Governor Dodge State Park – Stephens Falls

Governor Dodge State Park - Stephens Falls

Not far away from Cox Hollow Lake Falls and still within Governor Dodge State Park is the easily accessible Stephens Falls. Another small flow can be seen running down the cliff side directly next to the main falls. Unfortunately we didn’t spend much time here as some other park guests were picking flowers, destroying sensitive … Read more

Governor Dodge State Park – Cox Hollow Lake Falls

Cox Hollow Lake - Cox Hollow Lake Falls

Memorial Day morning was threatening rain but that didn’t stop us from getting in a few short hikes.  First one of the day was Cox Hollow Lake Falls at Governor Dodge State Park.  From the trail we first saw the lake spillway but that isn’t why we are here. Clouds above Cox Hollow Lake are … Read more

Gibraltar Rock

Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area

Our short ferry ride across Lake Wisconsin was specifically because it’s the fastest way to reach Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area from the north.  This is also a section along the Ice Age Trail. The trail is mainly pine and cedar but has a wide variation depending on where you are.  Trails today were quite … Read more

Parfreys Glen

Parfreys Glen State Natural Area - Parfreys Glen Falls

No more taking chances – our next destination was a surefire 5-star hiking and waterfall experience at the beloved Parfreys Glen State Natural Area.  We arrived relatively early and even got parking inside the parking lot (and not down the street!). The trail is a 1.1 mile in & out hike that starts very easy … Read more

Lake Redstone Falls

Lake Redstone Falls - Falls/Spillway

First stop on the morning of the 26th was another coin-flip chance at a waterfall located at Lake Redstone in LaValle, Wisconsin.  Absolutely zero people were here on arrival around 8am and the lake was mirror still. A large flat mound that looks like a dam / man-made feature?  Hmm thats strange, I was told … Read more

Dells of the Wisconsin River

Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area - Green Shelf Fungi

Our next hike was another 50/50 shot – this time we are trying to see the waterfalls at Witches Gulch from above without paying the $30 boat tour costs.  Trail head can be found north of Chula Vista resort on River Road and is simply labeled on maps as “Dells of the Wisconsin River“. No … Read more

Pewits Nest State Natural Area

Pewits Nest State Natural Area – Cliffs on Lower Trail

Next stop was a 50/50 chance at seeing some amazing waterfalls and a rocky gorge at Pewits Nest State Natural Area. The trail here is composed of crushed gravel and seems very new.  It also appears the wooden fences are very new.  First we tried to access on the path to the right of this … Read more

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

Lake Mead – White Owl Canyon

Lake Mead - Slot Canyon on the Owl Canyon Trail

After touring Hoover Dam I didn’t have any more set plans so I decided to visit the Lake Mead National Recreation Area visitor center and see what I could find.  Took a short lunch break at Boulder Beach which already has some amazing scenery. Park staff turned me towards a hike at Owl Canyon, a … Read more