs from their land. He uses piping to create about two dozen of these freeform frozen structures to walk around. They are even lit at night if you are looking for something to do in the evening. There is no cost to see these, but there is a donation box available by the parking area. Another thing to consider is there is no cell service down the valley this property is on. I remember thinking I had driven too far, but I kept going and eventually found the property; it is actually pretty hard to miss. If you are looking for somewhere with more to do, check out Ellsworth, WI about 20 minutes from here. Address: N2699 County Rd A Maiden Rock, WI 54750 |
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