State Natural Area — Sauk County
Pewit’s Nest State Natural Area
Near Baraboo, Wisconsin • About 2 miles southwest of Baraboo on County W • State park pass required
Know before you go: Pewit’s Nest is a small, fragile site with limited parking and firm rules. Climbing, cliff jumping, and entering closed areas are prohibited and actively enforced. No pets off-leash. The lot fills quickly on summer weekends — arrive early or plan an alternate visit time.
Pewit’s Nest is a narrow sandstone gorge carved by Skillet Creek, located about 2 miles southwest of Baraboo on County W. The gorge runs 30 to 40 feet deep and was cut into the bedrock as Glacial Lake Baraboo drained at the end of the last ice age. The creek still flows through it, forming a series of small potholes and low waterfalls along the way. A short walking trail leads to the mouth of the gorge, with a separate spur that climbs to an overlook above the canyon rim. The site is managed by the Wisconsin DNR as State Natural Area No. 200 and has been protected since 1985. It draws a similar crowd to Parfrey’s Glen — expect a busy parking lot on summer weekends.
Plan your visit
Location & Directions
From the intersection of US Highway 12 and County W in southwest Baraboo, go west and south on County W approximately 1 mile. The parking area is on the south side of the road. Do not park along County W — vehicles may be fined or towed.
Access & Hours
Hours last verified April 2026. Verify before your visit at the Wisconsin DNR.
Amenities
Pewit’s Nest has no on-site facilities beyond a small parking lot and the trail. Plan accordingly — nearest restrooms are in Baraboo.
Pass & Fee
Pewit’s Nest is one of the few State Natural Areas in Wisconsin that charges an admission fee. All vehicles must display a valid Wisconsin State Park or SNA admission sticker. Unlike Devil’s Lake, there is no on-site kiosk — purchase your pass in advance.
Pass requirement last verified April 2026. See the park stickers and fees guide for current pass options and pricing.
Trail
The main trail leads to the mouth of the gorge. A short spur branches off and climbs to an overlook at the top of the canyon rim. Stay on the trail and behind the split-rail fence.
Parking
The parking lot is small and fills quickly on summer weekends and holiday weekends. Vehicles parked along County W may be fined or towed. If the lot is full, leave and return at a less busy time — there is no overflow parking nearby.
Arrive before 9 a.m. on summer weekends or plan a weekday visit to avoid a full lot.
On-the-ground details
Best Time to Visit
- Spring and early summer bring the highest water flow through the gorge, making the potholes and small waterfalls most visible.
- Weekday mornings are significantly quieter than weekend afternoons from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Fall color in the gorge can be striking, and crowds thin considerably after Labor Day.
- Winter visits are possible but the parking lot is not plowed, and icy trail conditions require caution.
Good to Know
- The trail leads to the mouth of the gorge and the overlook, not into it.
- Cell service is generally available here, unlike at Parfrey’s Glen.
- Purchase your state park pass before you arrive — there is no on-site kiosk at Pewit’s Nest.
Rules & Restrictions
- No climbing on the rock walls or cliff faces. Violations carry a $175 citation.
- No cliff jumping or entering the water from above. Prohibited and actively cited.
- Stay behind the split-rail fence.
- No drones. Flying drones, hang-gliders, or model aircraft is prohibited on all Wisconsin SNAs.
- No camping or campfires. Overnight use is prohibited.
- Hours strictly enforced: the property is closed before 6 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- State park pass required for all vehicles. No on-site kiosk — purchase in advance.
Rules posted on-site and enforced by Wisconsin DNR. For complete regulations, see Wis. Admin. Code NR 45.
Spur leads to the top of the gorge
Skillet Creek carved this gorge through Cambrian sandstone
Skillet Creek flows out of gorge