Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Day Four Of Our Wisconsin Staycation: Wyalusing State Park

Like many people this year, due to Covid we had to cancel our big vacation plans and take smaller ones closer to home.  One of the things we did was take a "Staycation" in our home state of Wisconsin.  Most of our activities involved just a day trip (see these posts HERE and HERE) but we also did one overnight trip so we could go kayaking on the Kickapoo River, and then visit Wyalusing State Park the next morning. 


Wyalusing State Park is one of Wisconsin's oldest state parks.  It encompasses 2700 acres with amazing overlooks of the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers. It has 14 miles of hiking trails, and we had plans to hike a lot of those trails, but it ended up being such a hot and humid day we were quite miserable.  So, we hiked only one loop and called it good, planning to come back in the fall when it is cooler to see the colors.  It ended up being a good thing we left early because we had to take quite a long detour home as a major road was closed.


After looking at a map, we decided to do a loop and take the Old Wagon Road Trail to Bluff Trail, and then back to the parking lot.

Wyalusing is located on the very bottom west of our state.  We are rarely in this area, so we really wanted to make it a point to see this park.  It's a shame we couldn't stay longer to explore.

The Old Wagon Trail was originally built to carry wagons from the bluff tops to Walnut Eddy.  It is a very forested trail.  Most of the trail looks like the top two pictures.  We did cross a little stream at one point, and when you near the end of the trail you are actually walking along the side of the bluff and can see pretty views like this through the trees.  I would imagine in the fall/winter when the tree foliage is gone, the scenic views will be much more grand.


Once we neared the end of the Old Wagon Road Trail we hooked into the Bluff Trail, which was an absolutely incredible experience.  It's a series of steps surrounding massive rocks leading to a small cave and another scenic view.

Most of this trail is fenced off for safety.



As always, my eye was drawn to all the moss covered rocks and ferns growing everywhere.



It's always fun to see how far you've climbed.


This little space between the rocks is part of the trail.  What a fun place to explore!



Here is hubby on the other side.


This steep staircase leads to "Treasure Cave" a small limestone cave.


I was a little nervous getting too close to the cave fearing bats would suddenly fly out.


Coming down the staircase was a little more difficult than climbing up.  Hubby suggested I turn around and climb down as if I were on a ladder.  That worked much better!

This little side excursion off the trail is called "The Knob".  It suddenly comes to a complete stop, so we had to turn around back the way we came.



At the end of Bluff Trail is another scenic overlook.  Picture time!


If you're wondering what that is around my neck, it's a waterproof IPhone case.  I used it the day before kayaking, and actually found it quite handy for hiking because I didn't have to hold my phone the whole time.  


Because we were so hot and dripping wet from the heat and humidity, we decided not to hike anymore trails.  We did however drive through the park to check out their campsites (which are amazing, because they are high on top of a bluff, so all the campers have amazing views) and the boat landing.


People fish off this pier, but most people come here to get their boats, kayaks, and canoes in the water.  Wyalusing State Park actually has a six mile canoe trail that takes you through the Mississippi backwaters to the main channel.  You can rent canoes at the park concession stand.



And that concludes our Wisconsin Staycation!  We do have other plans this summer/fall, so you will be seeing more travel posts soon!

Have A Great Day!  Amy

Linking Up with these Fabulous Blogs HERE!
 

46 comments:

  1. Fantastic pictures of a beautiful trail, Amy. I also had fun calling up a map of Wisconsin and checking it out. Really exotic for myself sitting here in a little home officer outside Dublin, Ireland! #MLSTL

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    1. Oh, Ireland! I've seen so many beautiful photos of Ireland. You live in a gorgeous area. Isn't it wonderful how we can explore the world via a computer screen now?

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  2. Beautiful! I love seeing hiking places in other states! I just discovered another place close to Atlanta that I need to check out.
    www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

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    1. Thank you. We're always looking for new places to hike too.

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  3. Amazing view! I realy love it

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  4. That is such an amazing place.

    Ann
    https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/

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  5. What a beautiful park; I bet the views and colors are fantastic in the fall. I have that same waterproof phone case and use it often for hiking but started taking it with us hiking too since it is so handy not to have to hold my phone.

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    1. It is. Hopefully we'll get back to see it in the fall. How interesting that you have the same case. I find it more handy that wearing a fanny pack.

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  6. Wow! You got a workout on this hike. Looks like a wonderful place.

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  7. Hi, Amy - I agree that Staycations offer heaps of benefits. Thank you for taking us to Wyalusing State Park. Whenever I read about a trail like this I always want to be teleported there. I wish that that could happen!
    I look forward to your upcoming travel posts. #MLSTL

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    Replies
    1. Yes, they do. Oh, I've often wished I could teleport too. Wouldn't that be awesome?

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  8. That's so smart to go down those stairs backwards!! They were SO steep.
    XOOX
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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  9. Hola Amy!!
    Que hermosos paisajes; me gustaron los senderos; los pasadizos atraves de las rocas increibles debe ser cansador pero para observar esos lugares maravillosos vale la pena la caminata.
    Un placer conocer tu blog y porsupuesto que te sigo.
    Besos!!

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  10. It all looks lovely - but man there are a LOT of stairs and slopes! No wonder you were hot and humid doing it all. It still sounds like a lovely staycation for you though. #MLSTL

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    1. Yes, if you want to see great views you have to be prepared to climb.

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  11. How lovely and green it all looks. Envying your heat and humidity at the moment! #mlstl

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    1. It sure is. We got a lot of rain this year. The heat and humidity is gone. It'll be in the 70's all week. It's so odd that it arrived early in the summer and leaves in August when it's traditionally suppose to be the hottest.

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  12. You found some wonderful scenery and a terrific place to explore!

    It's awesome to see you at 'My Corner of the World' this week!! Thanks for linking up.

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  13. It certainly is. I hope you find someplace to walk well where you live.

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  14. Looks so lush and green - we love local staycations too!
    Wren x

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  15. All of that cool, refreshing green! I love the moss and ferns, too. Once took bark with moss on it into school because my desert-dwelling students didn't know what moss was. Ha!
    Beautiful park, lovely walks. Great photos.

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    1. Yes it is! You have such a different landscape than we do, but I love yours too.

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  16. Such a beautiful and lovely place. Looks so wonderful.

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  17. Oh this looks like a great staycation! Sadly I will not be going to Paris this year for FW. I am going to sorely miss this...

    Allie of
    www.allienyc.com

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    1. It was. We made the best of a bad situation. So sorry you won't be able to take your trip.

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  18. Wow.. that looks incredible. I love cave and interesting rock formations.

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    1. It was an incredible experience. Thanks for visiting.

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  19. Hello, this is one of my favorites for Encouraging Hearts and Home, this week! Stop by and say hello, also this post has been pinned!

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  20. Wow Love this location Thanks a lot for sharing this article I must visit it one day xoxo Cris

    http://www.photosbycris.com.au/?p=8672

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    1. Yes, you certainly must. I hope you can see it yourself one day.

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  21. Nature and view in that national park are stunning. I'm sure that you have a great time there and enjoy so much.

    New Post - https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2020/07/biotherm-biomains-age-delaying-hand-and.html

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  22. The photos are all amazing, such a beautiful park!

    xoxo
    Lovely

    http://mynameislovely.com

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  23. It looks beautiful, what great views and a nice trail to walk! :)


    Hope that you are having a lovely weekend :)

    Away From Blue

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