Ferry Bluff, along with its sister bluff Cactus, rise more than 300 feet above the Wisconsin River at its confluence with Honey Creek and provide stunning vistas. The gravel road to reach the site is rather narrow but there is ample parking. From there a trail follows the river before beginning a climb to the top of Cactus Bluff.  Though signs warn of the steep trail, I did not find it to be all that taxing.  At the top, a cord-walk provides protection to the sandy blufftop and informational kiosk describes some of the plants and animals found nearby.  Note that there are no railings on the bluff edge, so hiker beware. There are no formal trails to the namesake Ferry Bluff, although you could make your way there if so desired. A third bluff in the complex, Hugo, is only accessible by water due to a land dispute between the DNR and nearby landowner. A rare flower, round-stemmed false foxglove (Agalinis gattingeri) is found here and the blufftops are important winter roosting sites for bald eagles and therefore Cactus and Ferry Bluffs are closed to the public from November 15 to April 1.  The surrounding forest has ample ephemeral wildflowers in the spring and a variety of colors in the fall.

Overlooking the Mighty Wisconsin

Overlooking the Mighty Wisconsin

Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)

Overlooking the Mighty Wisconsin

Overlooking the Mighty Wisconsin

Fall Colors

Not that Bad

More of my photos from Ferry Bluff can be viewed here.

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