Ferns And Mossy Sandstone Walls Line This Narrow Gorge Trail In Southern Wisconsin

Some trails ask for nothing more than sneakers, but this one near Merrimac expects wet shoes and a bit of courage. A short path in southern Wisconsin follows a creek into a narrow sandstone gorge, where moss clings to towering rock walls and boulders the size of small cars block the way.

At the far end, a little waterfall rewards anyone willing to rock hop across the stream a few times. Keep reading to learn how the gorge formed, where the official trail stops, what wildlife lives along the water, and the smart parking and gear tips that make the trip far easier.

A Hidden Ravine Off County Road DL

Some of the best outdoor spots in Wisconsin do not announce themselves with giant signs or crowded boardwalks. They simply wait at the end of a quiet county road for people curious enough to look.

Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area sits at 1377 County Rd DL, Merrimac, WI 53561, in the southern part of Wisconsin in the United States. It is officially listed as a nature preserve, and it is part of the State Natural Areas program run by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The heart of the property is a sandstone gorge with moss-covered walls and a creek running straight through it. A trail follows that stream into the ravine and eventually leads to a small waterfall tucked at the far end.

Shade is a huge part of the appeal. The gorge is a favorite choice for hikers who want a walk under tree cover and tall rock walls when summer heat settles over the region.

The Glen is also small enough to fit into a busy day. Most people can walk in and back in about an hour, which leaves plenty of time for lingering at the creek or exploring other parks in the area.

Before lacing up, though, it helps to understand how this ravine came to be. The rocks here have a much longer story than the trail does, and it starts deep in the past.

Rock Layers Millions of Years in the Making

Millions of years went into shaping the walls that line this trail. Look closely at the cliffs and they reveal stacked layers of sedimentary rock, one band sitting on top of the next.

What makes these walls stand out is the mix. Layers of sandstone are pressed together with layers of rounded rocks, creating a striped pattern that is easy to spot even for people who never paid much attention in earth science class.

Those rounded stones are a clue. Rocks usually get smooth edges by tumbling in moving water over long periods, so the walls hold a record of ancient conditions that were very different from the farmland surrounding Merrimac today.

Over time, the creek carved its way down through these layers. The result is the narrow gorge you walk through now, with steep sides rising well above the trail.

Huge boulders are scattered across the floor of the ravine as well. Some are so large that hikers must climb over them or squeeze around them to keep moving toward the falls.

Moss covers many of the rock faces, adding a thick green coat to the sandstone. The combination of layered stone and plant life is a big reason the Glen draws photographers throughout the warmer months.

Geology fans could spend the whole walk staring at the walls. Everyone else will still notice that the scenery changes with every bend in the creek.

The Easygoing First Half

Good news for anyone worried about steep climbs: the first stretch of the trail is refreshingly relaxed. The path starts near the parking lot and heads toward the gorge in a fairly straight line.

Much of this section runs right alongside the stream. It is the kind of walk where you can chat with friends, stop for photos, and keep an easy pace without needing special skills.

The official trail is not very long, and it is not very difficult. Many families with young kids and beginner hikers finish this part without any trouble at all.

A few water crossings do show up along the way. They are usually manageable, but they are the first hint that your shoes may not stay dry for long.

As you move deeper in, the walls begin to rise on both sides. The ravine narrows, and the cliffs with their layered rock and moss start to feel much closer.

Years ago, the Glen had a boardwalk that helped people move through the gorge. That boardwalk is gone now, so the experience is more natural and a bit more rugged than it once was.

Even if you stop at the end of the maintained trail, the walk is still very pretty. Plenty of people turn around here and feel completely satisfied with what they saw.

For the curious, though, a small marker ahead signals where things get interesting.

Where the Official Path Gives Way to Rock Hopping

Rules of the road change once you pass the end of the maintained trail. From this point forward, the Glen turns into a make-your-own-adventure kind of hike.

This section is not an official part of the trail, but walking it is allowed. Many people continue past the marker to reach the waterfall at the back of the gorge.

Expect to walk in and around the stream itself. You will likely rock hop across the creek a couple of times, balancing on stones and pieces of wood as you zigzag upstream.

Large boulders add another layer of challenge. Some spots require crawling or scrambling over rocks, so it helps to keep your hands free.

The rocks can be very slippery, especially after rain. Mud also builds up quickly, so solid hiking shoes with good grip make a real difference.

Walking sticks come highly recommended for this part of the hike. They are especially helpful for anyone who has balance issues or simply wants more stability on wet stone.

Here is the encouraging part: the unmaintained stretch is rocky but still easy enough for many beginners to handle. It asks for a little nerve more than advanced skill.

People with small children or trouble walking may find this section too tricky. There is no shame in stopping short, because the real prize ahead is small but charming.

A Petite Waterfall With a Bonus Upstream

Size is not everything, and the falls at the back of the Glen prove it. The main waterfall is small, and some folks even describe it as very small.

Still, reaching it feels like a genuine accomplishment. After all the creek crossings and boulder scrambles, the falls mark the natural finish line for most hikers.

The setting does a lot of the work here. The water spills down through the mossy sandstone gorge, framed by high walls on both sides.

There are actually several little waterfalls throughout the ravine. Anyone who enjoys cascades will find more than one spot worth pausing for along the route.

Now for the insider tip. When it seems like you have reached the end, it is possible to head up past the first waterfall, where an even more secluded waterfall waits beyond it.

That upper area tends to be quieter. It is a good choice for people hoping to sit by the water for a while and simply clear their heads.

Getting there requires the same careful footing as the rest of the unmaintained section. Take your time on the rocks and turn back if conditions feel unsafe.

Small pools form among the rocks near the water too. Some hikers have even spotted fish swimming in them, which brings us to the smaller residents of the gorge.

Tiny Neighbors Along the Creek

Kids tend to spot the best creatures first, and the Glen gives them plenty to find. The creek, rocks, and moss create a home for all sorts of small wildlife.

One memorable find in the gorge is the American giant millipede. It is a fun surprise for young explorers who love anything with lots of legs.

Dragonflies patrol the stream as well. The Common Whitetail dragonfly has been seen here, and it is easy to recognize thanks to its bold appearance.

Butterflies show up in good numbers during warmer months. They add a bit of color to the green and tan palette of the ravine.

Fish live here too. Keep an eye on the little pools that form between rocks, because a few may be swimming around in them.

Not every tiny neighbor is welcome, of course. Bugs can be an issue in the gorge at times, so packing bug spray is a smart move.

Many hikers who used repellent had no problems at all. Others have been pleasantly surprised on evenings when the bugs were barely noticeable.

As a state natural area, the Glen exists to protect special landscapes and the life within them. Watching wildlife from a respectful distance and leaving everything in place helps keep this little ecosystem healthy.

Bring a curious eye and a patient pace, since the smallest discoveries often become the favorite stories on the ride home.

Young Explorers, Winter Ice, and Flashlight Hikes

Few trails spark a child’s sense of adventure quite like this one. The short distance makes it approachable, while the boulders and creek crossings keep things exciting.

Families with kids as young as 4 and 7 have taken on the unmaintained section with enthusiasm. Children often love leading the way back and forth across the creek and climbing over rocks.

A good rule of thumb is that the hike works best for kids about 5 and up. Parents should still watch closely, since a few spots call for extra care with little ones.

For the toughest stretch near the falls, the ideal hikers are people who can balance and maneuver around large, slippery rocks. Young adults and active teens usually handle it with ease.

Winter brings a whole new challenge. Ice forms on the rocks, so traction devices such as microspikes or crampons, along with waterproof boots, are important for crossing the stream and climbing icy areas.

Evening hikes are another option. Some families start around sunset and walk out after dark with flashlights, which turns a familiar trail into a fresh adventure.

The gorge also suits solo hikers looking for a peaceful hour. Many people come here simply to sit by the water and slow down.

No matter the season or the group, planning ahead makes every trip smoother, starting with the parking lot.

Passes, Parking, and Trailhead Smarts

A little homework goes a long way before heading to Merrimac. The Glen is open every day of the week from 6 AM to 8 PM.

Parking at the trailhead requires a Wisconsin State Park pass, either daily or annual. A daily pass can also be used at other state parks in the area, which makes it easy to pair the Glen with another stop.

The parking lot is a decent size, but it fills up fast on summer weekends. Arriving early is the best way to grab a spot without waiting.

Street parking is limited. When the lot is full, some people park farther up the road where it is allowed, so pay attention to posted signs.

Bathrooms are located at the beginning of the trail. It is a good idea to use them before starting, since there are no facilities inside the gorge.

Dogs are not allowed on the trail, even on leashes. Posts at the trailhead make that rule clear, so plan to leave pets at home.

Vehicle safety matters too. Car break-ins have been reported at area parks, so keep your back seat empty and take valuables with you.

For a bigger workout, the Ice Age Trail is also nearby. That route is mostly uphill and considered intermediate, offering a nice contrast to the creekside walk.

Worth Every Soggy Step

Dry socks are a lovely idea, but they rarely survive a trip to the Glen. Reaching the waterfall without getting your feet wet is close to impossible, and most people end up happy about it anyway.

Gear makes the biggest difference here. Waterproof hiking boots or water shoes with solid grip are the top recommendation, and some hikers have even managed the walk in simple slip-on sandals.

Pack a walking stick if you have one. Add bug spray in summer and traction devices in winter, and the trail becomes far more comfortable.

Plan for about an hour to walk in and back, with extra time if you want to linger at the falls or explore upstream. Early mornings help with parking and usually mean fewer people on the trail.

The Glen offers a rare mix in a small package. You get layered rock walls millions of years old, moss-covered cliffs, a winding creek, huge boulders, and a little waterfall, all within a short distance of the parking lot.

It is not a polished attraction with railings and paved paths. Instead, it rewards people who are willing to get a bit muddy and pick their own route across the stream.

For families, solo hikers, and anyone chasing shade on a hot day, this narrow gorge is well worth the drive. Just remember to bring a spare pair of socks for the ride home.