Take A Hike To A Wisconsin Overlook That’s Like The Top Of The World
By Ben Jones|Published May 22, 2023
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Ben Jones
Author
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.
There’s a park in Eau Claire that offers a view that might make you think you’ve left the Dairy State. Mount Simon has been dubbed the “top of the world,” and when you’re standing on the park’s overlook, you’ll definitely feel sky high. Is Mount Simon an actual mountain? Well, this is Wisconsin, not Colorado, but the elevation certainly feels a little mountainous, and if you love a great view, its summit worth seeking. Read on to see why Mount Simon has one of Wisconsin’s best vistas.
Mount Simon is located in the heart of Eau Claire (population 69,000), a college town that’s located at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa rivers. It’s a walkable town that’s filled with trails.
On the north side of town, you’ll find Mount Simon Park. It’s a peninsula that’s wrapped by the Chippewa River, not far from a highway that’s dubbed the North Crossing.
There’s a lot packed into Mount Simon Park’s 49 acres. It’s home to two picnic pavilions, a nine-hole disc-golf course, baseball fields, a boat landing, and a dock that gives boaters access to the Chippewa River and Dells Pond. It’s a popular launch site for kayakers.
The park is laced with trails, so it’s a good place to connect with nature, especially if you don’t have time for a long hike. It’s an urban park, so you won’t mistake the trails for the wilderness, but it’s a pleasant place to get outdoors.
Adventurous hikers can make their way to the top of Mount Simon. Use a little caution, as it’s a rugged hike. The terrain becomes a bit steep near the summit of this little mountain, and there are several different paths you can take through the trees. Use caution!
The view is more than worth the climb up Mount Simon. You can take in a panoramic view of the Chippewa River Valley, and feel like you are indeed on the top of the world!
Be sure to wear good hiking or walking shoes when you tackle Mount Simon, and if you’re afraid of heights, you might be happier with another trail. Don’t worry, you have plenty of options in Eau Claire, including some nice flat paths that trace the banks of the Chippewa River. Interested in more outdoor adventures? Here are some more fun outdoor activities in Wisconsin.
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