Hiking

Wyalusing has more than 14 miles of hiking trails. Trails may vary in difficulty. Steep climbs or descents and stairways may be encountered. Use caution when on steep bluffs or near a cliff. Stay well away from cliffs which are not protected by a barricade or barrier. Stay behind barricades and barriers where provided and watch small children closely. Trail surfaces can become slippery when wet, leaf covered or where loose gravel is present.

Hiking trails

Bluff trail (0.9 miles)

A wooded trail high on the Wisconsin River bluffs offers some excellent scenery. A flight of stairs leads to Treasure Cave where the adventurous can explore a small limestone cavern.

Mississippi Ridge trail (1.8 miles)

Mississippi Ridge trail starts at Homestead Picnic Shelter (parking available), crosses Cathedral Tree Drive and runs parallel to it until Henneger Point Picnic Area. The trail follows the bluff along the Mississippi River, ending at Henneger Point Picnic Area. An excellent view of the Mississippi River is available from Henneger Point. Bicyclists are welcome to bike the return trip back to Homestead Picnic Shelter via Cathedral Tree Drive.

Old Wagon Road trail (0.8 miles)

Old Wagon trail was originally built to carry wagons from the bluff tops to Walnut Eddy. This heavily-wooded trail starts across the road from the basketball / tennis courts and ends at the Knob Picnic Shelter overlooking the Wisconsin River.

Sand Cave trail (1.6 miles)

Sand Cave trail travels past Big Sand Cave and Little Sand Cave. Both are washed out areas of limestone with small waterfalls. Black Thunder Point, located between the two caves offers an excellent view of the Wisconsin River.

Sentinel Ridge trail and Loop (1.6 miles)

Running from Point Lookout to the boat landing, this trail turns the corner from the Wisconsin River to the Mississippi River. Midway along the trail is the Passenger Pigeon Monument. A series of nature labels describing park history and Indian Mounds are found along the “loop” of Sentinel Ridge. This section of the trail is wide and level, providing access to the mobility impaired. The trail takes a steep drop down to the Mississippi River.

Sugar Maple Nature trail (1.5 mile loop)

A self-guided nature trail provides informational signs identifying various plants and giving ecological principles. A short side trail leads to Pictured Rock Cave which displays a small waterfall tumbling over a limestone outcropping.

Turkey Hollow trail (2.3 mile loop)

Rolling through open fields, brushlands, oak forests and a pine plantation, this trail is ideal for wildlife observation. Due to the wide range of plant life and varied topography, many species of plants and animals can be seen along the way, including the elusive turkey. Skiers can now access both ski trails from the same parking lot near the Astronomy Center. Due to several small hills, Turkey Hollow Ski trail offers a more challenging route for the experienced skier.

Walnut Springs trail (0.5 miles)

This trail connects the Astronomy Center to Sand Cave trail, running parallel to State Park Road. This connecting trail passes through grassland and the edge of a white pine plantation.

Whitetail Meadows trail (1.7 or 3.1 mile loop)

The Whitetail Meadows trail begins at the Huser Astronomy Center parking lot. Whitetail Meadows follows the boundary between woods and grassland. Whitetail Meadows trail is an excellent trail for the less experienced cross-country skier.