Floods destroyed the boardwalk and bridges into the upper glen, and they have not been replaced. Past the end of the designated trail, visitors must stay within 20 feet of the creek bed and may not go beyond the base of the waterfall.
Expected reopening: No announced reopening date
Confirm current status with Wisconsin DNR (Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area) before visiting.
Open alternatives: Pewit's Nest Trail · Devil's Lake Balanced Rock Trail
Wisconsin DNR Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area page, checked October 2026.
Parfrey's Glen Trail Hiking Guide
Parfrey's Glen is a narrow gorge cut into the south flank of the Baraboo Hills, a few miles east of Devil's Lake. The DNR calls it Wisconsin's first State Natural Area, designated in 1952, and its walls are sandstone studded with rounded quartzite pebbles, cobbles and boulders. Floods destroyed the old boardwalk and bridges and they were not replaced, so reaching the waterfall now means walking up the creek bed.
Permit: A Wisconsin state park admission sticker must be displayed to use the Parfrey's Glen lot ($13 daily / $28 annual for Wisconsin vehicles; $16 / $50 non-resident)
What the Walk Looks Like Now
The DNR gives the round trip as 1.6 miles; mapping apps list about 1.7 miles with roughly 200 feet of gain. A short first section is wheelchair accessible, and the trail stays on gravel and dirt as the glen narrows. Where the designated trail ends, you continue on the rocky creek bed and must ford the shallow stream once to reach the cliffs and waterfall. Waterproof boots with good grip make this far more pleasant.
Limits Past the Trail's End
Beyond the end of the designated trail, the DNR requires visitors to stay within 20 feet of the creek bed, and no one may go past the base of the waterfall. The moss-covered walls hold plants more typical of northern Wisconsin, including yellow birch, mountain maple and several rare species, which is why scrambling up the sides is off limits. Reports from recent visitors describe deteriorated steps near the falls, so watch your footing there.
No Dogs, No Snacks
Parfrey's Glen has stricter rules than the trails in the main park. Pets, food and beverages are not allowed in the natural area, so leave the dog home or plan this as a stop between Devil's Lake hikes where dogs are allowed. It is short enough to eat and drink back at the car. The glen is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Getting There
The parking area is on the north side of County Highway DL. From Highway 113 in Merrimac, take Baraboo Street north 2.5 miles to County DL, then go west 0.3 miles. Although the glen is part of Devil's Lake State Park, it has its own small lot, and the DNR requires a state park sticker to park there. Buying the pass online before you leave is the simplest way to cover it.
Hiking tips for Parfrey's Glen Trail
- Wear waterproof boots; the last stretch is in the creek bed with one ford.
- Turn around at the base of the waterfall, the DNR's limit for visitors.
- Leave pets, food and drinks in the car; all three are banned in the natural area.
- Stay within 20 feet of the creek once you pass the end of the designated trail.
- Buy your state park sticker online before arriving at the small County DL lot.
Nearby trails to explore
- Pewit's Nest Trail
- Gibraltar Rock Trail
- Devil's Lake Balanced Rock Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Parfrey's Glen is a short walk that ends with wet feet and a waterfall. Use TrailMates to find Madison hikers heading to Parfrey's Glen. Download the TrailMates app to connect.