Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area

Parfrey's Glen is a spectacular gorge, deeply cut into the ancient sandstone conglomerate of the Baraboo Hills. As Wisconsin's very first State Natural Area, established in 1952, it offers a dramatic landscape of towering walls, unique geological formations, and a microclimate that nurtures flora more typical of northern Wisconsin, making it a unique ecological treasure in the southern part of the state.

The glen's towering walls, reaching depths of nearly 100 feet, are composed of sandstone embedded with rounded quartzite pebbles and boulders, often referred to as "plum pudding stone" due to its distinctive appearance. Parfrey's Glen Creek, a fast-flowing, cold hardwater stream, carves its way through the gorge, creating a serene and captivating environment. The moist, shaded conditions support a diverse array of plant life, including yellow birch, mountain maple, and red elder, as well as several rare and federally or state-threatened species like the northern monkshood, round-stemmed false foxglove, and cliff goldenrod. The creek also harbors a rich insect fauna, with rare diving beetles and caddisflies.

Visiting Parfrey's Glen offers a chance to step into a "primeval landscape" where geological history is dramatically on display. The hike culminates in a small, picturesque waterfall, inviting visitors to rock scramble and wade through the stream to reach its tranquil base. The combination of its striking geology, rare plant communities, and the adventurous nature of the trail makes it an unforgettable destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.