In order to get a grip on all of the areas you are free to explore here in central Wisconsin, you have to understand who manages them all.  There are State Natural Areas, Nature Conservancy reserves, County parks,  & Private lands that allow public access as well.  Each has their own set of rules and restrictions but it’s safe to say most allow you to hike their trails. Over the last year or so we have dug in to try to put all remarkable spots in one place over on DevilsLakeWisconsin.com.  We’re adding more all the time.  Below is a list of just some of the natural areas in our part of the state.

Detailed Content

This  list we have explored ourselves. Each link takes you to photos, descriptions and maps @ DevilsLakeWisconsin.com

• Parfrey’s Glen Natural Area – Stream runs through cool deep gorge. See, waterfall, rock formations, rare plants.
• Lower Narrows State Natural Area – High bluff overlooks the Baraboo Valley. Not quite trails, a good work out for a great view.
• Baxter’s Hollow - Quiet way to enjoy the best of the Baraboo Hills. Mountain gorge, stream, forests. Manged by the Nature Conservancy.
• Durward’s Glen – Nature, retreat deep in the Baraboo hills.  trails, chapel, offers lodging. Privately Owned. Public Welcome.
• Ableman’s Gorge - Short trail, high cliffs, artesian well, & Van Hise rock.
• Dells of The Wisconsin River – Hiking trail in Wisconsin Dells, best viewed by boat however.
• Pewit’s Nest – Skillet Creek flows over  falls into pools that chain through a deep gorge. Hike over the top looking in.
• Ferry Bluff – Beautiful overlook of the Wisconsin River Valley near Sauk City.
• 400 trail – 22 mile bike trail on old rail bed perfect for whole family. Trail head in Reedsburg.

More To Come

Here are some more Natural Areas we will be exploring in 2010

• Pine Island Wildlife Area – 5,165 acre property located just west of Portage on Levee Road off Hwy. 33.
• Baraboo Hills Recreational Area
• The Avoca Prairie – 970-acre wet-mesic prairie near Spring Green.
• Merrimac Preserve – Wetlands & Prairie near Merrimac.
• Spring Green Preserve - The Wisconsin Desert! Spring Green.
  
• Tower Hill Bottoms – Wisconsin River Flood Plain near Spring Green.
  

And Coming in the Future

• Badger Prairie (Formerly the Badger Ammunition Plant)

Related Links

• The Sauk Prairie Conservation Alliance – Working to restore the land where the Badger Army Ammunition Plant stood for over 50 years!
• The Nature Conservancy – Baraboo Hills
• Ice Age Trail Alliance – Baraboo Hills Chapter
• The Baraboo Range Preservation Association
• The Aldo Leopold Foundation & Legacy Center