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Lower Narrows State Natural Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 85 Google reviews · Running trail in Baraboo, Wisconsin · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Lower Narrows State Natural Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Former quarry that's now a nature preserve with hiking and opportunities to observe wildlife.
What runners say about Lower Narrows State Natural Area
“North side of bluff has long scenic views also but filtered through trees.”
Small parking area off of Man Mound Road. Go around a steel gate and follow the minimally maintained paths. The right fork leads to the base of the abandoned quarry, the left fork takes you straight up the flank of the bluff to the top. There are several side trails leading to good views on the way up.
I love all nature preserves. I'm glad I made a quick stop to see this one. After reading other reviews about the trail, I felt confused about the trail when I initially chose the route that went straight at the first intersection. It seems it just leads to a view of the front of bluffs.
Fantastic views and not a bad little place to hike. Well kicked in goat path on the west side of the bluff will take you up the bluff with side paths out to the 'steps' on the cliffs. For a more adventurous ascent you can also make your way up the east side of the bluff as well.
A short walk on the path from the sizeable parking area takes you to the base of an attractive quarry. A branch path to the left takes you up onto the ledges which is a climb that's very worthwhile. The photos are from mid-May.
Trail conditions & character
“Climbing up the path, it was steep with a lot of loose rocks and fallen leaves, the views were spectacular well worth the effort.”
“Climbing up the path, it was steep with a lot of loose rocks and fallen leaves, the views were spectacular well worth the effort.”
“A short walk on the path from the sizeable parking area takes you to the base of an attractive quarry.”
“We took the tree-lined goat path up the side of the cliff.”
“Decently muddy during the wet seasons, even at the top.”
Plan your run at Lower Narrows State Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitednr.wisconsin.gov
- Phone(888) 936-7463
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Baraboo
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Riverwalk Park
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Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area
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Baraboo's Riverwalk
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Shaded area for strolling and bike riding with views of the river.
East Bluff Trailhead
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Hiking area featuring trails with views of a lake, some that are kid-friendly.