We’ve got tons of great hiking trails here in Wisconsin. But if you’re looking for the perfect trek, look no further than Chapel Gorge Trail. Lacking in miles but not much else, the short trail offers beautiful natural vistas and leads straight to a secluded beach in Wisconsin. Take a look:
A short loop trail, Chapel Gorge Trail is good for all skill levels. Begin the trek at the trailhead, which is located just off River Road.
If a peaceful forest hike to a secluded beach in Wisconsin sounds perfect to you, you'll find more information on Chapel Gorge Trail on the Devil’s Lake State Park website.
Address: River Road, Wisconsin Dells, WI, 53965
This isn’t the only great beach in Wisconsin. Read about others here.
The Breathtaking Small Town State Park In Wisconsin That We Can’t Stop Thinking About
Explore the historic town of Merrill, Wisconsin, and the natural beauty of Council Grounds State Park. Enjoy fishing, hiking, and dining at local favorites.
Merrill is a small town in north-central Wisconsin that's surrounded by the state's gorgeous Northwoods. It was these forests that first drew Europeans to the area when what is now Merrill was settled as a logging camp in the early 19th century. Long before the arrival of settlers, however, this area was home to generations of Ojibwe (Chippewa) people, a heritage that's reflected in the name of the small-town Wisconsin state park located just outside of Merrill: Council Grounds State Park.
Now a bustling community of just over 9,000 people, Merrill got its start as a logging camp known as Jenny Bull Falls. With a prime location on the Wisconsin River, the town is home to several historic buildings and monuments that highlight its prominence as a center of commerce and trade in the region.
Just outside of Merrill, though, you'll find a small park, Council Grounds State Park, that preserves a piece of the natural history - with a nod to the human history - of the area before the town was settled. With access to the Wisconsin River and Lake Alexander, the park is popular for fishing and other water-based recreation.
Anecdotal evidence describes this spot along the Wisconsin River as an important meeting place for the area's Native peoples. Whether this is the case or not, the Ojibwe of the region were certainly familiar with this place on the river, as it lay on the water routes between their traditional summer and winter camps.
What the park does preserve, though, are stands of native red and white pines. These are the trees that first drew loggers to the area, and they are far scarcer today than they were at the time Merrill was settled.
A trip to Council Grounds State Park and the charming town of Merrill definitely belongs on your Wisconsin bucket list. You can learn more about the park and the hiking opportunities there on AllTrails Plus. Check out the state park's page on the DNR website for information about camping and boating. If you're looking for a dining suggestion while you're in the area, I recommend checking out Los Mezcales in Merrill - it's one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Wisconsin.
Have you visited Council Grounds State Park near Merrill, WI? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to shout out some other awesome, small-town state parks in Wisconsin.
If you've ever driven north up I-90 toward Tomah, you've seen the gorgeous rock formations that dot the landscape. Most folks are familiar with Buckhorn and Mill Bluff State Parks, but in this area, there's a spectacular and under-appreciated state natural area just waiting for you to visit. And it's home to one of our favorite Wisconsin hikes. Get ready to hike the Lone Rock Trail in Wisconsin at the Quincy Bluff and Wetlands State Natural Area.
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The Quincy Bluff and Wetlands State Natural Area is actually protected by the Nature Conservancy. There are more than 6,500 acres of beautiful land here that was shaped by ancient glaciers. The sandstone cliffs soar 200 feet above the wetlands below and are the remnants of the extinct Glacial Lake Wisconsin. This gorgeous spot combines history, spectacular views, and a diverse wildlife population. Hiking here is truly an unforgettable experience.
Quincy Bluffs and Wetlands is located in south-central Wisconsin, between Madison and Eau Claire.
It's so rare to find both in such proximity and that's what makes this an unforgettable hike.
The trail here is a 6.6-mile out-and-back trail with a small loop at the end. The Lone Rock Trail difficulty rating on AllTrails is "moderate," with a total of 130 feet in elevation gain.
You'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere because you won't see any towns or civilization in the distance. It'll be you and the noises of nature. With more popular state parks nearby, you'll often find that you don't even encounter other hikers while you're here.
This starts as a forest walk. The vastly different types of landscape here make this spot home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including some rare species.
The diverse biosystem here is what makes this place so special. You get to see so much different landscape in one natural area; it's like a microcosm of Wisconsin geography and geology.
The payoffs make it worth spending a day exploring Quincy Bluff and Wetland.
Quincy Bluff and Wetlands State Natural Area is located off Hwy Z near Adams, Wisconsin. Visit the DNR website for more information on the state natural area and its AllTrails listing for more info on Lone Rock Trail in Wisconsin. If you're looking for Lone Rock Trail photos or Lone Rock Trail Reviews, check out AllTrails Plus, which offers these benefits and much more.
