The Little-Known Mount Pisgah Hemlock Trail In Wisconsin Is Unexpectedly Magical
By Ben Jones|Published May 09, 2023
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Ben Jones
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Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
Adventurous hikers are treated to an amazing view in this scenic state park in Western Wisconsin. Wildcat Mountain State Park is a treasure – it’s in a rugged and beautiful part of the Driftless Area of Wisconsin. The park has miles of beautiful hiking trails, and one of the most spectacular is the Mount Pisgah Hemlock Trail. It’s not the easiest hike, but if you stay with it, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable view – it’s a beautiful Wisconsin Trail. Here’s what you need to know.
Wildcat Mountain State Park is located in Vernon County in the town of Ontario. It’s rugged country, and it’s located right on the Kickapoo River.
The park is expansive, spanning more than 3,600 acres. This special area has a long history – archaeologists have found evidence of human occupation that stretches back thousands of years.
The land first became a park in 1938 when a local resident donated 20 acres. In 1947, the state of Wisconsin acquired the property, and over the years, expanded the park to its current size.
The park has about 20 miles of trails, and there are some great hiking options. One of the best hikes is the Mount Pisgah Hemlock Trail. The trailhead starts at a parking lot, and it follows the Kickapoo River downstream.
If you’re looking for a very easy hike, you may not want to complete the whole trail – there’s some serious elevation gain as you head up Mount Pisgah.
But it’s a spectacular hike that will take you past some beautiful rock formations, and at the top, you’ll be treated to a stunning panoramic view. You can see for miles!