Where: Parfrey’s Glen parking lot is at 1377 County Rd DL, Merrimac, WI 53561
https://goo.gl/maps/UDHp6QyzjUgxRuSVA
Was it worth it? Yes, I give it a 10/10
Highlight: The amazing mossy/rocky views as you enter the gorge
Suggested time here: 2+ hours
When we visited: June 2021
Parfrey’s Glen- A Truly Magical Place
When I was researching what to do around Devil’s Lake State Park this beauty kept popping up. It was shut down for over a year during the pandemic but recently reopened. After a severe thunderstorm came sweeping through Baraboo (and our campground), we jumped in the car and set off in search of the glen! The trailhead is only four miles from the Devil’s Lake State Park main entrance. The rain must have scared everyone else off so we lucked out and had it completely to ourselves! It left us nearly speechless (notice I say “nearly”, my youngest is never without words).
Trailhead
There’s a small parking lot which marks the trailhead for Parfrey’s Glen (1.7 mile) and the Sauk Point Trail (7.4 miles). Be sure to make a stop at the pit toilet before you head out because it’s easy to lose track of time in here!
You’ll start this adventure as an easy stroll on a paved path but it’ll get more exciting very soon!
The sounds of the flowing creek make this walk perfection!
Here you’ll get a little taste of what’s in store for you.
End of the Trail?
You’ll come to the end of the maintained trail but don’t stop here! Brave the creek and keep chugging along! It’s so much fun jumping over the rocks and logs. Just go into it expecting to have a few missteps, those rocks get slippery! A couple of us had soggy shoes/feet but the water isn’t deep so just laugh it off and keep trekking!
What You Came For
Scroll on to take a peek at the glorious gorge area that you’ll find at the end of your Parfrey’s Glen hike!
The Waterfall is Near
Once you get to the big rocks, keep going! The waterfall is just ahead. It’s small but lovely!
Heading Back
This is not a loop trail, it’s an out/back (in total it’s 1.7 miles) so you’ve got to go back the same way you came in. Keep that in mind for little legs.
We honestly didn’t notice the bugs on the way in but holy cow, on the way back to the parking lot we were swarmed! The flies were relentless. Bring bug spray, wear a hat, whatever it takes to avoid the clouds of insects.
Add Parfrey’s to Your Wisconsin Bucket List
This place was 100% worth visiting and to have it totally to ourselves was unbelievable! I suggest planning your visit either early in the morning, on a rainy day, after a storm or evening hours to avoid the crowds if you can. It wouldn’t have been nearly as magical with hoards of people.
See my post on nearby Devil’s Lake State Park HERE.
Have you been to Parfrey’s Glen? Will you be adding it to your trip wishlist? Please comment below.
Happy Exploring!
More Info
- A Wisconsin State Park pass is needed here (purchase HERE)
- They have pit toilets at the trailhead (no running water)
- Pets are NOT allowed
- You are not supposed to hike beyond the waterfall
- The ‘leave no trace’ policy applies here (picnics allowed by parking lot)
- Wear good non-slip shoes but plan on wet feet (waterproof hiking boots would work great here)
