Absolutely breathtaking hike. It is a relatively easy hike to take. There are many beautiful spots to take pictures if you are into photography, or just wade into the water. If you are in Baraboo and at Devils Lake, this is not to be missed. read more

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It's a great place to go hiking and to take a dip in the natural reserve water nestled between to rock cliffs where you can use the rope to swing into the warm flowing river water. It is a very cool place to check out and really was a great start to the trip. Also do not jump off the rocks into the water because there are rangers who watch that area and it is not allowed to jump off the cliffs. read more

Pewit's Nest State Natural Area - Start of trail - Parks Near Me - Baraboo, Wisconsin

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Had a beautfiul winter hike heat at Pewit's nest. Really was such an easy hike, a bit more challenging to get to the top view but that's just because of the snow. The creek was frozen over so getting to walk between the deep crevasses was gorgeous. Would be such a fun place to see without snow but as a winter hike it was great! read more

Scenery was great. The group that I was with was also amazing. I go back in a heartbeat.

I have been hiking the Nest for several years. It's gorgeous. It deserves 5 Stars, more than most trails. You hike along the crest of a very long very steep bluff-lined ravine, where a stream flows through stair-like gorges and falls. Unfortunately, some years ago, some folks were cliff jumping here, and things did not end well. So they put up a lot of signage to limit people from hiking too far back or too close to the edge. It definitely took a star away from my review, but it's definitely not the park or nature's fault, just human stupidity. To this day, it is still one of my favorite stops when venturing out to hike. The scenery reminds me a bit of Parfrey's Glenn, nearby, which is more of an ambitious/adventurous hike. So if you have experienced one and liked it, I recommend the other. read more

Pewit's Nest State Natural Area - Parks Near Me - Baraboo, Wisconsin

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This hiking location was so fun! Although it's a short walk to get the this swimming hole it was absolutely beautiful once we were in! The water wasn't to cold and the rock area was so beautiful! Can't wait to go back and explore more trails and adventure further! read more

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Most of the trails along the gorge are closed off. There was no way to see the waterfall. The parking has improved so there are around 20-30 spots. There is not a bathroom available. Short walk to the gorge where you can cool off. There is not a restroom in the area. This is an easy walk for kids but it isn't really worth the time. There were tons of teens playing music and having fun. It is more of a hangout for local teens. read more

Pewit's Nest is a gorgoues gorge state natural area (no pun intended). The hike back is pretty easy and the gorge is absolutely stunning. If you really want to experience it, wear a swimsuit and watersocks....it's best viewed from inside by hiking, climbing, swimming in the creek. Along the top, there are numerous trails. Be warned - it can be VERY dangerous! There are no railings and the rocks/soil can be slippery. If you screw around, there is a really good chance you will fall over the cliffs, down anywhere from 20 to 50+ feet, break numerous bones, if you don't outright die, and it will take ages to rescue you! So, wear your hiking shoes, bring a camera, bring some friends, and please, the soils here are very erodible, tread gently so we may all enjoy it! Hint: do NOT bring dogs. If they get off leash, they may very easily run right off the edge of a cliff. Much of the cliff edge is obscured from above - you can't see it from the trail, so if you crash through the brush, you'll suddenly realize you've run out of land, are standing in mid-air and you can't fly. OUCH! Hint: Hint: Driving directions (no street address) Access: From the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and County W in southwest Baraboo, go west and south on W 1.5 miles to a small parking area south of the road. read more

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Pewit's might be the quickest hike for a good reward. The Pewit's gorge is roughly a half mile from the parking lot but the trail east and down by the Skillet Creek adds to the visit. The funny thing about Pewit's is, you'd probably never guess something like this was back here. Surrounded by corn fields north and south of the gorge, the area is pretty condensed. Total trail time might be a 2-3 miles (less any trail pursued west of the gorge by the creek). The gorge itself is a thing of beauty..but it's just..small. The large rock formation that you see once you approach the creek isn't to be taken lightly. Bad footing or stupidity will send you over a cliff, so respect the area (and signage). I'm glad I ventured back but this park left me yearning for more. read more

Pewit's Nest State Natural Area - Parks Near Me - Baraboo, Wisconsin

We came here because many locals have been telling us how beautiful this place truly is. They were telling the truth. And it is free to the public..... Pictures don't do this place justice! There are trails to hike on that vary in difficulty levels. I will say you must be in good health and physical condition to come here. Trails have several stumps exposed and tree roots. There are cliffs and rock edges were people can fall and get hurt. I would reccomend you bring water shoes if you plan on swimming or walking down in the water. I highly reccomend any young children have life vests on. There was several deep spots. Beautiful place.... we are glad we came and both said we will be planning another trip back soon. Make sure to pack water on a hot day! read more

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Beautiful place. Easily the best swimming hole in Wisconsin - and it offers a unique geography that is extremely rare to find anywhere else in this state. I absolutely recommend checking it out. If you do, however, take some precaution. The locals are pretty butt-hurt about this place. They like to whine and moan about the increase in traffic and how it is "ruining" it. Yes - if you go on a weekend in the middle of summer, it will be pretty crowded. Frankly - I don't think the increase in people ruin the place. If anything, having a larger crowd makes it more fun. It's nice to sit by the waterfall and watch the dumb kids jump 20-30 feet off the cliff walls into the deep water below. It's also nice to have more people around so if you DO get hurt on accident (there are no railings near the cliffs), there are plenty of people around to call 911. I went on a scorching hot Sunday afternoon and there were a lot of folks there, but not enough to "ruin" it. If you want to go when there are fewer people, go during a weekday. I once went and practically had the whole thing to myself. However, if you do dive, take note: it is REALLY REALLY dangerous and actually illegal (if you are caught, it's a $600 fine). When we were there, some kid hit the rocks after diving and broke his leg pretty bad - fire rescue was called out and apparently it happens all of the time. I've never jumped off the cliffs and I still manage to have fun every time I go. So if you do go out there, be extremely careful. Don't do anything stupid. You can enjoy the place without jumping off the edge - no matter what your idiot friends are telling you. Also, be respectful of the land. A lot of people were smoking (cigarettes, pot), playing music, throwing trash around, and my sister was even attacked by someone's dog. Some redneck hippie chick brought her newborn baby to the place - stupid idea. Don't trespass on the nearby cornfield - be respectful. Don't litter. Don't throw your cigarette butts in the water. Don't bring glass beer bottles. Just be nice - you may think you're cool by getting plastered and jumping off the dangerous cliffs, but you're actually NOT. Also, be warned. Baraboo has a pretty unfriendly way of deterring tourism from their town. If you park along the road, or even park anywhere that is NOT the parking lot (which only holds 7-8 cars), you will be towed. It's $200-$350 towing bill depending on the towing company. Apparently, as of two weeks ago, they didn't enforce the parking laws that often. It was only a $10 ticket and they never towed anyone. Now they tow cars left and right. Jerks. Anyway - have fun! Be safe! And for the love of Pete, don't litter. Channel your inner tree-hugger and leave only footsteps. read more

Pewit's Nest is one of my favorite hidden gems in this part of the state. It's unassuming from the road - and with the Dells close by, why bother hiking back to see a tiny gorge and stream? Trust me; it's worth it. From Hwy 12 & Cty W in southwest Baraboo, go southwest on Cty W about 1.5 miles. There will be a small parking area south of the road. On busy days, people will park along the road. Do so with caution; you may get ticketed. The hike back from the road usually takes me anywhere from 45-60 minutes (more, if I'm feeling *super*-leisurely.) Now, some caveats: RESPECT MA NATURE. As others have noted, there are no railings, and the wet and mossy rocks get VERY slippery. Some of the best viewing areas are from INSIDE the creek, so if you don't mind getting wet, you're golden. (Or, if you're feeling adventurous, wait until winter and the water has frozen over enough to walk on!) Also, when hiking the trails along the top of the gorge, WATCH WHERE YOU PUT YOUR FEET. It's VERY easy to take a nasty fall, and no one likes taking a 50 foot swan dive they weren't expecting. Don't let these things scare you away from visiting though; it's really just about paying attention to what you're doing to make sure you can *enjoy* yourself and not *injure* yourself. Enjoy! read more

I was here once as a kid and I didn't remember much about it. It's crazy what a narrow strip of land this really is surrounding the stream, but that narrow strip is some beautiful scenery, that's for sure. It's just crazy though how closely it's hugged by huge open corn fields. Most people might shy away from this sort of place in the Winter, but I wanted to walk out on the ice and see some of the falls up close and personally. Once that ice is thick enough to walk on you can get a perspective that you just can't get for the rest of the year. The standard hike is pretty short. This can easily be less than 45 minutes killed if you wanted it to be. Since the ice gave us access to the other side of the stream (otherwise you'd have to hop rock to rock, not un-doable but you'll get wet) we decided to explore the side of the area that's less traveled. It's a little treacherous (bring a walking stick) and you'll be hugging private property (and a barbed wire fence) most of the way, but you'll get a perspective most don't see. I particularly like the tree whose giant root system crawls down the side of the cliff like a huge snake. read more

This is a cool little stop. Very glad to see that it has been preserved for future generations. There is just not much to do except stop and see the beautiful water scene and then head out. Not something to go out of your way for, but if you are in the area, definitely worth stopping by. read more

Such a gorgeous place to explore and play. Hike, climb, multi terrain and water streams what could be better!

Very pretty place to see if you are looking for a short walk which is easy access for small kids or elderly! A very tranquil place and a much easier walk and less busy then Devils lake which is much larger but more difficult to navigate with older family members. read more

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Unfortunately there are "area closed" signs all over the place here. The cliff jumping is technically off limits as you are not supposed to go passed the point to get there. Wear bathing suits and take flip flops or shoes that can get wet and you can wade back a ways to see the bluffs better. Disappointed at the closure of the trail. read more

WARNING! Don't visit Pewit's Nest if you intend to swim or cliff dive there. It is now illegal to climb on the cliffs and jump into the water (many injuries reported) and will net you a $172 fine from the DNR if caught. A large portion of the property is closed, and entering into the closed zone will also warrant a fine. This place has been long-abused by the public. A short trail leads to a scenic spot or two, but there are no long hikes available here. Move on to nearby Devil's Lake State Park or Parfrey's Glen for better hiking opportunities and equally nice scenery. read more

quick, easy, beautiful - only potential downside are the people you're sharing the relatively small space with. Our peaceful natural beauty was somewhat spoiled by a couple of loud groups. read more