Home › Wisconsin › Baraboo › Pewit's Nest
Pewit's Nest
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,131 Google reviews · Running trail in Baraboo, Wisconsin · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pewit's Nest'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.
Popular for scenic hiking, this picturesque outdoor preserve features a glacier-carved gorge.
What runners say about Pewit's Nest
“The upper trail doesn't award great views - maybe they're better before the vegetation fills in.”
An out and back hike clocking in at less than 1 mile total. Veer right at the fork to see the main waterfall. You need to wade into the water a little to get a glimpse. If you're daring, you can swim right up to it but its a bit chilly.
Well upkeep with free admission. Lots of green with sand/gravel paths. Only one hill and maybe handicap and child stroller friendly if you don’t do the hill. Deep and shallow water with great picture opportunity. Great place if you are looking for a place for sights rather than hikes.
Short and nice hike. The parking is very limited for around 15 cars at most. We went there early in the morning, so parking was not an issue. Most of the area is fenced off because people cannot enjoy the beauty of nature without destroying it.
I’m not sure I understand the point of this place - in summer I would have waded in to see the waterfalls in the canyon but this time of year the air and water were too cold. We followed the paths that lead NOWHERE except into a corn field.
Trail conditions & character
“I’m not sure I understand the point of this place - in summer I would have waded in to see the waterfalls in the canyon but this time of year the air and water were too cold.”
“Surprised by the $13 parking fee that wasn’t advertised anywhere I looked when I found this place online, but other than that, it was lovely.”
“Only one hill and maybe handicap and child stroller friendly if you don’t do the hill.”
“Lots of green with sand/gravel paths.”
“That is why there are no public restroom facilities.”
“Only one hill and maybe handicap and child stroller friendly if you don’t do the hill.”
Plan your run at Pewit's Nest
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitednr.wisconsin.gov
- Phone(608) 266-0394
- 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 Baraboo
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Baraboo's Riverwalk
4.8 ★★★★★ 37 reviews
Shaded area for strolling and bike riding with views of the river.
Riverwalk Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
Park with picnic tables and benches offering scenic views, good for kids.
East Bluff Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 54 reviews
Hiking area featuring trails with views of a lake, some that are kid-friendly.
