Conditions at Parfrey's Glen State Natural Area

Conditions as of Tuesday, October 13, 2009:

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Parfrey's Glen is open! After being closed during much of 2008, the glen is again open for visitors. The trail has been simplified, with only simple wooden footbridges where necessary to cross the creek. There will be no elaborate elevated boardwalks with railings and overlooks.

The official trail will now stop a little short of the previous trail’s end. Only the posted trail is designated for public use, and will be maintained to normal trail standards. Visitors may choose to continue a short distance past the trail’s end, by their own choice, at their own risk. Otherwise, visitors will still be required to stay on the designated trail in accordance with the rules applying to Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area. Other State Natural Area restrictions will remain in effect and will be enforced:

• Stay on the trail
• No pets
• No food or drink or picnicking (you may picnic by the parking area though)
• No picking any plants or collecting any objects
• Hours open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• No rock climbing or rappelling

A new trail will be constructed, partly on an entirely different route, beginning in the fall of 2009. 

2008 Flood

In June 2008 the valley experienced a completely natural traumatic process that has changed its appearance noticeably. These photos are examples of what the June 2008 flood did to the glen.

Boardwalks were destroyed by flood-carried debris.
DNR Photo

Rocks and boulders have shifted, the trail was obliterated in places, a gravel and dirt landslide inundated a trail section, footbridges were crushed by the thousands of tons of rushing water, the creek was somewhat re-routed, and vegetation was washed away. This is a great opportunity to see the natural history of Parfrey's Glen in action and not just as millenniums of dull pre-historic geology. The placid visual aura of the glen has been shaken and stirred by the 2008 flood, giving insight into the mighty forces that created the glen.

Interestingly, (and perhaps most appropriately) what really suffered the most were the man-made structures: trails and boardwalks! As natural organic sediment re-collects in the gorge, ferns and other plants will reseed themselves and the illusion of tranquility will return to Parfrey's Glen.

A landslide buried the trail.
DNR Photo

Related Links

Road Conditions [exit DNR]
Weather [exit DNR]

For more information, ask Devil's Lake State Park, (608) 356-8301.