Information
Landmark: Wildcat Mountain State ParkCity: La Crosse
Country: USA Wisconsin
Continent: North America
Wildcat Mountain State Park, La Crosse, USA Wisconsin, North America
Wildcat Mountain State Park sprawls across 3643 acres of natural preserve in Vernon County Wisconsin near Ontario.
It was established in 1948 within Driftless Area a region left unscathed by glaciers during last Ice Age which lends park its rugged signature terrain.
Park opens year-round from 6 a.m.
and stays open till 11 p.m.
welcoming visitors seeking diverse outdoor fun throughout various seasons rather freely.
Wildcat Mountain State Park boasts over 20 miles of rugged trails meandering through woods for hikers snowshoers and cross-country skiers alike.
Mature pine plantations sprawl along Old Settlers' Trail a 2.5-mile loop that climbs roughly 390 feet upwards in elevation quite steeply.
This trail yields striking vistas over Ontario village and surrounding Driftless hills combining moderate physical exertion with sublime scenic delights.
Hemlock Nature Trail runs 1.3 miles roughly alongside Kickapoo River taking visitors past imposing sandstone cliffs and ends at an observation point.
This trail showcases geological formations vividly alongside riverside ecosystems remarkably.
Ice Cave Trail winds steeply upward as a 0.75-mile path leading remarkably to a sandstone formation eerily known as Ice Cave.
A spring inside cave freezes into massive icicle during winter creating natural spectacle that draws plenty of visitors every year.
Prairie Trail spans a very short 0.2 miles through somewhat restored prairie terrain pretty quietly.
Native grasses and wildflowers flourish remarkably along this trail providing extremely scenic views down into Kickapoo Valley.
Park camping accommodations vary wildly for families and groups; horseback riders are also well catered for atop rugged Wildcat Mountain.
Thirty reservable campsites dot Family Campground landscape.
Sites offer picnic tables and fire rings alongside flush toilets showers and a dump station nearby outside.
Campers enjoy panoramic views rather majestically from an elevated location surrounded by fairly dense forested atmosphere.
Nearby 20 cart-in campsites await visitors who must lug gear a short ways on foot from parking area.
Each cart-in site boasts a weathered picnic table and fire ring offering a rustic experience amidst wild surroundings somehow.
Horse Campground located rather northeast of park office caters squarely to equestrian visitors with various equine amenities nearby under vast skies.
Essential amenities for riders and horses are provided with 24 campsites sporting hitching posts a corral and drinking water alongside vault toilets.
Larger gatherings can be held in three Group Campgrounds at park accommodating up to 75 people each fairly easily it seems.
Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings and shelter houses under vault toilets ideal for large family outings or events.
Wildcat Mountain State Park boasts over 15 miles of trails for horseback riders and remains a wildly popular destination.
Red Purple Blue Yellow Orange and Green loops offer varied terrain ranging from gentle valley floors surprisingly up steep upland areas.
Riders aged 16 or older must buy a state trail pass using these trails is subject quite obviously to that rule.
Horse camping facilities lie nearby those trailheads relatively conveniently.
Scenic Kickapoo River demarcates park's southern edge winding sloppily through Driftless terrain renowned somehow for recreating water enthusiasts eagerly.
Paddlers of all skill levels find excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on this river with remarkably calm stretches.
Outfitters situated nearby in Ontario provide rentals of equipment and shuttle services quite frequently for a fee it seems.
Fishing enthusiasts revel in river waters teeming with brown trout, smallmouth bass and sundry panfish under mostly serene conditions nearby.
Kickapoo River's pristine waters support over 45 fish species making it super favored spot for anglers annually amidst lush diverse habitats.
Wildcat Mountain State Park offers fantastic stargazing opportunities due largely to its extremely remote location far from urban light pollution.
Upper picnic area boasts an observation deck offering expansive unobstructed night sky views drawing throngs of amateur stargazers and nature enthusiasts.
Park situated rather quietly at E13660 State Highway 33 in Ontario Wisconsin.
Visitors can reach park by car but vehicle admission sticker is required for entry nowadays obviously from outside.
Park staff can be reached by phone at +1-608-337-4775 for making reservations or getting some pretty useful information.
Wildcat Mountain State Park offers myriad outdoor pursuits including hiking scenic trails, horseback riding, camping under stars, river escapades, and viewing abundant wildlife.
Rich natural features evoke a profound sense of wilderness tranquility deeply within visitors in south-central Wisconsin's Driftless Area ecosystem.
It was established in 1948 within Driftless Area a region left unscathed by glaciers during last Ice Age which lends park its rugged signature terrain.
Park opens year-round from 6 a.m.
and stays open till 11 p.m.
welcoming visitors seeking diverse outdoor fun throughout various seasons rather freely.
Wildcat Mountain State Park boasts over 20 miles of rugged trails meandering through woods for hikers snowshoers and cross-country skiers alike.
Mature pine plantations sprawl along Old Settlers' Trail a 2.5-mile loop that climbs roughly 390 feet upwards in elevation quite steeply.
This trail yields striking vistas over Ontario village and surrounding Driftless hills combining moderate physical exertion with sublime scenic delights.
Hemlock Nature Trail runs 1.3 miles roughly alongside Kickapoo River taking visitors past imposing sandstone cliffs and ends at an observation point.
This trail showcases geological formations vividly alongside riverside ecosystems remarkably.
Ice Cave Trail winds steeply upward as a 0.75-mile path leading remarkably to a sandstone formation eerily known as Ice Cave.
A spring inside cave freezes into massive icicle during winter creating natural spectacle that draws plenty of visitors every year.
Prairie Trail spans a very short 0.2 miles through somewhat restored prairie terrain pretty quietly.
Native grasses and wildflowers flourish remarkably along this trail providing extremely scenic views down into Kickapoo Valley.
Park camping accommodations vary wildly for families and groups; horseback riders are also well catered for atop rugged Wildcat Mountain.
Thirty reservable campsites dot Family Campground landscape.
Sites offer picnic tables and fire rings alongside flush toilets showers and a dump station nearby outside.
Campers enjoy panoramic views rather majestically from an elevated location surrounded by fairly dense forested atmosphere.
Nearby 20 cart-in campsites await visitors who must lug gear a short ways on foot from parking area.
Each cart-in site boasts a weathered picnic table and fire ring offering a rustic experience amidst wild surroundings somehow.
Horse Campground located rather northeast of park office caters squarely to equestrian visitors with various equine amenities nearby under vast skies.
Essential amenities for riders and horses are provided with 24 campsites sporting hitching posts a corral and drinking water alongside vault toilets.
Larger gatherings can be held in three Group Campgrounds at park accommodating up to 75 people each fairly easily it seems.
Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings and shelter houses under vault toilets ideal for large family outings or events.
Wildcat Mountain State Park boasts over 15 miles of trails for horseback riders and remains a wildly popular destination.
Red Purple Blue Yellow Orange and Green loops offer varied terrain ranging from gentle valley floors surprisingly up steep upland areas.
Riders aged 16 or older must buy a state trail pass using these trails is subject quite obviously to that rule.
Horse camping facilities lie nearby those trailheads relatively conveniently.
Scenic Kickapoo River demarcates park's southern edge winding sloppily through Driftless terrain renowned somehow for recreating water enthusiasts eagerly.
Paddlers of all skill levels find excellent opportunities for canoeing and kayaking on this river with remarkably calm stretches.
Outfitters situated nearby in Ontario provide rentals of equipment and shuttle services quite frequently for a fee it seems.
Fishing enthusiasts revel in river waters teeming with brown trout, smallmouth bass and sundry panfish under mostly serene conditions nearby.
Kickapoo River's pristine waters support over 45 fish species making it super favored spot for anglers annually amidst lush diverse habitats.
Wildcat Mountain State Park offers fantastic stargazing opportunities due largely to its extremely remote location far from urban light pollution.
Upper picnic area boasts an observation deck offering expansive unobstructed night sky views drawing throngs of amateur stargazers and nature enthusiasts.
Park situated rather quietly at E13660 State Highway 33 in Ontario Wisconsin.
Visitors can reach park by car but vehicle admission sticker is required for entry nowadays obviously from outside.
Park staff can be reached by phone at +1-608-337-4775 for making reservations or getting some pretty useful information.
Wildcat Mountain State Park offers myriad outdoor pursuits including hiking scenic trails, horseback riding, camping under stars, river escapades, and viewing abundant wildlife.
Rich natural features evoke a profound sense of wilderness tranquility deeply within visitors in south-central Wisconsin's Driftless Area ecosystem.
