Highly recommend hiking here! There is a small parking lot. It helps to come early otherwise you may have to find parking somewhere else. We noticed cars just parking on the side of the county road. After you park you have to pay for a ticket and stick it on your dashboard. This ticket will also get you into Devil's Lake which is awesome so you don't have to pay for both. Right by the parking lot they have some area/trail/hiking information as well as bathrooms. This is the start for 2 different trailheads. You can go right for the Parfey's Glen State Natural Area or you can go left on part of the Ice Age trail. We decided to do both with our dogs. We first did the Ice Age trail which was a narrow wooded trail. Beautiful with a good amount of uphill. We did about 3 miles out and back. We could have gone much farther. It was so nice, we only saw 2 other people on the trail. Then we went over and did about a mile in Parfey's Glen. Everyone we saw in the parking lot seemed to do Parfey's Glen, it wasn't too crowded late morning but we saw a good amount of people. Lot of families so definitely a kid friendly hike. It was such a nice hike, it starts on a paved path and then goes to gravel, and then dirt. Along the way there are streams (that you have to cross so bring your hiking boots or shoes you don't care about). Towards the end I believe there is a waterfall but we didn't make it that far with the dogs. I look forward to going back and doing the entire hike. read more

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Totally worth the time, part of the trail isn't maintained and Ww were able to continue navigating. There's a small stream so shoes may get wet. The scenery was heavenly all around you. We had walking sticks and they were helpful . read more

Parfrey's Glen - Hiking Near Me

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Loved this area! We've been a few times over the years and it's always so calming. We were there for memorial day weekend so it was pretty busy. Prepare to bring extra shoes if you opt to hike beyond the end of the trail. Plenty of stepping stones and logs but still a chance to slip. Lots of people came back with wet shoes. Definitely recommend if you're in the area! read more

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A real fun short hike in a geologically interesting area. Fortunately the park has reopened after being closed for almost a year due to Covid. I am glad we were here on a weekday in early spring because I can see this being packed in summer. Despite it being cool and gray it was a nice one mile hike in. To see the best parts you need to traverse the creek a number of times to get way into the glen. I was happy to have a hiking pole with me. In summer I am sure kids just go ride up the stream. I understand why this is place is so popular. read more

Parfrey's Glen - Park sign - Hiking Near Me

This is one of my favorite parks. It is just BEAUTIFUL! In the summer you can wade down the shallow stream, and view all the waterfalls along the way. In the winter, if it is very cold and the stream freezes over, you can walk down and see most of the waterfalls are frozen! I recommend this park, 100%. You should definitely come here!!! read more

The same way in is the only way out but it is absolutely worth it! There are a few boulders that make this hike a little more challenging! You may also want to wear hiking shoes or shoes you don't care if they get wet! read more

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We went here today just after the rain stopped. It was amazing! We only ran into a family of 4 the entire time. Reaching the waterfall at the end was refreshing! We spent about an hour hiking out & back slowly while taking in the forest. read more

Parfrey's Glen - The gorge - Hiking Near Me

Parfrey's Glenn is a hidden gem connected to Devil's lake state park. It features a deep bluff-lined ravine that leads back to a small waterfall. You take a short trail back to the ravine and then make your way through a slick moss lined boulders at the bottom of the ravine back to the falls. It's very unique to see this kind of structure in WI, but I would not recommend it for anyone that is not in shape or very comfortable on their feet. It was definitely treacherous getting back there, but worth it! Also, beware, you may get a little wet along the way, especially if you do not have good balance. The scenery reminds me a bit of Pewit's Nest, which is more accessible. So if you have experienced one and liked it, I recommend the other. Spent the day yesterday hiking. From Milwaukee, and wanted to get a bunch of unique experiences in. We left Milwaukee and hiked Governor Dodge, Tower Hill, Natural Bridge, and Parfrey's Glenn (all state parks/reserves) in one day. Was an AWESOME day. Every stop was very unique. Aside from Gov. Dodge, every stop was about an hour hike, stopping to take a few pictures at each. read more

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The Devil's Lake area is close to a 3 hour drive for us and we like to optimize the bluff hikes that overlook the lake. It wasn't until this past weekend that I ventured out to nearby Parfrey's Glen, and quickly realized that I had been missing out on a beautiful area. Located just 6-7 miles east of Devil's Lake, Parfrey's Glen was Wisconsin's first state natural area, designated in 1952. I couldn't locate an actual address for Parfrey so I would recommend searching your GPS device or printing a map of the area BEFORE setting out for it. The closest address to Parfrey's is neighboring Rustic Ridge Cabins located at E13981 County Road DL. Parfrey's is on County Road DL about a quarter mile west of Bluff Road. The entrance to the park is on the north side of the road, and the lot only holds about 15 cars. Shoulder parking can also be had on County Road DL, outside of the park. As an advisory, please keep in mind that a state park day permit is required. It cannot be purchased at Parfrey's, but you can buy a day pass at Devil's Lake. After heading into the parking lot at Parfrey's you'll notice a paved path leading north. This is the route you'll likely want to take to head into the Glen. The paved path is short lived as it turns into a earthen path that's just as easy to follow. For about a half mile this route seems like a common path with no discernible features. Then a rickety stream appears off to the left, and the scenery starts to change. It's after this point that you realize that you're very slowly ascending. Also about a half mile in is a Parfrey's Glen plaque that describes the history of the area. First timers should take note, the short narrative gives you some neat facts. Continuing in has you crossing a small bridge over the aforementioned stream, then a criss-crossing effort begins within the canyon. Rock walls mount on both sides and at points, becomes narrow and widens as you ascend. Traversing this portion of the park becomes more difficult. My six year old son was able to do it, but only with my helpful hands. At one point he put both of his feet into a pit of mud which almost cost him his shoes. Of course, he found this to be one of the best parts of the park. If you're hiking in this portion of the park I highly recommend a sturdy hiking boot or shoe with proper socks. Trust me, footing in this portion of the park can be dangerous, and your shoes/boots will get wet, if not totally submerged. Traversing and steadily climbing the back portions of the park are very cool. The rock formations include a mixture of rock types and moss growth was in high season in late July. Our apex and the stopping point of most is about a mile back where a smooth waterfall careens down an elevated slide of large boulders. There was a downed tree trunk that tempted further access, but safety ruled that out for my six year old. My description of Parfrey's was written with the intent of not giving too much away. I didn't know anything about this park before entering it, and our ignorance was what created a high level of bliss. Most that visit Devil's Lake overlook this hidden gem. Now that we're aware of it, I can't wait until my son can manage an even deeper hike in. Happy hiking and climbing. read more

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A beautiful gorge with a small waterfall as a reward at the end. Parfrey's Glen is a must see feature if you visit Baraboo or the Devil's Lake area. The first part of the hike is a mostly easy paved path -- a veritable nature walk in the trees. The second half is difficult to navigate but spectacular for the eyes - you will be required to cross the stream several times. Be prepared to get your feet wet or if you have extraordinary balance, take your time and pick your slippery stepping stone carefully. The second half is why you choose this hike anyway and it is worth the effort -- the rock formations are stunning. Good hiking boots or water sandals recommended. read more

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Nice walk, without the heavily crowded paths like Devils Lake, parking on street still requires a park permit

Not part of the Devil's Lake State Park but definitely worth a stop! The trail is not very long or rigorous, we especially enjoyed our experience because it was later in the fall and there were no crowds. I can see going in the heart of the summer to be a bit put off by it's tiny parking lot with hoards of people rushing past you or hiking in unison. The hike is beautiful and the destination is even better. There are parts of the trail where the park system once tried to install steps and rails, but Mother Nature just said, "Nope". So you will have to do a bit of off-roading of your own. Wear comfortable shoes and shoes you don't care if it gets dirty. I do wish they had a waste receptacle around the park or the restroom facilities. There were trash bags strewn about in the parking area. In a word: Instagramworthy read more

Parfrey's Glen - The Glen - Hiking Near Me

Stopped by while on motorcycle ride, we didn't have the best shoes on for the hike, but it was very pretty. Unfortunately the state is in a drought, and there wasn't as much water flowing as usual. It's worth a stop if you're in the area. read more

Our family loved this trail! There's a .7 mile walk slightly uphill on a paved, then gravel path. Once you get to the sign saying it's the end of the maintained trail, the fun starts! We had fun navigating the rocks, crossing the water, and climbing boulders with our kids ages 12, 9, 7, 5, and 1 (in a baby carrier). It was challenging for them at times, but we love the learning and teamwork that comes with it. 7yo's review: It's so awesome and fun. It's rocky to climb. There's a nice river. It's really beautiful at the end, too. And you should stay there for at least 100 days cuz it's soooo fun. Be sure to continue on to the small waterfall! The water was cool and crisp in August and we enjoyed playing in it. SUCH a great trail! We started about 2:30 on a Friday and as we were finishing at the waterfall it seemed to get a bit busier. I would plan a couple hours for this. You need a pass from Devil's Lake State Park to park in the lot (which is small). If you have a national park pass for seniors or disabled, you can put that on your dash instead. read more

This is my favorite place to hike. You will noooooot be disappointed. Far fewer people than Devils lake! Wear shoes that can get wet. Dogs are not welcome but not enforced. I would not bring a dog because of the lushness of the poison ivy. Soooo much poison ivy dogs just running through it for their owners to pet later and get all over the place. This especially aggressive poison ivy lurks out into the path to brush your legs. Anyway, best hike ever just know your plants! read more

Lovely spot to take the kids. 4+ years old and older. Plan on your feet getting wet. Use caution as there are some tricky spots. read more

Parfrey's Glen - Hiking Near Me

Decided to hit some of the lesser known hiking spots in the Baraboo and Dells area. This hike was beautiful with amazing bluffs and nicely flowing stream. The watering hole was really pretty. Id recommend wearing a shoe or footwear that can get wet yet maintains comfort. There are some areas you have to navigate by rock stepping if you want to stay dry. Give it a try, once you get to the watering hole with falls there's not much passed that just an FYI. read more

Parfrey's Glen - Beautiful scenery to take in - Hiking Near Me

Being so close to Devil's Lake, this place tends to get overlooked a lot. Even though I grew up in the area I didn't even know this place existed for years. It's a real shame too, because this park has a lot to offer. A little bonus nugget: it's the state's first official "natural area." Personally, I think it's a bit better than Devil's Lake. It's never crowded, and the scenery is--in my opinion at least--even a bit better. It's rougher around the edges in terms of trail maintenance, but that's one of the charms. Despite being significantly smaller than Devil's Lake, it has plenty of trail to walk. During the spring, it's especially lush and green back here. I think the height of spring would be the best time to visit, although I wouldn't say no to a summer or a fall trip. I'm not sure if the area is even accessible during the winter, but even if it were some of the trails might be a little hairy in the snow. read more

Beautiful area, and a nice hike that can be accomplished by kids as well as adults, but will give you a bit of a challenge. It is true that all of the wooden walkways have been removed, save for one small one that acts as a bridge over the stream. The rest is all dirt pathway (sometimes with a steep slant to the side and roots in the way, so watch your step) and rocks to clamber over, which for me was fun! The sandy soil makes the bottoms of your feet slippery on the rocks, which I did not anticipate. I did slip on the way out - getting too confident - and got my feet wet. So, as they say, wear shoes you don't mind getting wet! Tennis shoes or hiking boots are a good plan, otherwise water shoes with a good gripping sole or Teva sandals. It looks like people often park out on the road to avoid the $7 day pass fee from the self-service registration station. There is a parking lot for maybe 20-30 cars, otherwise, but to park in there you need to have registered. You can get a sticker from a Wisconsin DNR office before you go, too, if you prefer, and if you get a day pass that will get you into Devil's Lake as well, I believe. read more

This place is so fun to hike and very easy! I sat on a large rock near the waterfall and sang songs from the Little Mermaid like Ariel. My husband thought I was crazy, but I'm more of an opportunist! :) read more