Parfrey’s Glen
Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area protects a narrow, mossy gorge where a cold stream, fallen rock, and flood damage keep reshaping the route.
Artwork inspired by Emily Groom
Parfrey’s Glen cuts into sandstone and conglomerate at the edge of the Baraboo Range, creating a cool microclimate where mosses and northern plants persist. Flash floods repeatedly rearrange boulders, bridges, and trail surfaces, demonstrating that the ravine is an active watercourse rather than a maintained garden passage.
The former boardwalk no longer carries visitors through the upper gorge. Expect stream crossings, wet stones, downed material, and an informal end point; turn around before footing exceeds the group’s ability. Parking is small and roadside overflow damages neighbors and access, so arrive early or choose another time when the lot is full.
- Designation
- First Wisconsin State Natural Area
- Rock
- Cambrian sandstone
- Agent
- Flash-flooding stream
Quick guide
- Expect wet travel
- Water level can turn easy stepping stones into unsafe crossings
- Best timing
- Early on a dry weekday
Let a changing stream set the limits of the walk
- Expect wet travel
- Water level can turn easy stepping stones into unsafe crossings.
- Read flood evidence
- Fresh gravel, lodged wood, undercut banks, and shifted boulders show recent force.
- Protect rare plants
- Remain in the durable stream corridor and avoid mossy walls and fragile slopes.
- Turn around deliberately
- There is no required summit or formal upper-gorge finish.
Good to know
The upper trail is not a maintained boardwalk; high water, ice, storms, or full parking should change the plan.
Notice these
- Narrow gorge
- Mossy sandstone walls
- Boulder streambed