Maiden Rock Bluff offers some of the best views along the Great River Road

Maiden Rock Bluff is one of those spots that isn't exactly a secret, but it still feels like it. 

From the top of the 400-foot bluff, stunning views include the winding Great River Road and Lake Pepin, a lake along the widest naturally occurring section of the Mississippi River. 

But unlike state parks like Wyalusing and Perrot where well-marked and maintained trails lead to views like this, the rustic trails at Maiden Rock are a little less traveled. 

The 263-acre state natural area has no developed facilities or official marked trails. Its primary purpose is to protect the limestone cliff face, one of the most notable along the Mississippi River in Wisconsin, and the dry prairie and oak savanna landscapes. Prescribed burns and other restoration work have helped bring back those native landscapes since the bluff became a state natural area in 2004.

The cliff is one of six places along the Mississippi where peregrine falcons, a Wisconsin endangered species, naturally nest, and the area is part of a crucial migration route for many bird species. 

The bluff gets its name from an American Indian legend of a young Dakota woman who was in love with a young man but was being forced to marry another. In order to avoid marrying a man she did not love, she threw herself off the bluff and fell to her death. 

It's a sad story for such a lovely spot.

From a small parking area at the top of the bluff, an unmarked trail leads through restored prairie and savanna to the tree line along the bluff top. Make sure you follow the trail that leaves from just east of the parking area, on the entrance road leading to it. There is also a trail that leaves from the west side, but it follows a rougher route to a less prime viewing spot on the bluff. 

The main trail is a relatively easy and short hike, but it's not maintained, and tall grasses are a favorite habitat for ticks, so wear long pants and bug spray in the summer. 

The dry prairie along the bluff top is home to little bluestem, wild bergamot, columbine and silky aster — a colorful display in the spring. 

The best lookout point, near the end of the unofficial trail, looks south as the Great River Road winds behind a bluff along Lake Pepin. It's a prime spot to watch the sun set and birds making their way along the Mississippi River flyway during spring and fall migrations. 

While you're there: Just up the road from the natural area is Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery. Stop by the tasting room for samples of hard cider and wines, some made with apples grown in the orchard outside.  

Eight wineries make up the Great River Road Wine Trail, which includes Wisconsin stops stretching from La Crosse to Stockholm.

In Stockholm, the Stockholm Pie and General Store serves up giant slices of homemade pie and sells a variety of food including cheese, jams, chocolate, wine and beer. The pieces are big enough to share but too good to not get a couple to try.  

For more stunning views of the river, check out Buena Vista Park in Alma. Aside from a trail that leads from the town along the river up to the park on the bluff top, there isn't really any hiking, but the two lookouts above Lock & Dam #4 are prime spots for a picnic or watching the sun set.  

Getting there: The parking lot and trail for Maiden Rock Bluff are off Long Lane. From Highway 35 in Stockholm, follow County J north and turn left on County Road E. Follow that north to Long Lane and turn left again. The parking lot is at the end of the road.

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