Pan Hollow State Natural area has no trails and most would not consider it a destination spot. Parking is practically non-existent. However for the more adventurous, who are happy to push through wetlands and thorny brush, (Not to mention cope with ticks and mosquitos!) there are some old farmstead ruins to find and small, but picturesque rock formation with layers of “pudding stone”. In spring you may find a “state threatened” patch of the tiny, ephemeral False Mermaid flowers which may only appear for a couple of weeks.
The importance of Pine hollow is that it is part of a larger swath of protected lands in the Baraboo Hills including nearby Pine Hollow SNA and Baxter’s Hollow SNA. Together they provide a home for forest interior songbirds which are in decline due to the lack of large, healthy blocks of forest cover. Pan Hollow covers about 100 acres in total and is mostly made up of bowel shaped, wet, flat bottomed gorge.
Pan Hollow is owned by the Wisconsin Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and was designated a State Natural Area in 2007.
To access the SNA, you have to park along Hilltop Rd., (Check the map.) which has little shoulder and deep ditches on either side with no great parking options. Once you figure out where to leave your car, you will hike into Pan Hollow just east of a private home. There is a noticeable trail for the first quarter mile to the stone remains of the old farm. It’s worth noting that the trail may be very wet depending on the season! Beyond the ruins of the old farm, you will enter thick, thorny bramble and need to navigate on your own. Taking advantage of a mix of deer trails and small gullies can make the hike easier. Also note that once in Pan Hollow, private property boundaries are not well marked and GPS may not work.
Old Foundation 
Thorns (Prickly Ash) 
Deer Trail 
Rocky Outcrop 
Stone 
Walls