Pewit's Nest
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Quite literally a hidden oasis, off the beaten path and not as frequently populated as the nearby hit state park Devil’s Lake. There’s a small gravel lot to park that can maybe hold a dozen vehicles, and then a short five minute walk along a dirt path to the water. We took a stroller along no problem. The water is ice cold even at summer’s end. Some folks brave it and Wade into the tunnel to get close to the falls. Beautiful spot for photos, and certainly a neat experience if you’ve never been here. September 2023 Edit: Although signage specifically states visitors are not to hike past fences, there are obvious trails that extend upstream on both sides of the gorge, all the way back to the property boundary. While neither trail leads you to anything more spectacular than the main gorge, cliffs and waterfall, there are a few smaller waterfalls and less of a crowd upstream. If you decide to disobey the property restrictions and follow the trails, you do so at your own risk! There are areas where the trail edges dangerously close to cliff drop offs, narrow trails along rock walls, and ample opportunity for accidents. In the short while I was there I saw no less than three groups of people wearing flip flops, hiking in dangerous places. The path that takes you upstream on the far side requires a creek crossing first, followed by a downstream muddy trail. There are sections where the path crosses into private property with a deer hunting tree stand. Please avoid this area.
Joshua AJoshua A
00
Nestled among fields of corn, you may be surprised to see a large parking area for Pewit's Nest, one of Wisconsin's 593 State Natural Areas. Of the standalone SNAs I've been to, this is one the best maintained, possibly being surpassed by Parfrey's Glen which is a fee area. A wide trail leads from the parking area to a lower viewpoint, and a steeper trail branches off to the left allowing views down to the water. Besides these main trails, there are several dirt footpaths well worth walking. Please note that many reviews found on the internet of Pewit's Nest predated the closure of some areas, where some of the older photos were from the specular, but now closed parts of the site. Also note that Pewit's Nest is not open 24 hours a day. Please respect the location and time closures
Craig WCraig W
00
Beautiful, natural area to explore. However, in order to experience the gorge in it’s entirety, be prepared to get wet. Swimming gear is a must. The DNR fenced off all of the trails that once allowed visitors to see more of the gorge. To see the entirety of the gorge, as shown in most of the photos on this site, visitors must enter the water, swim to the lower falls and then climb up the lower falls to get to the main section of the gorge. At the time of our visit, the water appeared to be about four feet deep. Aside from the short paths to the top and base of the gorge, there are no other trails to explore; resulting in a very quick visit. Sharing this information for anyone who might be traveling to visit this location. May you now be prepared so that you can experience the gorge fully!
Jessica AndersonJessica Anderson
00
Beautiful place to visit any time of year! It's clean, well maintained, FREE, with many parking spots in the gravel lot (about 20). I especially like it in the fall with the changing colors of the leaves. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes/boots to cross the creek on stepping stones, or, in the summer, wade into the water and swim toward the waterfall. Supposedly, local kids go cliff diving in the summer. This sounds terrifying to me, but the deepest area supposedly goes 40 ft deep, so I understand why people do it. They have now put up a wooden fence at the top of the cliff to deter people from doing that, but it looks like you could see the waterfall from the cliff after some rain. The best vantage point to see the wayerfall is probably swimming through the gorge, though.
Rachel DeterdingRachel Deterding
00
Experience the beauty of central Wisconsin! Pewits nest is located just outside of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Parking located at the entrance to the park. An easy hiking trail follows along top of the sandstone cliffs overlooking a series of waterfalls. Skillet creek cuts the sandstone walls, providing fun for the family to include swimming, cliff diving and class 3-4 whitewater after a heavy rain. Would highly recommend for anybody looking for a thrill or to just simply soak in the natural beauty. Visit "kayaking pewits nest" on YouTube for a walk through of the park followed by kayaking the falls.
ethan churchethan church
00
Such a Beautiful Place. Great for swimming with the whole Family, and lots of scenic views and lots of trails to walk if you love hiking. Also great place to have a picnic, and beautiful Pictures. My family and I Visit here this place a lot all year round, its among one of our favorite places to visit and hang out at. Also you'll love the 5 waterfalls their is between the gorge that was carved out by the creek there. It's mostly made of sandstone, with some Dolomite and Shale stone. Enjoy the views and scenic routes, you won't regret it I promise you that.
John KochJohn Koch
00
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
County Rd W, Baraboo, WI 53913
Map
Phone
(608) 266-0394
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Website
dnr.wisconsin.gov
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Reviews
Overview
4.5
(508 reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
Description
Pewit's Nest State Natural Area is a nature reserve in Wisconsin, USA, that includes a deep gorge formed during the retreat of the last glacier. Pewit's Nest is outside Baraboo in Sauk County. At one time a waterwheel and mill were located on the site and an individual lived in the solid sandstone.
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