Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area — Attraction in Town of Merrimac

Talk about a little gem of a hike right in Madison's own backyard. Seeing as it's less than an hour drive from Madison, Parfrey's Glen is the perfect outdoor day trip for you and your loved one(s). That being said if you're looking for solitude I'd say it's a pretty well known attraction so you might want to try elsewhere. Personally I went there with my wife and 4 kids. While I wouldn't say it was overwhelmingly busy, you will encounter plenty of people on the trails. Also pay attention to where you park. If you park in the parking lot you'd best have your state park pass displayed on your dash; as it's strictly enforced. That being said just inside from the parking area there's a few picnic tables and restroom facility that's available. Once you head in there's two path options. If you go left (west) you'll hit the Ice Age National Scenic trail which goes on forever, but instead if you stay straight and go north you will head down a path that's quite scenic. Fairly early on you'll encounter the Parfrey's Glen Creek which will be sure to draw your attention in early. From there it's a beautiful path as you walk through the woods. After about a half mile you'll be faced with a decision to make. Are you the type of person who prefers to stay in your comfort zone of groomed trails where you can walk with dry shoes... or are you the adventurous type. Let me assure you that the later of the two will be the most rewarding, because once you cross the creek you will begin a journey that's well worth going the distance for.

After crossing the creek you'll continue down a path for a ways, where you will once again be faced with an even bigger decision do I head down the creek or turn back. Fortune favors the bold and in this case I'd encourage you to just keep pressing forward. Now if you have little ones with you this may complicate things. If they are older they should have no problems; as was the case for our 7 and 8 year old, but at this point my wife continued to carry our 10 month old and I picked up our 2 year old to carry the rest of the way. If you're not carrying a tiny human odds are more favorable that you might be able to avoid getting your shoes wet, but since you likely value that tiny person's safety your shoes will definitely get wet - so just accept that. Regardless our journey of stepping across stones through the creek and climbing up small boulders (which it definitely helps if you and your spouse (or whomever you're with) work together on) was well worth it. The ravine around the creek was breathtaking and ultimately lead us to a small fall at the end that was equally beautiful.  All and all I'd estimate that the trip to the falls and back was a little under 2 miles. While the creek walking is a bit technical it's by no means a barrier for most. Our older kids definitely had a lot of fun and despite carrying our little ones my wife and I enjoyed it immensely.

In short it was a beautiful hike and a great way to spend half a day in the wilderness with the family, and I hope to go back there sometime again with my wife and friends to take in the scenery even more. If it's adventure your seek, give Parfrey's Glen a shot. You won't be...

This was our experience at this mystical Place.

In the early morning light, we rose from our cozy haven, drawn by the promise of Parfrey’s Glen - a place whispered about through the trees, where the forest breathes in tranquility and the earth holds ancient secrets in its moss-covered stones. The air was crisp with the soft mist of an overnight rain, the drops still clinging to the leaves as we stepped onto the trail, each footfall sinking slightly into the damp soil.

We were not alone on this journey. High on the ridges, wild turkeys watched us, their stillness adding a layer of mystery to the moment. One caught our eye, a silent sentinel among the ferns, almost daring us to spot it in the thick woods. The narrow gorge beckoned us forward, and with each step, the world around us seemed to quiet, as though we had entered a sanctuary known only to the forest.

The trail, now intertwined with the streambed, led us deeper into the heart of the glen. There, in the soft rush of the water beneath our feet, we felt time slip away. Sandstone cliffs, scarred by centuries of wind and rain, rose up around us, guarding this hidden world. Moss clung to their faces, lending a softness to the rugged rock, and ferns curled at the edges of the path, their ancient fronds adding a timeless grace to the scene.

We moved through the glen as if in a dream, each twist of the trail revealing new wonders—the sheer walls of stone, the shimmer of water, and the cool, damp air that wrapped around us like an embrace. As we neared the end of the trail, a small waterfall greeted us, its gentle cascade the final note in this symphony of nature.

Here, deep within the forest, the outside world ceased to matter. This was a place untouched by time, a place where peace and serenity reigned. The glen, with its towering cliffs and quiet stream, whispered of a world beyond the everyday - a mystical sanctuary carved into the heart of Wisconsin’s wild lands.

As we made our way back, the rain began again, softly drumming on the canopy above. But we carried with us the stillness of the glen, the memory of its cool waters and hidden turkeys, and the feeling that we had stepped into a world of peace - if only for a morning.

This is a great place for a hike that even beginners can tackle. Wear waterproof shoes or boots as you'll need to walk in water in some places and be careful as the rocks can get slippery.

Thomas Corrao Stray Compass...

Pretty hike. On a beautiful day, it gets pretty crowded here. You have to have a state park sticker, day pass, or park further down the road so you don't get ticketed. The highway is also pretty busy so be careful if you choose that option. The entry is easy to miss because the sign is further in and not very obvious. I missed the entrance and watched other people have to turn around as well.

As for the hike, it has changed so many times over the years from spring rain and flooding. I never know what it's going to be like besides beautiful. The walk is pleasant, some of it paved. However, there are places where you have to climb over some rocks, and pass through the water passage, either getting your feet wet or stepping on rocks to make your own path. Although, a well traveled hike, it's still a bit challenging if you have difficulty walking, or even with small kids. Take your time, walk carefully, and maybe have a walking stick for support as you cross the stream areas. The rocks can be slippery. The waterfall is small, but pretty also, and a nice reward at the end of the hike. It's not a long trek, and can be done in less than an hour, out and back, or take your time and spend a few hours there. There is also a trail, at the beginning, that is part of the Ice Age trail, if you want to venture off on there...