Ferry Bluff State Natural Area

Ferry Bluff State Natural Area - Views Across the Wisconsin River

Another quick, short hike with extremely rewarding views is at Ferry Bluff State Natural Area.  Recent rains had water levels high and bugs were mildly annoying but if you hike fast enough there’s no issue. Another view looking the other direction across the Wisconsin River.  Some of the best scenery in the state right here.  … Read more

Natural Bridge State Park

Natural Bridge State Park - Rock Arch

Winter has been far too long but finally I escaped on Memorial Day weekend for the first trip of 2019.  This time I was joined by my sister Emma for a seat-of-the-pants adventure starting at Natural Bridge State Park.  Just a quick stop at the arch today – stay tuned for more unique destinations to … Read more

Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit #optoutside

Kettle Moraine Pike Lake Unit - Panorama From Powder Hill Observation Tower

Black Friday shopping madness?  Nope!  Once again I decided to #optoutside and burn off the turkey and pie.  This year’s hike was part of an event hosted by the Ice Age Trail Alliance at the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Pike Lake Unit. Part of this hike was a segment of the Ice Age Trail.  … Read more

Kremlin Falls

Kremlin Falls

One last waterfall before the sun sets today.  Just off Hwy 8 in the town of Pembine, Wisconsin you can find Kremlin Falls.  This one is pretty obscure but worth the visit. The falls stretch over quite a distance – maybe 100 yards or so – with the largest single drop right at the top … Read more

Rock Island State Park – Part 2

Rock Island State Park – Boathouse as the sun falls below the horizon

Part 2 of my visit to Rock Island State Park.  You can view Part 1 here and Part 3 will be coming soon.  Buckle up, this is a long post but worth it (in my opinion).  Here we go! (Don’t forget to click on photos for a larger view with more detail!) Thordarson Trail After … Read more

Council Grounds State Park

Council Grounds State Park - Sunset across the Wisconsin River

After another hour driving, home for tonight is Council Grounds State Park.  Thankfully this park is smaller and can be done in about an afternoon.  I wasted no time setting up camp before setting out on the trails. Big Pines Nature Trail -> Unmarked Trail -> Red Trail Right from the campgrounds you can hop … Read more

Big Falls (Kennan, WI)

Big Falls (Kennan, WI)

Another quick waterfall stop in Kennan, Wisconsin at Big Falls County Park & Campground.  Access to the falls is extremely easy via a short staircase from the parking area down to the Jump River. Views down stream are breathtaking in their own right… But views upstream of Big Falls (also known as Jump River Falls) … Read more

Interstate State Park – Part 2

Interstate State Park - Horizon Rock Trail / Ice Age Trail segment

Midday detours were complete and I was back at Interstate State Park for part 2 of my visit.  Goal for the afternoon was to hike all the remaining trails which I was able to complete minus one or two small connecting paths. Eagle Peak Trail Starting from my campsite, I walked through the parking area … Read more

Straight Lake State Park

Straight Lake State Park - Rainbow Lake

Another detour on the way back to my campsite was to check out Straight Lake State Park.  As Wisconsin’s newest park (founded in 2002), it’s still relatively primitive which typically means less people & less disturbed nature.  I decided to take a quick trek around the Rainbow Lake Loop Trail and leave the rest for … Read more

Interstate State Park – Part 1

Interstate State Park - Ice Age Trail western terminus overlooking St. Croix River

Yesterday I arrived at Interstate State Park, setup camp, and almost immediately set off searching for waterfalls in the surrounding area.  Not quite sure I did it in that order, just a habit when I’m camping at a site for multiple nights my first day is always getting the “lay of the land”.  Weather was a … Read more