Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area
Explore Wisconsin's first State Natural Area, a stunning sandstone gorge with mossy walls and a creek leading to a waterfall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more parking
Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Wisconsin's first State Natural Area, a stunning sandstone gorge with mossy walls and a creek leading to a waterfall.
"A hidden gem with a unique hike through a cool, mossy gorge to a beautiful waterfall."
👟 Waterproof Footwear is Key
Bring water shoes or waterproof hiking boots for the creek crossings and slippery rocks. Your socks will thank you!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hidden Waterfall
End of the gorge trail
A beautiful, moss-covered waterfall awaits after a unique hike through a sandstone gorge.
Sandstone Gorge Hike
Main trail
Trek through a cool, shaded gorge with towering mossy walls and a babbling creek.
Wisconsin's First Natural Area
Entrance sign
Explore the historic grounds of Wisconsin's very first State Natural Area, established in 1952.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Waterproof Footwear is Key
Bring water shoes or waterproof hiking boots for the creek crossings and slippery rocks. Your socks will thank you!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
💧 Stay Cool in the Gorge
The shaded gorge stays refreshingly cool, making it a perfect escape on a hot summer day.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; dogs are not permitted in Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Waterproof Footwear is Key
Bring water shoes or waterproof hiking boots for the creek crossings and slippery rocks. Your socks will thank you!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The parking lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Aim for an early start to secure a spot.
💧 Stay Cool in the Gorge
The shaded gorge stays refreshingly cool, making it a perfect escape on a hot summer day.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Leave your furry friends at home; dogs are not permitted in Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area.
📸 Capture the Mossy Walls
The unique, moss-covered sandstone walls create a magical, almost prehistoric atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Parfrey's Glen for its unique, mossy gorge and the rewarding hike to a beautiful waterfall. The cool, shaded environment is a major draw, especially on hot days. While the unofficial gorge trail requires careful navigation and waterproof footwear, most find the adventure well worth the effort.
"There is a $16 day pass but it works for all parks in the area to my understanding. Medium walk to get to the main waterfall at the end. You hike through little streams and huge rocks but so pretty and relaxing and worth it. If you take little ones there are a few spots to be careful at. Bathrooms at the beginning of the trail, parking lot to park at. Recommend this spot to check out If you like waterfalls, this place has a bunch of little ones. And rocks that make you feel like an ant. Check out the videos and pictures I shared."
XFamily 72789
"Such a pretty spot to hike! The trail is really nice. Would recommend some water friendly shoes or hiking boots for the last bit of the hike. You will be going through lots of rocky/watery areas so keep that in mind! The waterfall at the end is definitely worth the hike! Took us about an hour to go in and back. Would definitely visit again."
Lillie Hagen
"Great hidden spot to visit, the earlier the better as the parking lot fills up fast. A decent trek to the Glen but worth the walk. Bring water shoes to see the waterfall, impossible to get there with dry socks."
Anna Guida
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parfrey's Glen is located about 4 miles east of Devil's Lake State Park near Baraboo, Wisconsin, off Highway 113. There's a decent-sized parking lot at the trailhead.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it can fill up quickly on busy days. Street parking is not allowed unless you park further up the road.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Parfrey's Glen. It's best accessed by car.
Yes, Parfrey's Glen is conveniently located just a few miles east of Devil's Lake State Park, making it easy to combine visits.
The drive from Madison to Parfrey's Glen is relatively short, typically around 45-60 minutes, making it a great day trip option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Wisconsin State Park Daily or Annual pass is required to park at the trailhead. A day pass is approximately $16 and can be used for other parks in the area.
Parfrey's Glen is generally open from dawn to dusk, but it's always a good idea to check the official Wisconsin DNR website for any specific seasonal hours or closures.
Passes can typically be purchased on-site at the trailhead or at nearby state parks. It's recommended to have it ready to avoid delays.
While there isn't a separate entrance fee for Parfrey's Glen itself, the Wisconsin State Park System requires a daily or annual vehicle admission sticker to park.
Annual passes offer significant savings if you plan to visit multiple Wisconsin State Parks throughout the year.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the beautiful, mossy sandstone gorge with a creek that leads to a small, picturesque waterfall at the end.
The official trail is not very long, but continuing into the gorge to the waterfall involves navigating rocks and water, making it a 'make-your-own-hike' experience. The round trip can take about an hour.
The official trail is moderate. However, continuing into the gorge to the waterfall is slippery and requires balancing on rocks, making it more challenging and best suited for those who are physically able.
Waterproof hiking shoes or water shoes with good grip are essential due to the creek crossings and slippery rocks.
Yes, there are bathrooms located at the beginning of the trail near the parking lot.
While you'll be walking in the creek, swimming is generally not recommended due to the rocky terrain and shallow water.
Young children can enjoy the initial part of the trail. The gorge section is adventurous but requires careful supervision and appropriate footwear for safety.
Visitors have spotted American Giant Millipedes, Common Whitetail dragonflies, and numerous butterflies.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the mossy, towering sandstone walls of the gorge, the clear creek, and the charming waterfall. The unique textures and light create stunning shots. 
Morning light can be beautiful in the gorge, creating a soft, diffused light. Midday can be harsh, but the shade of the gorge offers some relief.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate to capture the beauty. For more advanced shots, a wide-angle lens can be useful for the gorge.
Drone usage is typically restricted in State Natural Areas to protect wildlife and the natural environment. Check DNR regulations before flying.
Nature photography, landscape photography, and macro photography of the moss and water features are very popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations: Bring water shoes or waterproof boots for everyone, pack plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for the parking lot to fill up quickly on weekends. The cool, shaded gorge is also a great escape on hot days. Keep a close eye on little ones, especially in the gorge section, as the rocks can be slippery.
👟 Hikers Seeking a Unique Trail
Don't miss: The opportunity to walk in the creek and feel the cool water. Waterproof hiking boots are a must-have. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds and fully immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere.
📸 Nature Photographers
+1Tips for photographers: Visit in the early morning for softer light. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the gorge. Be prepared to get a little wet and muddy to get those unique perspectives from within the creek bed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Geology of Parfrey's Glen
The area is recognized as Wisconsin's first State Natural Area, designated in 1952, highlighting its significant ecological and geological value. This designation ensures its protection for future generations to appreciate its natural beauty and scientific importance. The trail itself, especially the unofficial extension into the gorge, allows visitors to intimately experience this ancient landscape, stepping stones and all.
Navigating the Gorge: A 'Make-Your-Own-Hike' Adventure
This part of the hike is where waterproof footwear with excellent grip becomes absolutely crucial. The rocks are slippery, and you will inevitably get your feet wet. It's an exhilarating experience that appeals to those seeking a bit more challenge and a hands-on connection with nature. Families with young children often find this section particularly exciting, turning the hike into a fun obstacle course.
It's important to assess your comfort level and physical ability before attempting the gorge section. While rewarding, it requires balance and agility. The reward is reaching the charming waterfall and experiencing the cool, damp environment of the gorge up close.
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