Parfrey's Glen

Overview

Within a couple of minutes of the grand hiking and climbing mecca of Wisconsin’s Devil’s Lake State Park is a small and beautiful canyon called Parfrey’s Glen.  It is a small hike that may take you 30 minutes or less, but is well worth a visit if you are exploring the area.  It gives a small engaging taste of canyon country in the midst of America’s geologically challenged Midwest.  I can personally attest to the delight of experiencing this little slice of canyon land in the midst of dairyland.  Summer or winter, it is a beautiful little route.

Getting There

Devil’s Lake is one of the rare Midwestern climbing destinations.  The quartzite rock formations offer plenty of routes as well as superb bluff hiking.  The beautiful lake is 4 hours northwest of my hometown of Chicago, just north of Madison, Wisconsin.  Parfrey’s Glen Natural Area is about 4 miles east from Devil’s Lake, along route DL, 2 miles east of Route 113.  It is well signed on the North side of the road, but hard to see until you are right on top of it.

From the parking lot, head North along the trail through the woods, intersecting and following a small stream.  The trail is 1.6 miles round trip. 

Beginning of trail along stream to Parfrey's Glen

  Soon the unlikely canyon comes into view. 

As you get closer, you will have to forego trails and bridges.  Frequent destructive floods in the glen the last 30 years have caused the state to forego rebuilding the boardwalks, bridges and stairs that used to mar the canyon itself.  A small sign at the start of the gorge announces the end of the trail - now if you want to visit the gorge, you will have to pick your way upstream.  Enjoy the feel of this Wisconsin gem. 

100 ft. Parfrey's Glen mini canyon comes into view.   12/31/2011

Within the small pocket of gorge you will see unusual conglomerate rock, sandstone embedded with pebbles and large chunks of quartzite.   

Interesting rocks bracket the boulder strewn ending of Parfrey's Glen.  12/21/2011.

The last section involves a little scrambling over the boulder strewn finale.  More challenging than I thought it would be in winter! 

Last section of the Parfrey's Glen hike involves a touch of scrambling.  12/31/2011

Your last view once through the gorge will be the small glade and waterfall at the head of the canyon.  It is an intimate and beautiful setting. 

This little stream and tiny waterfall is responsible for Parfrey's  Glen.  The state park asks that you do not travel beyond the small fall.  12/31/2011.

Like Devils Lake itself, the glen is extremely popular.  I very much recommend going here on weekdays over weekends; Fall, Spring or Winter over Summer; or early in the morning.

For extra credit, you can take a section of Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail from Parfrey's Glen to Devil's Lake.  A 14 mile loop hike from the lake and back is possible - hellaciously fun and wild in winter.   12/31/2011

Those desiring a more hardcore experience, take a section of Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail from the Glen to the East Bluff of Devil’s Lake.  It is possible to do most of it in a grand 13-14 mile loop on trail.  It kicked my butt very nicely one winter.

Red Tape

Open 6AM to 8 PM daily. 
In 2013 you can get a day pass for $7 if a Wisconsin resident, $10 if out of state.  Annual pass stickers are $25 and $35 respectively.

No pets, food, or drink allowed on the trail. 

No rock climbing the canyon walls. 

Links:

Great Map of Devils Lake Area

Camping

Camping exists at the Devils Lake State Park (though hard to get in Summer).  No camping here at the Glen, though picnics at the start of the trail are OK.