Discover the scenic trails of Sauk Prairie, where hiking and biking offer endless adventures. From serene riverside paths to challenging forested routes, our area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Breathe in the fresh air, catch sight of local wildlife, and explore landscapes that change beautifully with each season.
Great Sauk State Trail
Sauk Prairie features Wisconsin’s newest state trail, the Great Sauk State Trail, linking the Wisconsin River in Sauk City to Devil’s Lake State Park. The paved route starts at the base of an old railroad bridge on Sauk City’s south side, passes the first Culver’s and a historic neighborhood, then follows the river north through downtown Prairie du Sac to the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area’s southern edge. Planned extensions will connect to the Reedsburg 400 Trail and create a Highway 12 route to Madison, enabling a continuous bike ride from the Mississippi River to the Wisconsin State Capitol.
Black Hawk Unit of the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway
The Black Hawk Ridge trails are located on State Highway 78, approximately 2.5 miles south of U.S. Highway 12. They are just 3 miles southeast of the village of Sauk City and about 15 miles northwest of the Madison area. The trails at Black Hawk Ridge are open for hiking and horseback riding. In winter, they are also open for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking, though they are not groomed for these activities. Equestrian trails are open seasonally for horseback riding and fat-tire biking; please see the table for details.
Sauk Prairie Recreation Area - Badger Lands
The Sauk Prairie State Recreation Area consists of a portion of the decommissioned Badger Army Ammunition Plant. Visitors may hunt, trap, hike, bird watch, pick mushrooms and berries, study nature, take photographs and other traditional outdoor activities. You may also drive, bike or ride horses on the roads within the complex that are open. Roads are in variable condition; some have many ruts and potholes. The recreation area is open year-round from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Roads are not plowed during winter.
Ferry Bluff State Natural Area
Ferry Bluff and nearby Cactus Bluff rise over 300 feet above the confluence of Honey Creek and the Wisconsin River, featuring sandstone bluffs capped with dolomite and undisturbed cliff vegetation. From Highways 60 and 12 west of Sauk City, go west 4.4 miles on Highway 60, then south 1.1 miles on Ferry Bluff Road to a parking area and canoe landing. A trail leads to Cactus Bluff’s summit. Access to Hugo’s Bluff is unresolved and only by watercraft. Ferry and Cactus Bluffs close Nov 1–Apr 1 to protect roosting bald eagles.
Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area
Parfrey's Glen, Wisconsin's first State Natural Area, is a spectacular gorge deeply incised into the sandstone conglomerate of the south flank of the Baraboo Hills. Parfrey's Glen is open daily 6:00 am - 8:00pm. Visitors must remain on the trail. Pets, food, and beverage are not allowed in the natural area. A State Park sticker is required and available at nearby Devil's Lake State Park.
Baxter's Hollow State Natural Area
Baxter's Hollow features a scenic gorge cut through Baraboo quartzite by Otter Creek, a fast, clear, nearly undisturbed stream flowing over the large quartzite boulders. From the intersection of US Highway 12 and State Highway 78 in Sauk City, go west on Highway 12 for 7.6 miles, then west on County Highway C for 1.5 miles, then north on Stones Pocket Road for just over 2 miles to one of the parking areas along the road.
Devil's Lake State Park
S5975 Park Road, Baraboo, WI 53913
Devil’s Lake State Park features 500-foot quartzite bluffs overlooking a 360-acre lake, making it a top spot for rock climbing and paddling. Two picnic areas with sandy beaches—plus a pet-friendly beach—line the shore. The park includes three campgrounds, group camping, and over 29 miles of hiking, biking, and ski trails, along with a segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, all surrounded by scenic Wisconsin backcountry.
Natural Bridge State Park
E7992, North Freedom, WI 53951
Natural Bridge and Rockshelter features Wisconsin’s largest natural bridge, formed by wind and weathering of sandstone. The arch is 25 feet wide and 15 feet high. From Leland, drive east on County C for one mile to the park entrance. A hiking trail loops north from the parking area through the site. Open 6:00 am–8:00 pm. Pets, food, and beverages are prohibited. A State Park sticker is required for entry.
Durward's Glen
W11876 McLeisch Rd., Baraboo, WI 53913
Durward's Glen, in the Baraboo Hills National Natural Landmark, lies 30 miles north of Madison near Devil's Lake State Park. This 40-acre property features scenic hiking trails, picnic areas, a pond, a brook, and a 350-year-old white oak. Known for its inspiring spiritual character, it draws visitors worldwide as a place for reflection, peace, and inspiration. The grounds are open daily to the public from dawn to dusk.
Pewits Nest State Natural Area
The dominant feature of Pewits Nest is a 30-40 foot deep gorge formed during the retreat of the last glacier. From the intersection of US Highway 12 and County W in southwest Baraboo, go west and south on W for 1.5 miles to a small parking area south of the road.
Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area
Gibraltar Rock Rd., Lodi, WI 53555
Gibraltar Rock rises 200 feet above the landscape, a flat-topped butte of the Magnesian escarpment with a Platteville-Galena dolomite cap over St. Peter sandstone. It offers panoramic views of the Wisconsin River Valley and Lake Wisconsin. From Lodi, take State Highway 133 north 4 miles, west on County V 1 mile, then south on Gibraltar Rock Road 0.2 mile to parking. Hike south 0.5 mile up the steep, winding lane to the bluff top.
Lower Narrows
Lower Narrows State Natural Area is a very scenic and unique geological feature of the Baraboo Range. From the intersection of Highway 33 and County T in Baraboo, go east on Highway 33 for 4 miles, then go west on Man Mound Road 0.1 mile to a pull-off east of the road (into the old quarry).
Pine Hollow State Natural Area
Pine Hollow features a narrow, heavily wooded stream gorge with sheer cliffs and rock outcroppings of sandstone and quartzite cut into the Baraboo Hills. From Leland, go east on County Highway C about 1.5 miles, then north on Orchard Road 1. miles, then east on a driveway at S7594 Orchard Road. Park in the lot at the end of the drive. To access the hollow, go to the northeast corner of the field abutting the lot and follow a faint trail that leads down the slope.
Moely Prairie
Moely Prairie (pronounced May-lee) is a 23.5-acre, never-plowed remnant of the Great Sauk Prairie in Prairie du Sac, WI, accessible via Alban Lane. Owned by Barbara Moely since 1880 and protected by a perpetual conservation easement, it is managed and restored by The Prairie Enthusiasts Empire-Sauk Chapter. Blooming April–October, it features Prairie Smoke, Rough Blazing Star, Indian Grass, and Big and Little Bluestem, supporting butterflies, bumblebees, grassland birds, and other native species. Open sunrise to sunset, visitors may hike, view wildlife, study nature, ski, or snowshoe, but pets, vehicles, fires, horseback riding, and collecting natural items are prohibited.
Lower Wisconsin State Riverway - Helena Unit
The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway stretches 92.3 miles from Prairie du Sac to the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien, encompassing 40,000 acres of DNR land. Established in 1989, it preserves the scenic and natural character of the river valley. The Helena Unit, near Spring Green, hosts 285 bird and 45 mammal species, including Bald Eagles, Ospreys, and Common Mergansers, as well as rare species like Golden Eagles and Cerulean Warblers. Access via Highways 23 or 14 south of Spring Green.
Honey Creek State Natural Area
Honey Creek State Natural Area lies along a portion of Honey Creek, a Class II trout stream that flows to the Wisconsin River. The topography ranges from creek bottoms and boggy areas through steep slopes and rock escarpments to upland ridges. From the intersection of Highways 12 and PF, just west of Prairie du Sac, go west on County PF for 14.3 miles, then west on Lins Road for 0.5 mile to the site.
Pan Hollow
Pan Hollow is a large, flat-bottomed quartzite gorge that supports a diversity of southern forest community types. Being situated between the large forested blocks of Pine Hollow and Baxter's Hollow, it is an integral part of the larger Baraboo Hills complex. From the intersection of US Highway 12 and State Highway 78 in Sauk City, go west on Highway 12 for 7.6 miles, then west on County Highway C for 3.7 miles, then continue west on Freedom Road for 1.7 miles, then west on Hilltop Road for 0.3 mile. Park and walk north into the site.
Snow Bottom
Snow Bottom State Natural Area features a diverse and spectacular landscape encompassing the most significant remaining pine relicts in Wisconsin, as well as many other important and uncommon native plant communities. From the intersection of State Highway 18 and County G west on Montfort, go north on Highway G for 4.6 miles, then east on Bowers Road for 1.6 miles to a small parking area just west of the Blue River. Walk north into the site.
McGilvra Woods
Farview Rd. | North Freedom, WI | 53951
McGilvra Woods is one of the richest southern mesic forests in southwestern Wisconsin and noted for its display of spring wildflowers. From the intersection of Highways 12 and 136 in West Baraboo, go south on 12 for one mile, then west on County Highway W 3.25 miles, then north on Farview Road and park on the road. Walk east into the site.