Roche-a-Cri State Park Mound Trail
Explore/Wisconsin/Roche-a-Cri State Park Mound Trail

Roche-a-Cri State Park Mound Trail

Central Wisconsin / Adams County, Wisconsin

Activity

Hiking / Sandstone Mound History

Distance

1 mi round trip

Route

Out & back

The adventure

A solitary sandstone mound rises above the flatter landscape at Roche-a-Cri, creating one of central Wisconsin’s most recognizable natural landmarks. The approach winds through parkland toward the base of the rock, where ancient markings and layers of sandstone invite a slower look.

This is both a geological and cultural stop. The park protects Native American petroglyphs and pictographs near the mound, reminders that people have valued this distinctive place for generations. The short trail feels much richer when visitors take time to read the interpretive signs.

ONCE YOU’RE THERE

Park in the official day-use area and follow the signed trail toward the mound and protected rock-art viewing area. Only use the stairway or overlook route if officially open.

LOCAL INTEL

The rock art is fragile and irreplaceable; view it from designated areas without touching the stone.

GOOD TO KNOW

Respect seasonal staircase closures and do not climb off trail or onto protected rock-art surfaces.

FEES & ACCESS

Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker required.

BEST TIME TO GO

Spring through autumn; check seasonal staircase access.

What to expect

  • Sandstone mound
  • Protected Indigenous rock art
  • Forest trail and interpretive signs

Good to know

Access and fees
Staircase access may be restricted
On the trail
Vehicle admission sticker required
Navigation
Use the named park entrance or trail access and confirm the current official trail map before starting.
Fee
Required: Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker required.
Entrance fee
Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker required.
Dogs
allowed-on-leash.
Season
Spring through autumn; check seasonal staircase access

Photos

Roche-a-Cri State Park Mound Trail
Photo: Yinan Chen / Wikimedia Commons · Public Domain · Source

More adventures nearby

Mirror Lake State Park Echo Rock Trail

Mirror Lake State Park · South Central Wisconsin

Mirror Lake State Park Echo Rock Trail

Hiking · Easy · ~30 mi away

Mirror Lake State Park Pine Loop Winter Snowshoe

Mirror Lake State · Central Wisconsin

Mirror Lake State Park Pine Loop Winter Snowshoe

Hiking · Moderate · ~30 mi away

Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Kendall Depot Trail Headquarters · West Central Wisconsin

Elroy-Sparta State Trail

Mountain Biking · Moderate · ~31 mi away