An Unrivaled Canyon Hike In Wisconsin, Witch’s Gulch Is Full Of Astonishing Views

Wisconsin isn’t much known for mountains, but thanks to a glacial episode actually named after the state, we’ve got some amazing cliffs, valleys, and gorges carved out in our terrain. The state itself is a beautiful nod to the heart of the American Midwest, with heaps of outdoor adventure opportunities and some of the best hiking trails in the nation. You may be used to heading to the Wisconsin Dells for waterparks and outlet shopping, but they are actually part of the Wisconsin State Natural Area. The Dells – actually from the French word for narrow – is a five-mile gorge on the Wisconsin River. Check out the Witch’s Gulch canyon hike in Wisconsin if you’re looking for a jaunt out and about in the great Midwestern outdoors. There’s truly no other place like it!

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.

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Witch’s Gulch is best described as a slot canyon (a gulch is actually a deep V-shaped valley formed by erosion), but it offers some of the coolest, most interesting views in the Dells.
Boats dock and let visitors off to inspect the Gulch.
Signs remind you how precious and unique the area is.
The river that cut through the sandstone is still visible, which provides incredible views.
Walking through Witch’s Gulch plays tricks on your eyes.
Though it photographs best in daylight, the Gulch can be visited as the sun sets.
The sandstone was formed over millions of years when this part of Wisconsin was the bed of a lake.
Moss and other flora grow on and out of the sandstone due to the humid nature of the spot.
In case the sandstone cliffs weren’t enough to make you feel small, the forest continues far above your head.
It may look like the road to nowhere, but don’t let your eyes deceive you.

Witch’s Gulch is best described as a slot canyon (a gulch is actually a deep V-shaped valley formed by erosion), but it offers some of the coolest, most interesting views in the Dells.

Accessible only by boat tour, Witch’s Gulch also has one of the best natural beaches in the state. Visit for a true outdoor adventure in Wisconsin!

Boats dock and let visitors off to inspect the Gulch.

The walk itself is a 2-mile loop through a hardwood forest. At points, you can reach out and touch both sides of the narrow canyon.

Signs remind you how precious and unique the area is.

Witch’s Gulch in Wisconsin is well-known not only in the local community but across the state for its great hiking and exploration opportunities.

The river that cut through the sandstone is still visible, which provides incredible views.

The rocks are worn away in the twisting, winding pattern of the water as it heads to the Wisconsin River. You’ll be able to see years of erosion work right there in the rock.

Walking through Witch’s Gulch plays tricks on your eyes.

Though it doesn’t look like you will even be able to slip through, there’s plenty of room to navigate and admire the millions of years old sandstone.

Though it photographs best in daylight, the Gulch can be visited as the sun sets.

Torches are lit and locals have been known to tell a ghost story or two about the area.

The sandstone was formed over millions of years when this part of Wisconsin was the bed of a lake.

This hike showcases all the different layers of stone that were created and then compressed during the last ice age.

Moss and other flora grow on and out of the sandstone due to the humid nature of the spot.

The greenery makes for stunning pictures and makes this an even more unique canyon in Wisconsin.

In case the sandstone cliffs weren’t enough to make you feel small, the forest continues far above your head.

It may look like the road to nowhere, but don’t let your eyes deceive you.

This is a short little canyon hike in Wisconsin that will leave you in awe of nature and aware of your small size in the great scheme of things.

Have any of you been to Witch’s Gulch? Many folks say it’s the highlight of a Dells boat trip, and you can find more information about it right here.