Small water fall on Skillet Creek that eventually flows into to Pewit’s Nest

If you are seeking a “road less traveled”, the Baraboo hills area offers a variety of lesser known parks, natural areas and trails.  You simply need to find them! Explore deep gorges at Parfrey’s Glen or Pewit’s Nest. Be amazed by a large hidden sandstone bridge at Natural Bridge State park, or enjoy a family day riding bikes on the 400 trail.  There is so much to see  & do for the nature lover in you! Our natural areas guide will give you the local scoop!

The sections below offer lots of information on each location including photographs, more detailed descriptions and maps.

• Mirror Lake & Rocky Arbor  State Park
  (leaves this website) – Camping, swimming, fishing, hiking trails, bike trails, near Wisconsin Dells.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 15 miles
• Natural Bridge State Park
  High sandstone bridge hidden deep in the Wisconsin woods.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 20 miles
• Parfrey’s Glen Natural Area
  Stream runs through cool deep gorge. See, waterfall, rock formations, rare plants.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 7 miles
• Merrimac Preserve
  13 miles of trail through restored prairie, wetlands. Section of the Ice Age trail directly across the road from Devil’s Lake’s Roznos Meadow.
  - Distance from DLK: Approx:  0.2 miles
• White Mound County Park
  Camping, Swimming, Horseback Camping, Hiking Trails, XC skiing and more.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 30 miles
• Lower Narrows State Natural Area
  High bluff overlooks the Baraboo Valley.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 20 miles
• Baxter’s Hollow
  Quiet way to enjoy the best of the Baraboo hills. Manged by the Nature Conservancy.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 10 miles
• Durward’s Glen
  Nature, retreat deep in the Baraboo hills.  trails, chapel, offers lodging.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 16 miles
• Ableman’s Gorge
  Short trail, high cliffs, artesian well, & Van Hise rock.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 20 miles
• Dells of The Wisconsin River
  hiking trail in Wisconsin Dells, best viewed by boat however.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 18 miles
• Pewit’s Nest
  Water falls and pools chain through deep gorge. Hike over the top looking in.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 5 miles
• Ferry Bluff
  Beautiful overlook of the Wisconsin River Valley.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 20 miles
• 400 trail
  22 mile Bike trail on old rail bed perfect for whole family.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 22 miles
• The Spring Green Preserve
  “Wisconsin’s Desert”.  See cactus and more in this slice of rare dry prairie.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 31 miles
• Pine Hollow
  Hiking trail, mature forests and strong bird breeding community as far “off the beaten path” as you’ll get in our area.
  – Distance from DLK: Approx: 16 miles

- MORE TO COME!!!