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Devil's Punchbowl Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 739 Google reviews · Running trail in Menomonie, Wisconsin · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Devil's Punchbowl Preserve yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Serene, tranquil nature preserve featuring a 45-foot waterfall and a rock amphitheater.
What runners say about Devil's Punchbowl Preserve
“The steps take you down into the bowl where you'll be surrounded by beautiful rock ledges and lush forest.”
Stopped Labor Day weekend 2024. What a great place to visit! You only need a half hour to see everything, but could easily spend more time enjoying the area. There are probably about a dozen spots in the gravel parking lot right off the road. No restrooms. There are two paths just steps from the parking lot.
If you want to be wowed by amazing nature, this may not be it. But it is a quick win as you don't have to walk far to get to it. Take the left trail to get to the bottom (right trail goes to the top). Stairs are in great shape. We counted 87 steps so it is a little work going back up.
Really cool but short walk. It has a short "scenic" over look trail around top or you can get right to it by heading straight down. It does have stairs no matter which direction you go. From parking straight trail goes down, trail on right is top view. Not a ton of parking so could be crowded on a busy day.
Very cool place to stop. Short walk to the bottom of the falls. The tunnel is fun to walk through as well. It was nice to be able to walk on the ice and get a closer look, too.
Trail conditions & character
“The steps take you down into the bowl where you'll be surrounded by beautiful rock ledges and lush forest.”
“There are probably about a dozen spots in the gravel parking lot right off the road.”
“No restrooms or seating areas other than one rogue bench on the trail that only takes you to a barbwired gate ending the short trail.”
Plan your run at Devil's Punchbowl Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitelandmarkwi.org
- Phone(715) 235-8850
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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