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Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,559 Google reviews · Running trail in Merrimac, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Parfrey's Glen 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.
Sandstone gorge with mossy walls & a creek leading to a waterfall, popular for for shady hikes.
What runners say about Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area
“The main trail has beautiful, cliff sides that eventually leads to a waterfall.”
“As we made our way back, the rain began again, softly drumming on the canopy above.”
“The first half of that trail is certainly beginner friendly until you get to the part where the trail is not maintained.”
It was a beautiful day for a hike. We started on the Ice Age Trail, which was a good warm up. Quite the elevation increase. We turned around after a mile or two. Then we walked on the Parfrey trail to the waterfall. The part of the trail that is maintained was pretty easy.
Such a pretty spot to hike! The trail is really nice. Would recommend some water friendly shoes or hiking boots for the last bit of the hike. You will be going through lots of rocky/watery areas so keep that in mind! The waterfall at the end is definitely worth the hike! Took us about an hour to go in and back.
This was our experience at this mystical Place. In the early morning light, we rose from our cozy haven, drawn by the promise of Parfrey’s Glen - a place whispered about through the trees, where the forest breathes in tranquility and the earth holds ancient secrets in its moss-covered stones.
This is one of our favorite hikes in the area. The official trail is not very long and is not very difficult. You hike alongside a stream for a little ways. Once the official trail ends, many people continue hiking back up in the gorge to get to a small waterfall.
Trail conditions & character
“It took us around 3 hours to finish this hike, with the kids spending most of the time having fun in the stream and waterfall.”
“Great hidden spot to visit, the earlier the better as the parking lot fills up fast.”
“Lastly, Rest now Josh, as of today you've become a part of the stream and hills.”
“I brought my dog here in the hopes of finding someplace silent to be by a waterfall and stop overthinking for an hour or so.”
“It’s muddy and slippery in some places, so please watch your step, and as always on any hike, carry a backpack with plenty of water and snacks.”
“As we made our way back, the rain began again, softly drumming on the canopy above.”
“Bathrooms at the beginning of the trail, parking lot to park at.”
Plan your run at Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitednr.wisconsin.gov
- Phone(608) 266-2621
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Merrimac
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
East Bluff State Natural Area
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South Bluff / Devil's Nose State Natural Area
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Lower Narrows State Natural Area
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