Roche-A-Cri Mound is comprised of the eponymous mound which was once an island in Glacial Lake Wisconsin.  Found within Roche-A-Cri State Park, a parking area is located at the trailhead which in turn leads to the steps which will take you to the top.

No stairmaster required after hiking this natural beauty.  Meaning “crevice in the rock” for the large crevice in its side, Roche-A-Cri Mound rises approximately 300 feet above the surrounding land.  A healthy 300 or so steps will take you from ground level to the top, with two possible resting points if you need a break along the way.  I personally did not find it taxing in the least, but your mileage may vary.  Once at the top, you are limited to a fenced are in which to look out over the former lakebed of Glacial Lake Wisconsin.  Trees occlude much of the panoramic opportunities, but the views remain stunning.  Back on the ground, trails wrap around approximately half the mound.  It is well worth a look here as Native American petroglyphs can be found amongst the substantial vandalism that has occurred.  Roche-A-Cri is one of the smaller state parks, but camping is available here and it seemd popular with families on the day of my visit.  Also, the bulk of the rest of the state park is part of another State Natural Area, Roche-A-Cri Woods, which will be the subject of tomorrow’s blog post.

View from the Mound

Forest on the Mound

Forest on the Mound

Petroglyphs

Up, Up, and Away

On the Trail

Petroglyphs

Forest on the Mound

More of my photos (and full-res) from Roche-A-Cri Mound can be viewed here.

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