Things to Do in Dells Of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area

The Dells Of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area is a protected region in Wisconsin, featuring a 5-mile gorge along the Wisconsin River. It is known for its Cambrian sandstone cliffs, some over 100 feet high, and diverse ecosystems including oak/pine forests and savannas. The area supports rare plant and animal species.

The Dells Of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, and touring cycling. Hiking is a primary activity, with trails providing access to unique geological features. The broader Wisconsin Dells region also provides options for jogging and touring cycling.

The Chapel Gorge Trail is a popular 1.5-mile (2.4 km) loop on the east side of the Wisconsin River, leading to a shoreline beach with rock outcrops. On the west side, the Cambrian Overlook offers vistas of the Upper Dells and the Palisades cliffs. More information can be found in the Hiking in Dells Of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area guide.

Yes, the Chapel Gorge trail provides an easy 2-mile (3.2 km) loop through hardwood and Norway pine forest, leading to a secluded natural beach. Other trails, such as old maintenance lanes, may also offer accessible hiking options. For more details, consult the Easy hikes in Dells Of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area guide.

The Chapel Gorge Trail is suitable for families, offering an easy loop through diverse forest to a natural beach. The area's trails provide opportunities for various skill levels. Further information on suitable routes is available in the Family-friendly hikes in Dells Of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area guide.

The natural area is renowned for its spectacular 5-mile (8 km) gorge along the Wisconsin River, featuring cliffs and tributary canyons carved into Cambrian sandstone. These formations, some over 100 feet (30 meters) high, were shaped by centuries of water and wind erosion. The Cambrian Overlook provides views of these formations.

While the State Natural Area primarily features hiking trails, some old maintenance lanes are open for recreational use. The broader Wisconsin Dells area offers paved surfaces and accessible paths suitable for jogging. Refer to the Running Trails in Dells Of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area guide for more information.

Dedicated touring cycling routes are not explicitly detailed within the State Natural Area itself, though some old maintenance lanes may be open for various recreational activities. The wider Wisconsin Dells region offers biking trails, including paved or crushed stone surfaces. The Traffic-free bike rides in Dells Of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area guide provides options.

There is 1 route available on komoot for Dells Of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area. This route has an average rating of 4.62 out of 5 stars, based on feedback from more than 200 visitors.

Komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Dells Of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area, Easy hikes, Family-friendly hikes, Running Trails, and Traffic-free bike rides.

The Dells Of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Official information can be found on their website. For general inquiries, the Wisconsin DNR customer service line is 1-888-936-7463, or the Friendship DNR office can be reached at 608-339-3385.