Views, Boulders and Forest Bathing at Blue Mound State Park in Wisconsin

Views, Boulders and Forest Bathing at Blue Mound State Park in Wisconsin

Blue Mound State Park sits atop the highest hill in southwestern Wisconsin spoiling visitors with spectacular views. Admittedly, we had the Wisconsin state park on our list partly to take in those sweeping views. However, we quickly reveled in hiking through dense woodlands while traversing rocky in spots trails.

Spectacular view of the countryside from atop Blue Mound in Wisconsin.

Taking in the Views:

Before embarking on our hike. we paused to observe a variety of vantage points where panoramic views unfolded in front of us. Blue Mound State Park does hold two viewing towers for even better views. However, both are currently closed. Not to fret though -- the views are still spectacular from a variety of points in the park.

Descending down the Flintrock Trail into the wilderness.

Embarking on the Flintrock Trail:

Initially when I embarked on our chosen trail, the Flintrock Trail, I thought that we would come across views. Well, we did not arrive upon sweeping views like we did at the lookout points. However, we did enjoy forest views with the summer sun sparkling through and the appearance of large flintrock boulders throughout. The boulders are quite interesting to look at as they rest as gnarled masses with moss and lichens scattered upon them.

Gnarled, beautiful and intriguing flintrock boulder on the Flintrock Trail.

At the beginning of the trail, we descended down to hike along the north side of the mound. As we hiked, we noted placards describing the geology of the area. Learning about the geology of the area while on the trail where you can witness it gives additional appreciation of nature. With the appearance of the boulders, our interest was piqued. So, it was splendid to find signs with explanations.

Windy trails welcomed us to the dense forest.

Turn after turn, nature wrapped around us. I have truly fallen in love with pausing, observing and taking in the elements of the forest from gazing up to the crowns of towering trees to marveling at trees that have fallen long ago and are now encased in moss. The boulders of all sizes often added more complexity to the scene.

Quartz crystals add a special shine to boulders at Blue Mound State Park.

Along the trail, we were encouraged to take a closer peek at one of the boulders. If you look closely, some of the boulders shine with quartz crystals particularly in the crevice.

Ferns gently rustled in the wind as we hiked through the forest.

We continued our hike through the forest, ferns rustling about in the gentle wind. We found the hike perfect for a summer day with the forest fully alive and the ample shade.

Forest bathing at Blue Mound State Park.

The trail let out at a different point than where we started. However, it was not too far of a walk to our car. Before leaving, we took in a few more views. Blue Mound State Park provided us with spectacular views, a healthy dose of forest bathing and fascination with the characteristics of the preserve's boulders. Another stunning and unique preserve!

On top of the world with a view!

Things to Know About Blue Mound State Park:

• You will need a Wisconsin state park vehicle sticker.
• For a trail with views of the surrounding area, try the Ridgeview Trail.
• Blue Mound State Park is the only Wisconsin State Park to have a swimming pool.
• Hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, camping, picnicking and more nature activities await visitors.
• The Ridgeview Trail is noted to have views, so we would probably select this trail for our next adventure.
• There are picnic spots with fabulous views.
• Blue Mound State Park is about 37 minutes from Madison, so we added this hike to a trip to Madison.