For my November hike I headed out to the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area. Located just a few miles north of WI Dells this little natural area seems to be overlooked amongst the busyness of the Dells. It’s a quaint little area that I’m almost reluctant tell anyone about it in fear that it too will become part of the madness of the Dells. We only saw 2 other people while we were there but for all I know in the summer it fills up with tourists,  but I’m also assuming the type of tourist that like to go to the Dells are not willing to walk 2 miles to sit on the river’s edge. Out of all the natural beauty of the Dells area this is the only one that I have found that you can enjoy without seeing any signs of civilization or that you don’t have to be a paying tourist to see. The Dells of the WI River is such a unique and beautiful natural feature and it is so sad to me that it has been overtaken by the commercialism of shopping, waterparks and hotels. (Why couldn’t they have taken an empty field and developed it into a tourist destination instead of turning this beautiful land into parking lots and buildings?) Even though the river itself is public I would not recommend swimming or boating in this area during the summer months unless you want to be run over by power boats and tour boats that think they own the place! But I digress.

 

We headed on a Friday mid-morning and had the place to ourselves. It was cold and cloudy with temps in the 30’s and we set out before lunch, (Note to self – eat first or bring food with!) There is a 2 mile trail that leads through a pine and hardwood forest leading to a rocky out cropping above the river. The trail itself is wide and smooth with a gentle uphill grade until you reach the river then a very steep trail down to the river’s edge.

 

About half mile into the hike there is a very large gully off the trail. (I spent the last 15 minutes Googling the difference between a gulch, gully, ravine or gorge, I still don’t know so I’m going with gully) Not being able to resist an accessible gully to explore we headed down off the trail. One of the nice things about hiking in the winter months is that the ground is frozen and the brush is without leaves, making going off trail easier. We headed down into the gully and followed the dry creek bed down to the river, going up and over and under and in-between downed trees and fallen brush. It was indeed bushwhacking at its finest, literally. Quite a few times we thought twice about continuing on but someone decided it needed to be done and some others, having faith in there trusty leader, followed. The gully ended between two rocky bluffs at the river. It was beautiful and worth all the bushwhacking. It was a very nice place to rest and relax and to regain our strength for the hike back up.

 

Once out of the gully we continued to follow the trail which leads to a bluff along the river. Here you past  7 signs that clearly state “area closed, stay on the trail” and then there is a steep trail that leads down the cliff side to the below. (I’m guessing the signs are there to keep carless people away from the steep drop offs on the cliffs edge.) At the bottom there is a few hundred feet of beach on the river’s edge between large rocky outcroppings and forest. After spending some time laying on the beach, (because that’s what you do on a beach even in November) we headed back up the rocks to the trail and back to the car.

 

When sitting down to write this post I came upon an ethical dilemma, to talk about my off trail exploration and risk inspiring others to do the same or to not talk about it. And then another ethical question “why is it ok for me to do it but not others” and then “should I even be doing it?” I’m a huge proponent of staying on trails for most people, mainly because most people are not aware of the damage they can cause to the environment, of the invasive species they can spread and the dangers of getting hurt or lost. But I also know that exploring off trail adds an extra element of excitement to a hike. It allows you to hone your skills and feel more alive and one with nature. Unfortunately if it’s done irresponsibly it will harm the environment and ruin the very thing we want to enjoy.

 

So if you are thinking about going off trail here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

You increase your chances of getting lost or hurt if you go off trail! The further off the trail you go the harder it is for help to find you. Don’t take unnecessary risks.

 

Don’t depend on your phone, it might not work deep in the woods.

 

Look at a map before you leave so you are familiar with the area.

 

Important native vegetation can be damaged or killed by being walked on. Always stay on trails in protected areas!

 

Invasive plants can be spread into new areas on the bottom of your shoes and pants.

 

Reduce your impact on the natural environment by watching where you step. Don’t step on moss, delicate plants or soft soil, damage can be done to fragile terrain causing erosion problems.

 

If in a group, spread out so you don’t create a trail.

 

Be prepared! Have a backpack full of everything you will need if you get hurt or lost.

 

Wear something bright so you can be easily spotted.

 

Set a good example, others may see you and follow.

 

Most importantly follow the Leave No Trace principals.