Limery Ridge Savanna features savanna and dry prairie communities on one of the last remaining undeveloped bluffs in Wisconsin along the Mississippi River.  Below the bluff is a southern mesic forest.  The site is located along STH 35, aka the Great River Road, but there is no designated parking area.  Additionally, it turns out that the DNR had incorrectly mapped the boundaries of this natural area and their ownership does not extend west to STH 35 as originally thought.  Thus, there is presently no legal access to this property, though it is my understanding that the DNR is attempting to procure a method to reach the site via either an easement or purchase of land.

At the time of my visit, the DNR described the way to access this site as “head east from STH 35 and up the steep slope”.  So, this is what we did.  Simply put, this is a very steep climb.  My brother and I trekked as high as we could before safety became a concern short of the summit.  Every surface was damp with the morning dew and the slope became too much too scramble up.  The forest at the base of the bluff contains a thick shrub layer which makes even that portion of the adventure difficult.  Along the climb, various rock outcrops were decorated with wild columbine and harebell while a glance over one’s shoulder provided spectacular views of the river valley below.  I look forward to the chance to return to this site once legal access is procured.

The Ridge

Heading Up the Bluff

Rest Break

Wild Columbine

Heading Up the Bluff

Forest

Heading Up the Bluff

More of my photos (and full-res) from Limery Ridge Savanna can be viewed here.

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