West of Wisconsin Dells (Sauk Cty)
I didn't expect to blog about this park until I had a chance to check it out. Since my introduction to Flickr I have come to appreciate the talents of others to reveal the beauty of Wisconsin in a way that I never could. What I liked most about this picture was the timeless quality - one could just as easily expect to see a wooly mammoth as a couple of American hikers.
This park is only open for camping starting Memorial Day (May) to Labor Day (Sept) with day use available year round. There is a short nature trail and wild raspberries are free for the taking. What information I was able to find on the internet, the description reminds me of what Roche-a-Cri State Park is like. Heavy on the camping, and not much of anything else.
My own trips to the Dells usually entails finding the least expensive way to wile the day without bringing home unwanted visitors. Specifically, ticks. When I make my way to Sauk County my purpose would be to review Rocky Arbor and hopefully find some county parks.
Wheretofind: Located 5 minutes northwest from Wisconsin Dells, travel time from Oshkosh 1 hour, 45 minutes (from Fond du Lac you can follow Hwy 23 west,southwest to Wis Dells).
Showing posts with label South Central Zone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South Central Zone. Show all posts
Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area - Baraboo
(Sauk Cty) see also Devil's Lake State Park
Anyone else misspelling the name of this park? It took me a while to realize that it's Parfrey not Palfrey. Not to mention that it is frustrating when the Baraboo area's websites take you to dead links. I'd rather be rickrolled. At any rate, since it is a State Natural Area, a sticker is required. If you plan to make the trip, make a day of it and get as much use out of that $18 that you had to spend (unless you have a spare $5 for a daily pass).
If being surrounded by rocks makes you a bit squeamish this place is not for you. When I was climbing around Horicon Ledge (Dodge Cty Ledge), the thought occurred to me that the forces of nature will eventually make these rocks unstable and today could be that day.
My curiosity of course won out, and I lived to see another day.
Flickr seems to be the only place online to find the best photos of the places I love to visit, and until I get a decent camera (or learn how to take good pictures, that might help) I will pay my due diligence by paying homage to the author of these wonderful images.
Wheretofind: Travel time is about 1 hour, 50 minutes from Oshkosh, only a 1/2 hour from Wisconsin Dells and 15 minutes from Devils Lake State Park.
What to expect: Rocks, slippery moss, jutting rocks, and boulders that kids will have a tough time staying away from. * Park Permit required (day passes can be purchased).
If you are a parent and are worried that you kids may hurt themselves, let me just say that they can get hurt here, but unlike Horicon Ledge, there is no Ledge because they hiking at the bottom of the ravine as opposed to having free access to the top of the ledge. If I am wrong, please let me know.
Anyone else misspelling the name of this park? It took me a while to realize that it's Parfrey not Palfrey. Not to mention that it is frustrating when the Baraboo area's websites take you to dead links. I'd rather be rickrolled. At any rate, since it is a State Natural Area, a sticker is required. If you plan to make the trip, make a day of it and get as much use out of that $18 that you had to spend (unless you have a spare $5 for a daily pass).
If being surrounded by rocks makes you a bit squeamish this place is not for you. When I was climbing around Horicon Ledge (Dodge Cty Ledge), the thought occurred to me that the forces of nature will eventually make these rocks unstable and today could be that day.My curiosity of course won out, and I lived to see another day.
Flickr seems to be the only place online to find the best photos of the places I love to visit, and until I get a decent camera (or learn how to take good pictures, that might help) I will pay my due diligence by paying homage to the author of these wonderful images.
Wheretofind: Travel time is about 1 hour, 50 minutes from Oshkosh, only a 1/2 hour from Wisconsin Dells and 15 minutes from Devils Lake State Park.
What to expect: Rocks, slippery moss, jutting rocks, and boulders that kids will have a tough time staying away from. * Park Permit required (day passes can be purchased).
If you are a parent and are worried that you kids may hurt themselves, let me just say that they can get hurt here, but unlike Horicon Ledge, there is no Ledge because they hiking at the bottom of the ravine as opposed to having free access to the top of the ledge. If I am wrong, please let me know.
Wisconsin Dells
(Adams Cty)Who doesn't know about the Dells? Like State Parks, I avoid this place because of the traffic and the tourists... natural enemies of the hiker.
Many moons ago, when my kids were smaller I trekked there for an air balloon show. We left at 4 in the morning and when we arrived there found that it was canceled due to strong winds. We spent the day roaming the dells, splashing on the shores of a public playground, wandering the state park there ogling the does that approached cars expectantly, and picking up ticks along the way. I spent a total of $40 including gas and even went to a waterpark for a few hours.
It was a good day, despite the ticks.
Horicon Ledge County Park - Horicon
Horicon/Mayville (Dodge Cty)
Also goes by Dodge Cty Ledge Park. Not a place for small kids. Wear good,sturdy shoes. The main link to trail map page) that run the edge where the Overlook is and winds around wooded camp area. The main attraction to this park are the trails that take you around and through the rocky outcroppings.
Wheretofind: Off of Highway 33 to Cty Rd TW North Travel time is a 1/2 hour east from Beaver Dam or west from West Bend. N7403 Park Road, Horicon. There is an upper and lower section. Ranger station is located in the upper, which is also where the firewood can be purchased.
What to expect: Cliffs, ledges, mossy crags,slippery hills and rocks. This park is a popular campground, but one of the bennies to this park are the public picnic areas on the upper and lower levels that has its own firepit, one large, and 2-3 smaller sites and split wood for sale. NOTE FIREWOOD BAN NOTICE. This park is gated, ranger controlled and visitors not camping have to leave at closing (7pm?). I recommend calling first: (920) 387-5450.
Other Horicon related activities, here is the link for the Horicon Chamber of Commerce, showing Marsh Boat Tours/Canoe Rentals, their Aquatic Center, The HORICON WILDLIFE REFUGE, and the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center.
Dodge County does offer some great parks that also has public firepits. In fact, Dodge County has one of the best managed county park systems.
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| Photo credit: Horicon Chamber. |
Wheretofind: Off of Highway 33 to Cty Rd TW North Travel time is a 1/2 hour east from Beaver Dam or west from West Bend. N7403 Park Road, Horicon. There is an upper and lower section. Ranger station is located in the upper, which is also where the firewood can be purchased.
What to expect: Cliffs, ledges, mossy crags,slippery hills and rocks. This park is a popular campground, but one of the bennies to this park are the public picnic areas on the upper and lower levels that has its own firepit, one large, and 2-3 smaller sites and split wood for sale. NOTE FIREWOOD BAN NOTICE. This park is gated, ranger controlled and visitors not camping have to leave at closing (7pm?). I recommend calling first: (920) 387-5450.
Other Horicon related activities, here is the link for the Horicon Chamber of Commerce, showing Marsh Boat Tours/Canoe Rentals, their Aquatic Center, The HORICON WILDLIFE REFUGE, and the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center.
Dodge County does offer some great parks that also has public firepits. In fact, Dodge County has one of the best managed county park systems.
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