Stony Ridge Nature Trail - Eagle, WI
The smaller trails located at Kettle Moraine Forest Visitor Centers can often be overlooked. They may not be long, or particularly challenging trails, but I find they can be quite rewarding. Consider them samplers, of sorts, of the surrounding terrain, and the longer trails in the system.
The Stony Ridge Nature Trail, at the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest Headquarters, is one such trail. It is short in stature, but not short in scenery. It might be a short workout, about a half-mile in and out, but it's a good hilly workout.
The trail begins in front of the headquarters building, and loops around behind it and up the hill. There are educational signs along the trail, giving some natural history of the landscape. Once at the top of the hill there is an Oak Savanna trail to the left. If you're looking for a longer hike, it's worth the turn. Keep in mind that it can be very steep in spots, and if muddy or icy, it can be slippery. I found myself wishing I had brought my walking stick along. Fortunately, it wasn't so muddy that I ended up falling down. Phew! There are a few fallen trees across the trail as well. I'm not sure if those will be removed at some point. I didn't have much trouble getting over or around them, though.
If you prefer to skip the Oak Savanna trail, just keep following the Stony Ridge trail to the right. The end of the trail is just a short ways ahead, and it offers a great view of some very old, and statuesque, oak trees before you turnaround. Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Northern Flickers, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers can be heard throughout the woods, and seen flying overhead. No doubt this is a good bird watching spot come spring and summer. When you turn to head back down the trail, take a look at the ponds/wetlands below, behind the visitor center. There's a great view of them from atop the hill.
The Ice Age Trail also passes through the grounds at headquarters, so if you're looking for a little longer hike, you can hike a portion of that, then circle back as well.
Of course, don't forget to stop in at the visitor center when open. They have a wide assortment of free brochures and trail map guides available, as well as a the Trading Post Gift Shop, and a nature museum. Restrooms are available, too.
Fees: Wisconsin State Park sticker required (and can be purchased here)
Hours: Trails open daily, 6 am to 11 pm
Office/Visitor Center Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 am to 4 pm; Sunday 11 am to 4 pm
Pets are NOT allowed on the Stony Ridge Nature Trail
Location: S91W39091 WI-59, Eagle, WI (Waukesha County)
For more information, click here.
The Stony Ridge Nature Trail, at the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest Headquarters, is one such trail. It is short in stature, but not short in scenery. It might be a short workout, about a half-mile in and out, but it's a good hilly workout.
The trail begins in front of the headquarters building, and loops around behind it and up the hill. There are educational signs along the trail, giving some natural history of the landscape. Once at the top of the hill there is an Oak Savanna trail to the left. If you're looking for a longer hike, it's worth the turn. Keep in mind that it can be very steep in spots, and if muddy or icy, it can be slippery. I found myself wishing I had brought my walking stick along. Fortunately, it wasn't so muddy that I ended up falling down. Phew! There are a few fallen trees across the trail as well. I'm not sure if those will be removed at some point. I didn't have much trouble getting over or around them, though.
If you prefer to skip the Oak Savanna trail, just keep following the Stony Ridge trail to the right. The end of the trail is just a short ways ahead, and it offers a great view of some very old, and statuesque, oak trees before you turnaround. Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Northern Flickers, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers can be heard throughout the woods, and seen flying overhead. No doubt this is a good bird watching spot come spring and summer. When you turn to head back down the trail, take a look at the ponds/wetlands below, behind the visitor center. There's a great view of them from atop the hill.
The Ice Age Trail also passes through the grounds at headquarters, so if you're looking for a little longer hike, you can hike a portion of that, then circle back as well.
Of course, don't forget to stop in at the visitor center when open. They have a wide assortment of free brochures and trail map guides available, as well as a the Trading Post Gift Shop, and a nature museum. Restrooms are available, too.
Fees: Wisconsin State Park sticker required (and can be purchased here)
Hours: Trails open daily, 6 am to 11 pm
Office/Visitor Center Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 am to 4 pm; Sunday 11 am to 4 pm
Pets are NOT allowed on the Stony Ridge Nature Trail
Location: S91W39091 WI-59, Eagle, WI (Waukesha County)
For more information, click here.
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