Lower Narrows
No. 533
Photo by Thomas A. Meyer/DNR
Lower Narrows SNA features a very scenic and unique geological feature of the Baraboo Range and is an important educational tool that helps explain the glacial history of the area. About 900 feet wide and 230 feet high, the Narrows represents a historic break in the Baraboo Range through which the Baraboo River now flows. Historically, The Narrows were probably cut by a preglacial river before the last ice age some 12,000 years ago. Although most of the gorge is Precambrian Baraboo quartzite, part of the bluff is composed of rhyolite, and here one can see the vertical stratification in the Baraboo quartzite and also see the underlying volcanic rhyolite.
The area is quite scenic and supports several rare and uncommon species including maidenhair spleenwort and eastern prickly-pear cactus. Along the west flank of the Narrows is a southern dry-mesic forest dominated by red oak, white oak, and basswood. The ground flora contains numerous showy spring-blooming wildflowers including Dutchman's-breeches, rue anemone, wild geranium, bloodroot, shooting star, and large-flowered bellwort. Other species include the common ninebark, red elder, wild columbine, maidenhair fern, white baneberry, and black snakeroot. Lower Narrows is owned by the Wisconsin DNR and was designated a State Natural Area in 2006.
Very few State Natural Areas have public facilities, but nearly all are open for a variety of recreational activities as indicated below. Generally, there are no picnic areas, restrooms, or other developments. Parking lots or designated parking areas are noted on individual SNA pages and maps. If a developed trail is present, it will normally be noted on the SNA map and/or under the Maps tab. A compass and topographic map or a GPS unit are useful tools for exploring larger, isolated SNAs.
The good majority of SNAs are isolated and have few or no facilities. Some SNAs have vehicle access lanes or parking lots, but their accessibility may vary depending on weather conditions. Parking lots and lanes are not plowed during winter. Hiking trails may be nonexistent or consist of undeveloped footpaths. A GPS unit or compass and a detailed topographic map are useful tools for exploring larger SNAs.
Entrance fees: Except for Parfrey's Glen, the Cambrian Outlook in the Dells of the Wisconsin River, SNAs within State Parks and some within State Forests, all other DNR-owned SNAs do not have any admission fees. For more information, see Wis. Admin. Code NR 45 [exit DNR]. For non-DNR-owned SNAs, we are unaware of any vehicle or admission fees. However, please contact the landowner for more information.
Allowable activities: DNR-owned land
The activities listed below are generally allowed on all DNR-owned SNA lands. Exceptions to this list of public uses, such as SNAs closed to hunting, are noted above and posted with signs on the property site.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Cross country skiing
- Hunting
- Trapping
- Scientific research (permit required [PDF])
- Outdoor education
- Wild edibles (What is this?)
- Pets (Rules)
- Wildlife viewing
Prohibited activities: all SNAs
Although a handful of sites allow activities like primitive camping (e.g. Lower Chippewa River on sand bars) or horseback riding (e.g. S. Kettle Moraine), the activities listed below are generally prohibited on DNR-owned SNAs.
- Camping and campfires
- Collecting of animals (other than legally harvested species), non-edible fungi, rocks, minerals, fossils, archaeological artifacts, soil, downed wood, or any other natural material, alive or dead.
- Collecting for scientific research requires a permit issued by the DNR
- Collecting of plants including seeds, roots or other non-edible parts of herbaceous plants such as wildflowers or grasses
- Drones: Flying-related activities, including the use of drones, hang-gliders and model airplanes, are prohibited. Permission may be issued by the SNA Program for the use of drones for educational or research purposes
- Geocaching
- Horseback riding
- Rock climbing
- Vehicles, including bicycles, ATVs, aircraft, and snowmobiles except on trails and roadways designated for their use.
For rules governing state-owned SNAs and other state lands, please consult Chapter NR 45 Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR].
Location
Sauk County. T12N-R7E, Section 26. 146 acres.
Driving directions
From the intersection of Highway 33 and County T in Baraboo, go east on 33 for 4 miles, then go west on Man Mound Road for 0.1 miles to a pull-off east of the road (into the old quarry).
The DNR's state natural areas program is comprised of lands owned by the state, private conservation organizations, municipalities, other governmental agencies, educational institutions and private individuals. While the majority of SNAs are open to the public, access may vary according to individual ownership policies. Public use restrictions may apply due to public safety, or to protect endangered or threatened species or unique natural features. Lands may be temporarily closed due to specific management activities.
Users are encouraged to contact the landowner for more specific details. The data shown on these maps have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability, and resolution. The data may contain errors or omissions and should not be interpreted as a legal representation of legal ownership boundaries. To create your custom map where you can zoom to a specific location, please use the DNR's Mapping Application.
Lower Narrows is owned by: Wisconsin DNR
Management objectives and prescriptions
Read the Lower Narrows management plan [PDF] for details.