Parfrey's Glen
Parfrey's Glen
4.5
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Popular mentions
4.5
229 reviews
Excellent
159
Very good
53
Average
15
Poor
1
Terrible
1
AndrewFromMadison
Madison, WI5,463 contributions
Jun 2019
This nature gem used to have a boardwalk that took visitors up this ancient gulch to the little waterfall at the head of it. However, few years ago devastating floods washed away the boardwalk, and even the stonework laid down by the WPAs Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. In its infinite wisdom, government of Wisconsin decided not to restore the boardwalk and stonework (because it costs money of course). So now every brainless son of uncaring parents feels like writing something on the rock wall covered by mosses and lichns hundreds of years old, becasue there is not restrictions of where people go (boardwalk used to keep people away from sensitive area). "Conservation" - American way
Written 8 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisamarie L
Madison, WI962 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
This was a stunning hike and worth the challenge. The first portion is fairly easy and leads you along the rushing creek, and is still quite scenic. Once you get to the end of the maintained trail, you will be picking your way through rocks and logs as you walk up the creek (definitely bring some sturdy, waterproof shoes) and eventually will go deeper into the gorge and come to an area blocked by several large boulders. Once you climb over that you will be rewarded with the little glen and pool with the waterfall. Our kids enjoyed it as it was a nice way for them to be a little active and even be allowed to climb.
Every turn I felt like we saw a new and beautiful view - we went during peak autumn colors and the entire canyon was glowing with light and color.
Every turn I felt like we saw a new and beautiful view - we went during peak autumn colors and the entire canyon was glowing with light and color.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan B
Blaine, MN15 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I found this trail to be a bit underwhelming compared to some of the descriptions. It’s a nice little trail along a creek. Not a real destination but good to take your kids for a little walk and burn an hour. What I saw would not constitute a waterfall.
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheryl P
Loves Park, IL46 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
This is an easy stroll through the woods and then half way through becomes very difficult and challenging. You need to walk across a stream numerous times across slippery rocks and moss covered trees and maneuver around large boulders. The rock formations were very impressive but the small waterfall was disappointing. Hiking gear is required and we were not prepared.
Written 10 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miyeko K
14 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
There are basically 2 halves to this hike - the maintained trail, which is a relatively easy walk, and the part that no longer has a maintained trail due to repeated flooding. The first part is a nice walk in the woods. The second part is a spectacular walk through a gorge, surrounded by towering cliffs, with a waterfall at the end.
However, if you want to do the second half, you'll need to cross the shallow stream and clamber up and down some boulders. Wear shoes that you mind getting muddy and that have good treads. Ankle support is a plus, as is waterproofness, as you'll probably have to step in a water a couple inches deep on occasion. A pair of waterproof hiking boots would be best, but you could get away with tennis shoes if you don't mind wet feet. I wouldn't recommend water shoes or sandals, because there's some serious rocks to contend with. And don't try this with small kids unless you're willing to carry them part of the way. But if you're up for a bit of a challenge, the view is well worth it.
However, if you want to do the second half, you'll need to cross the shallow stream and clamber up and down some boulders. Wear shoes that you mind getting muddy and that have good treads. Ankle support is a plus, as is waterproofness, as you'll probably have to step in a water a couple inches deep on occasion. A pair of waterproof hiking boots would be best, but you could get away with tennis shoes if you don't mind wet feet. I wouldn't recommend water shoes or sandals, because there's some serious rocks to contend with. And don't try this with small kids unless you're willing to carry them part of the way. But if you're up for a bit of a challenge, the view is well worth it.
Written 3 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jnichols
Scottsdale, Arizona753 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
This glen is hard to find, located on a remote road, and is poorly marked. There is a small parking area that is very easy to miss. We were relentless and finally found it. We walked about a mile until we came to a creek that required "rock hopping." My wife did not want to get her shoes wet so she turned back. I continued on and was glad that she turned back. The remainder of the trail is very rocky, uneven, and somewhat difficult. Normally I would plan to wear hiking shoes on a trail like this. I continued to the small falls at the end of the trail. The glen is quite beautiful and reminds me of slot canyons in the US Southwest. This glen is the first area in Wisconsin preserved for its natural beauty and unusual environmental character.
Written 26 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindy713
26 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
So beautiful! The trail is a short, easy one with fairly level terrain. However, it’s so peaceful walking along the stream and seeing the stone bluffs on either side of you. The best part of the hike, though, is after the maintained trail. If you are willing to venture over some rocks and water, in a short distance, you will find a small waterfall to complete your hike.
Written 20 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erik B
Madison, WI21 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
Visited Parfrey's glen on a whim this past weekend. Was a wonderful short hike (?2 miles round trip) into a fairly deep gorge with a very small and shallow stream running through it. Even though it was near 90F it was much cooler in the woods and the glen itself. Beautiful hike with some nice photo ops. Formerly had bridges and walkways to the waterfall where the glen starts but those have been washed out by previous floods. That being said it was a pretty easy hike with the only obstacles being walking on some slippery rocks to avoid getting your feet wet in the stream (only inches deep). The waterfall isn't very tall but still worth hiking to the end. Another wonderful Wisconsin gem!
Written 26 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danielle B
Chicago, IL23 contributions
Aug 2018
This is definitely a must-see feature of Devil's Lake State Park with minimal time commitment.
A few caveats:
1. Bring bug spray. Especially in midsummer, this place is an insect mill.
2. Arrive early to get parking. The lot is relatively small, and on the Saturday that we were there, we arrived around 9:00 to find several open spots, but at about 10:30 when we finished, every single one was taken and people were parking on the shoulder of the road. I have heard that you WILL be ticketed for doing this, so don't risk it.
3. Bring sandals for water crossings.
Although short, this hike requires some scrambling and climbing. Worth the effort though. Beautiful, mossy canyon in every shade of green on the spectrum. Path starts out paved, and then transitions to dirt. In about 1/2 a mile, you hit the creek and there are several water crossings using rocks or fallen trees (or just wading if you're so inclined.) If you don't want wet shoes for the rest of the day, the above-mentioned sandals or water shoes are highly recommended. The rest of the trail is very rocky with some climbing and scrambling required so wouldn't try to do it in sandals the entire way. There is much potential for stubbed toes and twisted ankles.
At the end, the trail is blocked off with logs and a sign saying no farther hiking allowed. It looks like the area may fill with water and be used for swimming after big rains? Not sure. The temperature changes were also very interesting. It was a hot day when we went and it cooled considerably as we descended into the canyon.
Overall, definitely worth the hour and a half.
A few caveats:
1. Bring bug spray. Especially in midsummer, this place is an insect mill.
2. Arrive early to get parking. The lot is relatively small, and on the Saturday that we were there, we arrived around 9:00 to find several open spots, but at about 10:30 when we finished, every single one was taken and people were parking on the shoulder of the road. I have heard that you WILL be ticketed for doing this, so don't risk it.
3. Bring sandals for water crossings.
Although short, this hike requires some scrambling and climbing. Worth the effort though. Beautiful, mossy canyon in every shade of green on the spectrum. Path starts out paved, and then transitions to dirt. In about 1/2 a mile, you hit the creek and there are several water crossings using rocks or fallen trees (or just wading if you're so inclined.) If you don't want wet shoes for the rest of the day, the above-mentioned sandals or water shoes are highly recommended. The rest of the trail is very rocky with some climbing and scrambling required so wouldn't try to do it in sandals the entire way. There is much potential for stubbed toes and twisted ankles.
At the end, the trail is blocked off with logs and a sign saying no farther hiking allowed. It looks like the area may fill with water and be used for swimming after big rains? Not sure. The temperature changes were also very interesting. It was a hot day when we went and it cooled considerably as we descended into the canyon.
Overall, definitely worth the hour and a half.
Written 8 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JEBtravel2018
Minnesota355 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
This place is a little hard to find but so worth the find. Don't forget to buy a Park permit!!!!! It's by the yellow pole when you start out on the trail. There is also a bathroom facility. The hike is easy start and not very interesting but then all of a sudden BAM. Babbling brook - then hopping rocks - then climbing rocks - then beautiful waterfall. So worth doing. You may get your feet wet so be prepared. Find it and do it. We saw a Scarlet Tanager too.
Written 18 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does it cost anything to go over to Parfrey's Glen Natural Area?
Written 16 December 2019
You must have a valid wisconsin state park sticker or day pass. These can be purchased at nearby devils lake state park.
Written 16 December 2019
No, this park does not allow pets, as some of the walking areas are considered too dangerous for them.
Written 17 October 2019
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