Hike Parfrey's Glen

Merrimac, Wisconsin

4.0/5

based on 6 reviews

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Added by Collin Enstad

Distance: 4 miles roundtrip (out-and-back). Elevation gain: 300 ft. Hike through the glen as cliffs rise around you.

Located next to the popular Devil's Lake State Park, Parfrey's Glen holds many of the same geographical features. Parfrey's Glen is unique, however, for the rock cliffs that tower over you on both sides as you make your way though the gorge.

The mile hike from the trailhead to the glen requires some nimble climbing to make it all the way through. The trail runs parallel to a small creek, and crosses it a couple of times. The trail continues past the glen, but eventually tapers off and is often very muddy.

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Reviews

Tanya Ciurro

Hike Parfrey's Glen

03/15/19

We love hiking this area anytime of the year. It's gorgeous and a fun hike that includes a mix of easy trails and climbing boulders.

5.0

Matt Johnson

Hike Parfrey's Glen

04/03/17

A short trip overall, Parfrey's Glen is still worth the stop. The hike back is fun and the scenery is something else. We went back in early spring before the greenery returned, I can't imagine how beautiful it'd be in the summer.

5.0

Kyle Heise

Hike Parfrey's Glen

09/30/16

If you are not afraid of the cold, and if you live in Wisconsin you probably aren't, Parfrey's Glen is a wonderful winter destination as well. I went in the middle of a snow storm once, I brought snowshoes but I only needed them until the path got rocky. This is also only a short drive away from Natural Bridge State Natural Area and Pewit's Nest, make your day worth it. P.S.- Saw some guys with RC trucks making tracks in the snow there, it was rad!

5.0

Flipst

Hike Parfrey's Glen

08/24/16

The gorge is beautiful. Climbed on top of boulders and walked in the stream to get to a little waterfall.

4.0

rex miller

Hike Parfrey's Glen

06/30/16

Not a lot here. Go to Devils Lake instead!!

1.0

Emily Otis

Hike Parfrey's Glen

03/20/16

This is such an easy walk. A paved walkway gives way to gravel, which turns into a trail that fans out to the gorge bed. I went today, chilly and not-quite spring so the waterfalls weren't flowing but getting into the gorge didn't require me to get my boots wet. I had the gorge to myself and can't imagine how crowded it will get in the summer but overall, a nice way to start the day.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike Parfrey's Glen

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike Potholes & CCC Trail Loop

Hike the Balanced Rock Trail at Devil's Lake

Hike the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area

Hike Gibraltar Rock

Hike the Perimeter of Devil's Lake

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