If you’ve ever driven north up I-90 toward Tomah, you’ve seen the gorgeous rock formations that dot the landscape. Most folks are familiar with Buckhorn and Mill Bluff State Parks, but in this area, there’s a spectacular and underappreciated State Natural Area just waiting for you to visit.

The Quincy Bluff and Wetlands State Natural Area is actually protected by the Nature Conservancy. There are more than 6,500 acres of beautiful land here that was shaped by ancient glaciers. The sandstone cliffs soar 200 feet above the wetlands below and are the remnants of the extinct Glacial Lake Wisconsin. This gorgeous spot combines history, spectacular views, and a diverse wildlife population. Hiking here is truly an unforgettable experience.

You’ll love hiking this amazing bluff and wetlands. It’s so rare to find both in such proximity and that’s what makes this an unforgettable hike.

Flickr/JoshuaMayer

The trail here is a 6.6-mile loop called the Lone Rock Trail. It’s considered moderate difficulty with a total of 121 feet of elevation gain.

Flickr/MaryFairchild

The panoramic views atop the cliffs are the big payoff here.

Flickr/joshuamayer

You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere because you won’t see any towns or civilization in the distance. It’ll be you and the noises of nature. With more popular state parks nearby, you’ll often find that you don’t even encounter other hikers while you’re here.

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The sandstone here is from the Cambrian Era, making it in the range of 500 million years old. This area was once a Glacial Lake.

Flickr/MaryFairchild

This starts as a forest walk. The vastly different types of landscape here make this spot home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including some rare species.

Flickr/JoshuaMayer

As you’re heading through the forest, suddenly these rocky bits will start to emerge.

AllTrails/RickDeLaPena

Gorgeous all year round, this is a hike that’s extra nice in the fall and winter. Without all the leaves on the trees, you’ll see much more ancient stone and get to see how these craggy cliffs emerge from the ground.

Flickr/MaryFairchild

The stunning cliffs seem to rise out of nowhere and the hike takes you right along them.

AllTrails/RickDeLaPena

The diverse biosystem here is what makes this place so special. You get to see so much different landscape in one natural area; it’s like a microcosm of Wisconsin geography and geology.

Flickr/JoshuaMayer

There’s something really beautiful about this area even in the barrenness of winter.

Flickr/JoshuaMayer

This is a longer hike, but it’s one that’s manageable for folks of many abilities. The payoffs make it worth spending a day exploring Quincy Bluff and Wetland.

Flickr/JoshuaMayer

Quincy Bluff and Wetlands State Natural Area is located off Hwy Z near Adams, Wisconsin. According to the DNR, here are the directions: From the intersection of Highways 13 and H just east of White Creek, go west on H 2.6 miles, then north on 16th Avenue 0.4 mile, then west on Evergreen Avenue 0.5 mile, then north on 16th Drive 2.4 miles to a parking area east of the road. Or from Highways 13 and H, go north on 13 5.9 miles, then west on Dyke Drive 1.4 miles, then north on 14th Drive 0.4 mile to a parking area west of the road. Old logging roads loop through the site. State Natural Area signs mark the parcels.

Flickr/JoshuaMayer

Flickr/MaryFairchild

Flickr/joshuamayer

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AllTrails/RickDeLaPena

Have you explored this awesome trail? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re looking for panoramic, sweeping views, check out this Wisconsin overlook that lets you see for miles.

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