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Explore the Central Sands Hike

Experience wilderness in Wisconsin and breathtaking views as we venture 200 feet in elevation to the top of Quincy Bluff.

View from high up over a green wetland with a green forest in the distance.
Quincy Bluff & Wetlands View from the bluff at Quincy Bluff & Wetlands State Natural Area in the Central Sands region. © Harold E. Malde
Event Overview

Experience wilderness in Wisconsin and breathtaking views as we venture 200 feet in elevation to the top of Quincy Bluff. Learn about the historical efforts and key partnerships to protect land in the Central Sands region and management plans for the additional 3,243 acres acquired by TNC in 2022.

Nature Conservancy Central Sands Project Manager Hannah Butkiewicz and Director of Land Management Hannah Spaul will lead the hike, highlighting the diverse habitats and fire-dependent systems that support rare species such as the Karner blue butterfly and Kirtland's warbler.

RSVP is REQUIRED:  Participation is capped at 20 participants. A waitlist will be open for this event until August 1. At that time, trip spots will be offered to individuals on the waitlist in the order they were received. Click here to join the waitlist.

What to Know about the Hike/Preserve Facilities

The hike will be approximately 3.5 miles on an unpaved trail. Segments of the trail are steep. This hike is considered moderately difficult with a 200-foot elevation gain.

What to Bring/Wear

Bringing a refillable water bottle and bug spray is suggested. We will be outdoors for the entire duration of this event; please dress for the weather. Comfortable hiking shoes with a closed toe are recommended. Wearing long pants is also suggested. Trekking poles are welcome but optional. Hand sanitizer will be available if needed.

Cancellation

We will begin monitoring the weather 48 hours before the event. If heavy rain or thunderstorms are anticipated during the event, it will be canceled, and registered attendees will be notified via email.

Parking

Parking will be provided in a grassed area. Our staff will be there to greet you and check you in for the event.

Directions

From Madison Area

From I-90/94 take exit 79, Cty Hwy HH toward Lyndon Station. Head north on HH for 5.4 miles. Turn right/east on State Hwy 82. Turn left/north on Cty Hwy Z. Turn right/east on Ember Ave. Turn left/north on 16th Dr and continue for 2.2 miles; the Quincy Bluff parking lot is on the right. Address is 2660 16th Dr, Friendship, WI.

From Wausau Area

Take US-51 S and continue onto I-39 S/US-51 S. Take exit 131 toward County Hwy V/County Rd V. Turn right onto County Hwy V/County Rd V (394 ft) then turn left to stay on County Hwy V/County Rd V (8.6 mi.). Turn right onto WI-21 W (12.9 mi). Turn left onto County Rd N (3.5 mi). Turn right onto County Hwy J/County Rd J (4 mi). Turn left onto County Hwy Z/County Rd Z (6.7 mi). Turn left onto Edgewood Ave (2.5 mi) and continue onto 16th drive; the Quincy Bluff parking lot is on the left. Address is 2660 16th Dr, Friendship, WI.