Levis Trow Mounds (WI) - Levis Rim Trails

The last time I posted about Levis Mounds, we were on a short out-and back-hike of 2.5 miles with a friend who was testing a rehabbed knee on the elevation and rolling terrain. There was more to explore so I headed back to check out a few more of the amazing rim and upper bluffside trails and a different trailhead during a few 4-mile hikes up and around some of the rim's features.

There are two trailheads on this part of the recreation area to access the Levis Mound rim trails: 

The trailhead sign by the main parking lot
Image - Steve Dawson

The first is the main trailhead that has a number of amenities and a sign marking the hiking trail's start. 

This is my favorite way up by far. From this trailhead, it's a quick 20 minute or so hike up Dump and Bear Den trails. These narrow trails run through lovely forests and beside rock faces and take you quickly up to Northface trail. From Northface you can begin to explore the multiple routes.

There are also other routes from this trailhead to get up to the rim that you can can explore, especially if you want to add additional miles to your hike. Many  feature wide, grassy old logging roads. The trails are shared biking and hiking trails but on weekdays the bike traffic is light and bikers and hikers accommodating for each other.

The second trailhead is just south and around the corner on WI Hwy 95. For me, this is a slightly less interesting trailhead. The first half mile of so is through a low logged out area (with newer tree growth) quite near the highway that looks pretty rough before you finally start climbing towards the wooded hillsides of the Levis Mound.

The rock that beckoned us!

Our hike from this second trailhead took us along Warmup trail to a left on Switchback. After we wound through the first scrubbier area, we finally starting to ascend the mound with its huge hardwood forested slopes. Aaaaah. One of the first rock formations we came to begged us to scramble around on it. We spotted a small trail upwards from the rock top and, after a steep quick climb, emerged at the Troll rock at the rim. Keeping on the other trail would have made for a longer hike so we were glad we explored! 

The rim trails can be narrow and rocky but changes in elevation are fairly slight or rolling at most. Up here, there are plenty  of incredible overlooks and amazing rock formations to explore. The views at the top overlook vast forests below, as well as the slopes of Levis Mound. You can glimpse Black River Falls in the near distance and other mounds and small bluffs, part of the ancient ocean floor farther away.

Some of my favorite features besides the Troll Rock include:

South Point Overlook - South Point trail heads off Clarence to the right and leads to a huge area of rocks and stellar views.

High Rock Overlook - From Northface, take Clarence Trail to access High Rock overlook as well as a couple other unnamed overlooks along the trail.  

Plummer's Crack - From Northface trail, take Corkscrew for a hot minute to Toad Road trail and you are treated to a boardwalk between two huge rock formations. It's great fun!

Toad Road's Rock Faces - Continue along this trail and soon you will be treated to a huge stretch of towering sandstone features along the left-hand side of this upper bluffside trail. For me, this is one of the more breathtaking features of the Levis Mound hikes I did. You will once again run into Northface if you want to return to the main trailhead or for the Hwy 95 trailhead, follow Switchback to West Levis (logging road) or Select Cut (narrow woods trail) back to your start.

THE HIKE
Hardwood forests, multiple trails (that can be confusing - an app like AllTrails can be very helpful), gorgeous rock formations and overlooks that show endless forest lands are all in store on this 41 mile hiking/biking/skiing trail system. You can tailor your hiking explorations to do the mileage you prefer. Your elevation gain will be in the 380-400 foot range (the mounds are shorter than the Mississippi River bluffs). This is a great area to visit multiple times. Once up on the rim, there are multiple trails and rock formations to explore in any season.

The Locations: 

The trailheads are located just about 17 miles out of Black River Falls. There are groomed ski trails in the winter. Bikers and skiers pay a small usage fee; hikers can use the trails for free.

• Main Trailhead: N1589 Fisher Ave, Neilsville WI   44.47676, -90.72377 (bathrooms/shower/campsites/covered picnic area)

• Hwy 95 trailhead: from Black River Falls, take a right on Hwy 95  44.46646N, 90.72404W.  (pit toilet) 

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Additional posts describing Levis Trow Mounds Recreation Area trails:

• Troll Rock Trail 
• Levis Trow Recreation area general trail description

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

 

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"
Image -Nola Larson

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

Additional posts describing Levis Trow Mounds Recreation Area trails:

• Rim Trails description and trailheads 
• Levis Trow Recreation area general trail description

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Duck Egg County Forest (WI) Hike

I was recently introduced to some beautiful trails at a gem of a forest tucked away among the hills and streams in the heart of the Driftless area of Vernon County. Located between Coon Valley and Viroqua, the forest has ten miles of trails for hikers, horses and recreational use for hunters and fishers.

I spent a couple of pleasant mornings exploring one of the main trails - the Duck Egg Trail. The loop part of the trail can be accessed off of Irish Ridge Road from either the Upper or Lower parking lots (map). 

Upper Parking Lot Trailhead

Begin your hike in a large grassy prairie area at the top of the bluff. After a short .25 stroll, you come to a T. We took the loop going right and proceeded through fields and grasses into a woods along an old logging trail on the bluff top.

There is a wonderful overlook atop dramatic rocks in another .3 miles that gives you an excellent view of the valley below. You get your first glimpse of the Springville Branch of the Bad Axe River and of a dam that was built in 1990 to help control the frequent flooding of the Bad Axe. You also start to note concrete front steps (and soon wooden steps) at intervals along the trail; these are used to mount and dismount from horses.

The old logging trail after the overlook begins to descend about 450 feet on a series of switchbacks. The trail winds through a beautiful hardwood forest that is dense with spring ephemerals, ferns and flowers. Once at the bottom, the trails flattens out  for a mile or so as you hike near two large ponds and the Bad Axe among lush bottomlands. During the week I visited in early May, the profusion of bluebells along the river and ponds rivaled anything you can see at Minnesota's justly famous Carley Park.

A view of the overlook
from the valley floor

To complete the loop, we continued on the trail to the left into the wider valley and a close-up view of the dam. The valley was alive with the sound of spring peepers. We crossed a wooden bridge over the river and headed into our final climb to regain the bluff top in two long, steadily upward portions of the trail (got to regain that 450 feet!).We ended our hike of 3.3 miles back at the upper parking lot.

Lower Parking Lot Trailhead
If you continue driving on Irish Ridge Road another 2 miles or so you come to the lower parking trailhead which is well-marked with a Duck Egg Forest sign and ample parking. This is also part of the Duck Egg Trail - but on much flatter trails perfect for those looking for a less challenging out-and-back hike with beautiful scenery.

The hike follows logging roads and narrower dirt trails along the Bad Axe River branch. There are often trout fishers along this section. There are flowers in abundance along with frogs calling in spring and abundant bird life. You cross two bridges and come out in the valley and follow along the two large ponds. You reach a junction that continues along the main Duck Egg trail to the dam.

At this point, after about 1.2 miles, you can turn around and head back the way you came. There is an option to take a side trail after the ponds on your left called the Logger's Loop, which gives you a bit more elevation and mileage of the side of the bluff - or stay on the flatter Duck Egg Trail back to the parking lot.

THE HIKE

Choose the upper tailhead for a challenging 3.5 mile loop hike with overlooks, steep switchbacks, great hardwoods and river valley hiking with birds, flowers and ferns aplenty. The loop starts and ends in a grassy, prairie area atop the bluff. Choose the lower trailhead for a flatter hike beside the river and valley floor for an out-and-back hike of about 2.5 miles. Both hikes give a great view of forests, bottomlands and a profusion of wildlife and plants.

The Location 

Approximately 8 miles west of Viroqua, along Irish Ridge Road off of County Trunk Hwy. Y (43.59154, -91.00192). Both parking lots are large. There is a pit toilet at the Upper Parking Lot trailhead.  

Where's my horse?!? 
Image - Nola Larson

All images (unless noted) - Marge Loch-Wouters

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Mathy Quarry, Quarry Trail (WI) Hike

Like many bluff trails, this Mississippi Valley Conservancy property (in cooperation with the City of La Crosse Park and Rec) was once a rock quarry. As such, it has quarry trails set on solid gravel and is a great bet for later winter/early spring hiking. The main Quarry trail is one that brings you to the top of the quarry as well as the quarry floor.  You have options to make this hike into a 2-5 mile hike depending on what you want to explore.

The "big" rock

On this hike, I like to start at the gate just to the left outside the parking area. You head through a lovely wooded area descending gently until you come out and turn left on the rim of the quarry. You pass a large rock and continue on down toward the floor of the quarry.

About a mile into your hike you will notice a narrow rocky spur to your left off the main trail. This is a pretty little 1/4 mile loop that rejoins the main trail. It gets you closer to the rock walls and is a fun diversion. You can continue past the old building foundation and turn around at the MVC border signs.

If you re-trace your steps to the large rock, you can return a different way to the trailhead. Watch for where the trail heads left along the edge of the quarry. This is a more eroded trail and can be mucky if wet but offers a number of spectacular views of surrounding bluffs to the north and east of the quarry as well as a bird's eye view of the quarry floor. You can turn right when you come to a T and rejoin the original trail to your trailhead or take a shortcut directly into the main parking lot.

There are also options to stay down on the quarry floor (Blazingstar Trail) and climb back up though a pollinator prairie which is in it's glory in the warmer growing months. One can also continue along the Snakeroot Trail for more mileage. The Quarry trail continues on a biking trail on the east side of the parking lot through a beautiful bluffside forest that connects to a number of other hike/bike trails in Hixon Forest. Maps of these trails are available here.

The southern quarry wall

THE HIKE

A 2-5 mile hike, depending on your selected route(s), with elevation gain of about 360 feet await hikers who explore the trails in this old quarry. One can do out-and-back and loops depending on your druthers. You start at the rim of the quarry and descend onto the wide quarry floor following old road bed gravel trails and some grassy more eroded trails depending on your route. The hike is known for its spectacular rim views of bluffs and layered rocks visible in the quarried walls. There are also woods and prairies depending on your route.

Location : N3065 Cty Rd,F, La Crosse.

In La Crosse, continue east on Main St past Losey Blvd and the railraod tracks and veer left to get onto Bliss Rd which winds you through hairpin turns up to the Alpine inn. Turn left there (a right turn would bring you to Grandad's Bluff) and follow the road for about 1/2 mile until you come to Cty Rd FA. Take a left and the parking lot is at the end of that road.

The view from the western rim

Additional posts describing Mathy Quarry trails:

• Snakeroot Amble/Hike

All images - Marge Loch-Wouters

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Coulee Experimental State Forest (WI) Hike - Russlan Coulee Trailhead

At the trailhead expansive views of the forest

The Coulee Experimental State Forest is tucked away in the rolling hills near Bangor WI. According to the WI DNR's website, "this 3,000 acre forest is used for long-term forest watershed research studies to develop land management practices. Coulee accurately describes the area, as the forest has many deep gulches and ravines."

The forest features a number of trails that primarily follow old roads around the huge property. One road trailhead, the Russlan Coulee Road, actually was used to drive between Barre Mills and Bangor. As such it features old bridges and culverts - and a trailhead at each end of the forest where people drove between the two communities! 

Old roads create wide trails
perfect for hiking/skiing

These extensive roads create wide, easily walked - and for skiers in winter - easily skiied (groomed for both classic and skate ski) trails. These ski trails and hikes are primarily at the top of the bluff.  During warmer months, the trails are often mowed. We noticed on our most recent hike that one road had been upgraded and newly graveled. 

We chose a through-hike route rather than and out and back loop for this particular hike. We left one vehicle on the westside Russlan Coulee lower trailhead. Then we dropped off the other car at the Cty Rd II trailhead (opposite Antony Rd) at the top of the bluff and hit the trail.

Peak colors!

You can follow the gravel road on the hike or zig left into the woods on an old dirt road following the North Loop trail. It winds through a beautiful hardwood forest as well as pines. The trail rolls up and down as you wind along. After about a mile and a half, you emerge into an intersection of trails - one can take you down the other side of the bluff to the east Russlan Coulee trailhead near Bangor; one can take you further along the North Loop to additional trail spurs; one can take you down to the west Russlan Coulee trailhead.

We followed the rim for a bit of exploring before turning back and heading down the steep trail back to the weat Russlan Coulee trailhead. If we had done just a straight through-hike, I would guesstimate we would have had about a 2-2.5 mile hike. Ferns and fungi were out in profusion and we hit peak color so the hike was particularly beautiful on this sunny day.

THE HIKE

Great for listening for/spotting birds, prolific plant life (oh, those ferns) and a bumper crop of fungi, you can choose your own adventure on these trails during warmer months. While we did a 3.6 mile through-hike with some exploring added in, you can add or subtract miles depending on your choices. State-provided trail maps are somewhat confusing - not all trailheads are listed on each different map they provide online. An app like AllTrails can help. This forest has hunting so wearing bright colors during small game hunting seasons is highly recommended. I would not recommend this hike during gun deer season.

Location - La Crosse County WI

I can't say it better than the WI DNR page. Just a heads-up. There is currently (10/27/23) road construction on Hwy 162 of I-90 so the western entrance way is your best bet until that clears up.

Images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Reno Quarry (MN) Hike

The south view from the top

Located in Minnesota's Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest in the Reno Recreation area, this easily-accessed, short set of trails results in some spectacular river and bluff views and unique rock formations. 

The trailhead is near the top of the bluff about a mile off MN Hwy 26. As you head up to it, you pass a few homes and then enter the forest. There is a campground to the left but just keep heading up the road until just before a sharp left-hand bend in the road, you spot a gate with a small parking lot to the left of it. 

Fire ring and "Flintstone 
Furniture" on quarry floor

The trail begins by the gate. Head north along the old-logging road and you soon make a sharp turn (south) to the right and begin a steady ascent up to the quarry itself. The woods along this first part of the trail are alive with wild flowers and ferns through most of the growing season. Along the way on your left, you will begin to see sharp drop-offs on private land and the beginnings of the rock face of the bluff as well. 

Soon you emerge into the quarry itself.  It is a well-used area with "Flintstone furniture," a large homemade fire ring, some graffiti and some trash (I try to come prepared with a small trash bag). There are some small, steep spur trails here and there to access the rock wall, although I didn't take the time or risk to explore them much. There is plenty of room to wander and explore on the flat stone quarry floor.

The north view at top of quarry

If you continue upward on the main trail for a few more hundred feet and turn left, you end up at the top of the quarry itself with a spectacular view of the bluffs and Mississippi River to the north. The trail ends here at a fence to prevent access to the quarry top.

The money view though, in my opinion, is still to come. Head back down towards the trail but go straight rather than turn right. You quickly emerge onto a point in a goat prairie remnant with expansive views of the Mississippi River, the Reno Spillway and its floodplain forests, Wisconsin river bluffs and MN bluffs. During spring and fall waterfowl migration, it's not unusual to have swans and geese flying just over your head on their migration routes. The rocks and grass provide ample seating to give you time to soak up the incredible views.

Enjoying the views on the outlook - including swans migrating

Atop the "spinal column" rocks

Once you turn around and head back down again, you come to an intersection (where you originally turned to your right). Follow the trail north and then up towards the river. There you will find a unique rock formation that, from a distance, might remind you of a human spinal column. Made up of alternating layers of limestone and sandstone, these columns again afford a panoramic view of the river and WI bluffs. You can easily scramble to the top of these columns to soak up the views. Fifty feet or so down the trail from these, you can get great camera shots of people standing on these unique flat-topped columns.

You can follow the trail slightly further north where it descends down into the woods and bushwhack back through the woods on the faintly outlined old logging/quarry road or head back directly from the outlook on the established trail.

These trails aren't regularly maintained so summer hiking is pretty overgrown and there are deadfalls to go around or over in all seasons. Spring and fall when growth is new or dying back are ideal. This is a hunting area so be aware of MN hunting seasons and wear blaze colors as you hike.

THE HIKE

My favorite rocks on my favorite hike
Image - Lloyd Lorenz

This 2.5 mile hike has about a 250 foot elevation gain. It starts high up on the bluff so the views of the river, bluffs and rock formations make it a hike that even older kids can do. The first part of the hike up to the quarry and higher outlooks is the steepest. The trail down to the "spinal column" rocks is fairly level and great for a short amble - definitely more family-friendly as well. The trails tend to be overgrown during the summer so spring and fall when vegetation has died back or is just emerging is ideal. It's also the best time to try to catch swan and geese migration on the wing  (early mornings and evenings).

Location

Heading south from La Crescent, take Hwy 26 about 20 miles or so until you see a sign for "Reno Recreation Area" on your right. Turn right at Hillside Dr and follow that about a mile up the road until you see a gate with a small 3-4 car parking lot ringed by stones to the left of the gate (before a sharp left-hand bend in the road). The trailhead begins behind the gate.

Unless noted, all images - Marge Loch-Wouters

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!

Let's Get Hiking - and Learning! October 2023

Great River (MN) State Park
Image - Marge Loch-Wouters

It's fall and there are still plenty of learning opportunities available in the Driftless and nearby areas. What kind of events are happening that you can take advantage of to extend your learning about the natural world?

Guided Bird Hike on Sand Point Trail   Saturday Oct 7     8:00 am - 

Frontenac (MN) State Park. Meet in the Hwy. 61/County Road 2 parking lot/rest stop.. We’ll walk through the riparian forest and along the shoreline and hope to see fall migrating warblers as well as resident birds, including waterfowl, terns, gulls and shorebirds. The 2-mile loop is flat and well-maintained. This walk can take two to four hours, depending on how many birds we see, but you can leave at any time. Bring your binoculars. No need to register, but if you have questions, email janetmalotky@gmail.com. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association.

Prairie Stargazing Walk    Saturday Oct 7   7:00-9:00pm

Tunnelville Cliffs. Join us for an evening outdoors with a guided walk to discover the planets, stars, and galaxies of the fall evening sky on the hilltop trail at the Tunnelville Cliffs nature preserve in Vernon County. The easy short walk on a relatively flat trail will include observation of night life on the prairie and in the sky. Advanced registration by 4pm Oct 6 is required. Sponsor: Mississippi Valley Conservancy.

Hike with Naturalist Bruce Ause  Saturdays Oct 7-28    10am (sharp) - 11:00 am-ish  

Frontenac (MN) State Park. Meet for an hour-long hike by the new shower building and learn a ton  from Bruce about the changing natural word around you. He makes every hike an adventure in learning. You can read more about Bruce in this month's  Frontenac State Park Association newsletter. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association.

Exploring Wanhi Yukan (Grand Meadow Chert Quarry)   Wednesday Oct 11  10:00 am - noon

Whitewater (MN) State Park. Tom Trow will share about the Grand Meadow Chert Quarry Archaeological and Cultural Preserve, located northwest of Grand Meadow, MN. Among the scattered trees of this prairie site are 100 chert quarry pits, large holes left just as they were when dug by Native Americans seeking stone for making tools, between 400 and 3,000 years ago. Today, management of the site is the responsibility of the Mower County Historical Society and the Prairie Island Indian Community, with environmental assistance from the Mower County Soil and Water Conservation District and staff from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Sponsor: Friends of Whitewater State Park

Off the Beaten Path Hike   Saturday October 14    Noon - 3:00pm

Whitewater State Park. Join us on a crisp fall hike to points unknown. Whitewater has a few spectacular views that have remained hidden from even the most seasoned visitor. During this hike we will leave the trails behind us, as we venture out into a little used part of the park. No dogs allowed. Distance 3.2 Miles, Elev. Gain 350ft.  Reservations are required. Email Jeremy.darst@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park.

Tree Steward Training  Saturday, October 14        9:00am - 1:00pm

La Crescent will be hosting a Tree Steward training. Completing the training is a great opportunity to learn more about tree varieties, tree science, and tree care. You will have opportunities to volunteer within the community to be stewards of the city's tree stock - and learn a ton about how to care for your own trees! Registration required. The cost is $25.  Sponsor: City of La Crescent MN

Buckthorn Blast    Saturday October 14    9:00am -noon

Wildcat Mountain (WI) State Park. This invasive tree has taken over many natural areas in Wisconsin. Help us stomp it out at Wildcat before it can spread through our woodlands. This is an ideal time of year to spot it, as well as invasive honeysuckle, since they both keeps their leaves longer than native trees and shrubs.Meet at the Lower Picnic Area Shelter (canoe launch). Wear sturdy footwear and bring drinking water and gloves. No experience or expertise is needed, just a willingness to make a difference!

Sponsor: Wildcat Mountain State Park

Geo-Walk at Chimney Rock    Thursday Oct 19    1:00-2:00 pm

Whitewater (MN) State Park. On this hike, we will travel through time to learn about the geologic processes that formed the beautiful Whitewater River Valley. Find out how oceans, glaciers and raging rivers have shaped this landscape.Distance - 0.7 Miles, Elevation Gain 200 ft. Uneven surfaces. Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park.

Crane Roosting Tour at Crex Meadows  Friday Oct. 20    4:30-7pm

Learn about sandhill crane ecology, then caravan through Crex Wildlife Refuge during sunset hours to watch thousands of cranes come to their nightly roost. Fundraiser for Bird Protection Fund. / Family Friendly. Nearest town: Grantsburg, Burnett Co. / Leaders: Lauren Finch  $33/adults; $23/Child Sponsor: WI Natural Resources Foundation Field Trips

Tips & Tricks to Mastering Waterfowl ID    Saturday October 21   9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Get to know the ducks, geese, and swans of the Mississippi River flyway. Learn tips and tricks for waterfowl identification in an indoor classroom, then venture to iconic Pools 8 and 9 on the Mississippi River to hone your skills during the peak of waterfowl migration. / Family Friendly Ages 12+ Nearest town: La Crosse, La Crosse Co. / Leaders: Brenda Kelly, Scott Kelly.  $18/adults; $8/child  Sponsor: WI Natural Resources Foundation Field Trips

Guided Forest Bathing Walk  Sunday October 29  1:00-3:00pm

Whitewater (MN) State Park. Join park naturalist and certified Nature & Forest Therapy Guide, Sara Holger, for our monthly forest bathing walk at Whitewater State Park. These gentle walks incorporate mindfulness activities and meet standards for the Walk with Ease program of the Arthritis Foundation. To sign up, email sara.holger@state.mn.us or call 507-312-2301. Sponsor: Whitewater (MN) State Park.

Hands-on Buckthorn Removal  Saturday November 4   10am -

Frontenac (MN) State Park. A hands-on lesson on removing buckthorn will be held at the park at 10 a.m. “Invasive Species Management: Buckthorn Removal” is a free, family-friendly event on removing that darned buckthorn from the wild – AND from your yard. Meet at park headquarters at 10 a.m., then we’ll hike to the work site. Please wear gloves, tear-resistant clothing and sturdy footwear. And if you own a lopper, bring it along. Sponsor: Frontenac State Park Association.

Be sure to check often with local hiking groups, universities, naturalist-interest groups, nature conservancies, nature centers and their Friends groups, state parks, US Fish and Wildlife centers and others in your area to see what is on offer to help you understand the natural world around you better.

Fall Hiking in the Driftless

It looks like the leaves can't wait to turn. That means it's time to share some of my favorite (and some that will become my faves based on spring and summer hiking!) blufftop hikes that bring you great views of autumn colors in the Driftless region. These favorites usually have fewer views of houses, big box stores and cities and more of bluffs, rivers and natural areas. There is also a list at the end of the post with additional bluff hikes that will be colorful in autumn. 

Great River Bluffs State Park   43605 Kipp Drive, Winona (off Hwy 90)

This leaf-peepers dream park has moderate trails to many amazing overlooks. These hikes during the fall color season are spectacular. Easy hikes to North and South Overlooks give sweeping views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs. East Overlook and ridge trail along the road to the campground is moderate for elevation gains has glimpses MN bluffs AND Mississippi views. The King's Bluff trails on the north side and Kern lookout off the walk-in campsites also have amazing views and easy trails. Park website. Family friendly.

Beaver Creek Valley State Park, 15954 County 1, Caledonia

Head up onto the rim trails - Hole in the Rock has expansive views of the west rim and northwestern rim; Steep Rock Trail and Switchback trails are both narrow and very steep but the views of the valley and park from the top of each are well worth the climbs. Park website

Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area, N. Buck Creek Road Ferryville

Head south on Hwy 35 until about 1 mile south of town and turn left on N. Buck Road. Drive up about a mile until you see a Mississippi Valley Conservancy kiosk on the left.

You start almost at the top of this beautiful mixed savannah/oak prairie and mixed hardwood trail (1.5 miles out and back) that leads out to a spectacular high view of the Mississippi River and MN/IA bluffs in full fall color. There are slight elevation gains on this grass and dirt trail. MVC website Family friendly.

Stoney Point Trail, Vetsch Park, 722 N. 2nd St, La Crescent, MN

Put on those serious hiking boots to scramble up to this iconic La Crescent Overlook. To reach Stoney, you get to hike a large part of the park's trails - always a good thing but you will be going steadily and sometimes steeply up. The views of nearby MN bluffs and Blue Lake as well as my city make this a special fall view and well worth the hike. Website

Apple Blossom Overlook Park, 33642 Cty Rd 1, La Crescent MN

This Winona Co park has a magnificent view of the Mississippi River, WI bluffs, the city of La Crosse, Lock and Dam 7 and the municipal airport. There are also a few outlooks to explore on this oak savannah and hardwood short 2 mile trail system. Be sure to head north after leaving the park on Apple Blossom Scenic Byway - it takes you along the blufftop for more fall color views all the way to Great River Bluffs State Park. Family friendly.

Mathy Quarry, N3065 Cty Road FA, La Crosse WI

The rim trails here give some clear views to the southeast portion on La Crosse County and the fall colors can be breathtaking from the numerous lookouts around the rim. This is easy hiking with a great autumn reward. Family friendly. MVC website

Perrot Park Brady's Bluff Trail, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI

The climb is worth the reward. Sweeping views up and down the Mississippi River and over to the MN bluffs covered in a riot of color are breathtaking. Park website

Buena Vista Overlook, on Buena Vista Rd off Cty Rd E, Alma, WI

You can drive up to the top to enjoy colorful views of MN bluffs and the Mississippi River and Alma's lock and dam or hike up from the town below and earn the view! Website

Frontenac State Park, 29223 Cty Rd 28 Blvd, Frontenac MN

Unbelievably wide views of Lake Pepin and the WI and MN bluffs are available at a number of lookouts near the rim parking area and trails connecting from there. Park website. Family friendly.

Mt Hosmer Park, 271 Main St, Lansing, IA

Drive up to the top of this city park and walk along the safety fence for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs in a riot of color. Walk along the quiet park road to see huge pines and beautiful views. There are also a few challenging trails with significant elevation gains. Rim walk - family friendly.

Magelssen Bluff, Magelssen, off Hwy 30 east and right on Magelssen Bluff Rd in Rushford MN

You can hike from the bottom to the top or simply drive to the top and gawk at the amazing fall leaf colorama of Rushford and points southeast to southwest at three lookouts. One lookout is just above the "Rushford " letters on the bluff's south slope. But do take time to hike some or all of this well-maintained trail system to enjoy the fall woods (access from the bottom, head to Oak Grove Cemetery in Rushford and park opposite the gate near the trailhead). Rim trails/lookouts are family friendly.

Well, you see I could go on! Suffice it to say that any blufftop hike will wow you. Check out this Big River Magazine article for the many, MANY overlooks on the Upper Mississippi River.

Additional hikes nearby in the Driftless that give you colorful fall views include:

Crown Blvd, La Crosse WI

Greens Coulee, Onalaska WI

Shelby Butterfly Trails, 3701 Old Vineyard Rd, La Crosse, WI 

Miller's Bluff, La Crosse WI

Easter Rd (Hass), La Crosse WI

Eagles Bluff Park, La Crescent MN

Grandad Bluff, La Crosse WI

If you don't see YOUR favorite autumn hike/outlook in the list or the Big River Magazine article, please share it in the comments. I love adding to the list and finding new places for some breath-taking leaf-peeping.

All images - Marge Loch-Wouters

Looking for more area hikes? Please stop by the web version of the blog and under the "Labels" tab on the right hand side of the blog, click on "find-a-hike". There are over 75 hike descriptions and lists of hikes to try!