Fall Hike Up A Butte To Fabulous Views At Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area near Lodi, Wisconsin

 

Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area in Lodi, Wisconsin offered us a breathtaking fall view from atop a butte. Hiking in the forest full of fall colors always delights. However, seeing fall scenery from way up above paints such an amazing nature tableau everyone should experience at least once. We unexpectedly found ourselves in Wisconsin this past week so took advantage of our proximity to Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area and were delighted by amazing autumn scenery. Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area has immediately become one of our favorite Baraboo area hiking trails.

Outstanding fall view of woodlands, meadows, and
farmland from atop Gibraltar Rock in Lodi, Wisconsin

What Is Gibraltar Rock?

Gibraltar Rock is considered a flat-topped butte with a dolomite cap over St. Peter sandstone. The top of Gibraltar Rock rises 200 feet above the surrounding landscape and presents stunning panoramic views of the Wisconsin River, Lake Wisconsin, and the countryside all with the frame of rock outcroppings. The butte is part of the Magnesian escarpment. An escarpment is a steep slope or cliff formed from erosion or faulting.

A jubilee off red, orange and yellow fall leaves in the dense woodlands
of Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area.

Hiking at Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail crosses through Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area and leads to the top of the butte. Additionally, a paved trail also winds up the butte. Hikers can take one trail up and the other back down as well. Overall, we felt pretty sure-footed on the trails but this is one location where you may want to bring hiking sticks.

Taking a hike through the fall forest on the Ice Age Trail.

We hiked the Ice Age Trail for a bit during our adventure. I love a good natural trail especially one sprinkled with soft, white pine needles. I just feel a level of comfort feeling the soft needles under my feet.

The paved trail at Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area bedazzled with a rainbow of
fall leaves winding through a forest full of reds, yellows, and oranges!

We also hiked the paved trail up to the top of the butte. As we hiked, we marveled at the brilliant red, orange, and yellow leaves of fall. Chipmunks rustled the leaves and birds darted by. A forest truly alive with the gifts of autumn!

Overall, the hike was a moderate hike. A few sections were a bit steep. However, the incredible views from atop make the trek well worth it. Perched up high above the farmland and countryside below, turkey vultures and a bald eagle soared near us -- we felt among the raptors! A loop trail atop the butte open up a variety of explorations with views from rock outcrops.

Fall trees dot the landscape as the Wisconsin River winds
through as viewed from atop Gibraltar Rock.

Walking to different vantage points, we soaked in magnificent views of woodlands dotted with brilliant fall trees, the winding Wisconsin River, Baraboo hills, and gently rolling farmlands. Absolutely spectacular! Gibraltar Rock has cemented itself as a location for some of our favorite fall views!

Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area is near Wisconsin Dells making it one of the best Wisconsin Dells area hiking trails. There are two parking lots which I suspect can become full really fast on beautiful days. The site does not have a restroom or picnic area. However, the preserve will no doubt become one of your favorites after a hike!