magnolia bluff county park - evansville, wi
If you're looking for a handsome bluff view, you can find one (two, even) at Magnolia Bluff County Park, in Rock County. This 120 acre park, just south of Evansville, features hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and stunning views for all. Located in the hilly western upland region of Rock County, the park features beautiful rock outcroppings and vistas.
From the western bluff (the best view when the trees are in leaf), the second highest point in the county, you can view distant farms and fields of green, and on a clear day, straight on into Green County. It's a prime spot for sunset views, too. The bluff is at the center of a scenic ADA trail, with an easy access parking lot. A picnic area is adjacent to the parking lot.
In partnership with the DNR, as of 2011, portions of this park have been designated State Natural Areas. These areas support old growth native trees, and important native plant species such as: Ebony Spleenwort, Smooth Cliffbrake, Rusty Woodsia, and Huckleberry, to name a few.
There are several marked trails. A split between hiking trails and bridle trails. Some combined, some not. To reach the eastern bluff lookout, you can follow a combination of the hiking and bridle trails. We did a mix, starting with the ADA trails at the western bluff, on to the eastern bluff, and back to the parking lot. It was just over two miles. Difficulty was moderate, and the path was gorgeously green as the trees have leafed out, and wildflowers dot the landscape. Songbirds were plentiful, and Turkey Vultures circled the skies above the canopy of trees.
For equestrians, there is a designated parking area for horse trailers, with direct access to the beginning of bridle trails. Cross-country skiing is permitted in winter months along the hiking trail.
For the heartier hiker, there are two trails that lead up to the western bluff from the lower picnic area parking lot (near the restrooms). The path on the left includes some steep rocky outcrops. Too much for my bad knees to handle, but if you like climbing, it offers a unique view of the cliffs overhead. The path to the far left, near the water pump shelter, leads in part to the pond, and then up the hill as a multi-use trail, with spin-offs to the western bluff, and on to the eastern bluff. Plenty of options.
The park is open daily, from dawn to dusk. Multiple restrooms are available near each parking lot and picnic area. Dogs are permitted on the trails, however, they must remain on-leash at all times. Please remain on the trails, and do not disturb the State Natural Areas where designated. There are no park fees.
Location: 4002 North Croak Road, Evansville, WI (Rock County)
For more information, click here. Trail map here and here.
From the western bluff (the best view when the trees are in leaf), the second highest point in the county, you can view distant farms and fields of green, and on a clear day, straight on into Green County. It's a prime spot for sunset views, too. The bluff is at the center of a scenic ADA trail, with an easy access parking lot. A picnic area is adjacent to the parking lot.
In partnership with the DNR, as of 2011, portions of this park have been designated State Natural Areas. These areas support old growth native trees, and important native plant species such as: Ebony Spleenwort, Smooth Cliffbrake, Rusty Woodsia, and Huckleberry, to name a few.
There are several marked trails. A split between hiking trails and bridle trails. Some combined, some not. To reach the eastern bluff lookout, you can follow a combination of the hiking and bridle trails. We did a mix, starting with the ADA trails at the western bluff, on to the eastern bluff, and back to the parking lot. It was just over two miles. Difficulty was moderate, and the path was gorgeously green as the trees have leafed out, and wildflowers dot the landscape. Songbirds were plentiful, and Turkey Vultures circled the skies above the canopy of trees.
For equestrians, there is a designated parking area for horse trailers, with direct access to the beginning of bridle trails. Cross-country skiing is permitted in winter months along the hiking trail.
For the heartier hiker, there are two trails that lead up to the western bluff from the lower picnic area parking lot (near the restrooms). The path on the left includes some steep rocky outcrops. Too much for my bad knees to handle, but if you like climbing, it offers a unique view of the cliffs overhead. The path to the far left, near the water pump shelter, leads in part to the pond, and then up the hill as a multi-use trail, with spin-offs to the western bluff, and on to the eastern bluff. Plenty of options.
The park is open daily, from dawn to dusk. Multiple restrooms are available near each parking lot and picnic area. Dogs are permitted on the trails, however, they must remain on-leash at all times. Please remain on the trails, and do not disturb the State Natural Areas where designated. There are no park fees.
Location: 4002 North Croak Road, Evansville, WI (Rock County)
For more information, click here. Trail map here and here.
All photos, blog posts, and content are copyright (c) 2014-2023 Kimberly Mackowski, unless otherwise noted. |
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