If you've ever driven north up I-90 toward Tomah, you've seen the gorgeous rock formations that dot the landscape. Most folks are familiar with Buckhorn and Mill Bluff State Parks, but in this area, there's a spectacular and under-appreciated state natural area just waiting for you to visit. And it's home to one of our favorite Wisconsin hikes. Get ready to hike the Lone Rock Trail in Wisconsin at the Quincy Bluff and Wetlands State Natural Area.

The Quincy Bluff and Wetlands State Natural Area is actually protected by the Nature Conservancy. There are more than 6,500 acres of beautiful land here that was shaped by ancient glaciers. The sandstone cliffs soar 200 feet above the wetlands below and are the remnants of the extinct Glacial Lake Wisconsin. This gorgeous spot combines history, spectacular views, and a diverse wildlife population. Hiking here is truly an unforgettable experience.

Quincy Bluffs and Wetlands is located in south-central Wisconsin, between Madison and Eau Claire.

Tap or click on the Google Map above for directions and navigation from your location.

You'll love hiking this amazing bluff and wetlands.

It's so rare to find both in such proximity and that's what makes this an unforgettable hike.

The trail here is a 6.6-mile out-and-back trail with a small loop at the end. The Lone Rock Trail difficulty rating on AllTrails is "moderate," with a total of 130 feet in elevation gain.

The panoramic views atop the cliffs are the big payoff here.

You'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere because you won't see any towns or civilization in the distance. It'll be you and the noises of nature. With more popular state parks nearby, you'll often find that you don't even encounter other hikers while you're here.

The sandstone here is from the Cambrian Era, putting it in the range of 500 million years old.

This area was once a Glacial Lake.

This starts as a forest walk. The vastly different types of landscape here make this spot home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including some rare species.

As you're heading through the forest, suddenly these rocky bits will start to emerge.

Gorgeous all year round, this is a hike that's extra nice in the fall and winter.

Without all the leaves on the trees, you'll see much more ancient stone and get to see how these craggy cliffs emerge from the ground.

The stunning cliffs seem to rise out of nowhere and the hike takes you right along them.

The diverse biosystem here is what makes this place so special. You get to see so much different landscape in one natural area; it's like a microcosm of Wisconsin geography and geology.

There's something really beautiful about this area even in the barrenness of winter.

This is a longer hike, but it's one that's manageable for folks of many abilities.

The payoffs make it worth spending a day exploring Quincy Bluff and Wetland.

Quincy Bluff and Wetlands State Natural Area is located off Hwy Z near Adams, Wisconsin. Visit the DNR website for more information on the state natural area and its AllTrails listing for more info on Lone Rock Trail in Wisconsin. If you're looking for Lone Rock Trail photos or Lone Rock Trail Reviews, check out AllTrails Plus, which offers these benefits and much more.

Have you hiked this awesome Wisconsin trail? Let us know in the comments! If you're looking for panoramic, sweeping views, check out this Wisconsin overlook that lets you see for miles.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/wisconsin/best-hikes-in-wisconsin/