It was a beautiful blue sky autumn day in Wisconsin, and I had a date with my mom. After working the weekend and waking up to a gorgeous Monday morning, this day had great potential. If you are obsessed with photography like I am, every October is “grab your camera and go day.”
On a Google search for destinations within a two-hour drive, the Dells of the Eau Claire County Park, caught my eye. I love finding new places in my backyard to explore and photograph. There is usually not a lot of online information on most county parks but this dells area is part of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The World Wide Web via Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department gave me a great map and directions.
After picking up my mom we were off driving backcountry roads in our search of fall color. Autumn in Wisconsin comes in waves from north to south and typically starts in late September and ends in late October. We headed northwest towards Wausau traveling through the forested Menominee Indian Reservation. After a two-hour drive, we arrived at our destination. Our first glimpse of the dells area was from the bridge on County Y, where the Eau Claire River squeezes between and over ancient volcanic rock formations. What a splendid view of fall color, a rushing waterfall, and interesting geological features.
Water always places me in a mindful state and whenever I am around streams, rivers, lakes or oceans, I become transformed into a relaxed version of myself. I share the affinity for water with my mom so it was very easy for us to pick our hiking trail. The easy south river trail weaves in and out of the forest, which gave us wonderful views of autumn river reflections and rock formations along the river.
As we crossed the High Bridge over the Eau Claire River we were now hiking the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that follows along the north side of the river. This trail climbs up and down along the cliff through hemlock, sugar maple, and yellow birch and then back down to the river’s edge. This area was a challenge for my mom but with a walking stick, fortitude, and laughter we made it through.
The last section of the north river trail winds past large boulders and below a rocky cliff. The trail crosses over County Y to a swimming beach. This picturesque county park even has a campground making it a great destination for summer fun in north central Wisconsin.
The Dells of the Eau Claire was designated a Wisconsin State Natural Area in 1973.
Hiking Trail Map of the Dells of the Eau Claire: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Portals/0/Departments/PKS/Documents/MAP_ECDBrochureOverview.pdf
Marathon County Parks and Recreation Website on the Dells of the Eau Claire: http://www.co.marathon.wi.us/Departments/ParksRecreationForestry/Parks/ListofParks.aspx#Eau_Claire_Dells
Four Corners of the World 
What a nice event to do with your mother!!! Memories! Now I want to also explore this area! Haven’t been there!
LikeLike
your title grabbed me in to look at the pictures. Fall is my favorite time. Love it !
LikeLike
What a great find!
LikeLike