Levis Trow Mounds (WI) - Troll Rock Trail

Looking thru a "keyhole formed
by massive sandstone.
Image - Lavon Court 

Well, at least I call the trail that. If I used the various segments we hiked, it would be called “ Pine Run/Upper Glen/Pine Run/West Levis/Jackrabbit Draw/North Face/Dump/Pine Run" and out! 

Somehow Troll Rock Trail seems lots simpler and recognizes the interesting geological sandstone features that looks like the bottom half of a monster troll (or two rocks kissing; this feature is also known as Kissing Rocks) - our turnaround for this out-and-back hike.

Levis Trow Mound Recreation Area near Black River Falls is a huge network of hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing trails that cover the mounds and hills near the end of the glaciated land that butts up against the Driftless area. These geological features, called nunataks, are said to have stood above the ice sheets and were shaped by them. 

The number of trails is truly impressive - and can be confounding until you get familiar with them. I am still in the confounded stage but I am drawn to the beautiful woods, hills and rocks here so expect I will get to know them better.

The trails vary from wide, former roads on grass to narrow dirt and rocks trails that hug the cliffsides. There are plenty of elevation changes up and down as you head towards the rim on this set of trails but nothing a pause and a quick drink or snack can’t fix!

This series of trails takes you around the rolling mound trails s and then up to the rim for some great views of the surrounding lowlands. 

Peeking around the "troll's legs"

On this particular hike, my goal was a group of massive sandstone rocks near the top that remind me of the legs of a troll. It is off a small spur on North Face. Dropping down a short, steep incline brings you to a lovely, flattish, pine needle-covered area with a number of large rocks that are great fun to explore. 

On this trip, we kept our mileage low because of time constraints but still enjoyed a great colorful fall hiking experience in a unique area. And as always we promised ourselves we'd be back to explore more!

A peek through the pines

THE HIKE
This is a moderate hike on rolling shared bike trails through interesting forested geological mounds. This 3.6 mile hike had a total elevation gain of 341 feet reaching our highest elevation at 1200 feet. There are multiple trails criss-crossing each other so an app map can be VERY helpful. The trails are well maintained, alternating between wide grass former roads/ narrow forest trails.

The Location: 

N1589 Fisher Ave, Neilsville WI   44.47676, -90.72377

The trailhead is located just about 17 miles out of Black River Falls. It features a large parking lot and building with bathrooms and a covered picnic area. Campsites are available as well. There are groomed ski trails in the winter. Bikers and skiers pay a small usage fee; hikers can use the trails for free.

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters