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| The Parnell Observation Tower sits at the highest point in Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine State Forest. |
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| Parnell Tower Trail map. Click for larger version. |
The 0.7-mile out and back Parnell Tower Trail heads to the 60-foot wooden Parnell Observation Tower. The hike can be lengthened, though, by adding a loop, known as the Parnell Tower Trail Loop, which runs 2.9 miles.
To reach the trailhead, from Plymouth take Wis. Hwy. 67 west. Turn left/south onto County Road A (aka Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive). County Road U joins County A from the east; in just under 2 miles when County Road U goes right/west, turn onto it. In about 0.15 miles, turn right/north into the parking lot for the trail. A gravel trail – the short stem leading to the loop – heads north from the lot’s northern side.
The stem immediately ascends beneath a canopy of maple trees. Half of the path up the hill consists of log steps. At 0.2 miles is a bench for resting.
Northern red oak, basswood, sugar maple and white ash dominate the dry mesic forest on this part of the hill.
Across southern Wisconsin, Northern red is the most common oak species. They grow quite tall – up at 75 feet high – and have a deeply ridged black bark. During the autumn, their leaves range from russet to bright red, and they drop lots of large acorns, each one up to an inch round.
Observation tower
Slightly taller at up to 80 feet high, basswood has heart-shaped leaves. The tree likes the same rich soils as sugar maples so they often are found together in Wisconsin forests. In autumn, their leaves range from light yellow to dark gold or tan.
Sugar maple with its rounded dense crown can grow up to 75 feet high. The younger trees have smooth bark, but as the trunk ages, it turns shaggy. In fall, the leaves change to yellow, orange or red depending on exposure to sunlight.
White ash grows to a height of 80 feet and perhaps is best known as the wood used to make baseball bats. Its autumn leaves range from yellow to deep purple and maroon. Unfortunately, the white ash is a favorite of the emerald ash borer, and so is in danger across the state.
At 0.3 miles, the trail reaches the observation tower. The top offers 360 degree views, and the autumn leaves and quilt of farmland below seems to stretch forever. Long Lake and 1,230-foot Dundee Mountain can be spotted to the southwest. On clear days when views reach up to 45 miles, look for Lake Michigan to the east and Lake Winnebago in the northwest.
Longer hike
If interested in just a short hike, after descending the tower retrace your steps back to the parking lot. If you’re up for some exploring, though, take the trail the left/east and begin the loop.
From 0.7 to 0.9 miles, several rocks can be seen alongside the trail, which heads down the Kettle (Interlobate) Moraine that the tower sits on. The moraine was formed during the last ice age when sediment pushed forward by advancing glaciers was left behind, as the ice sheet melted. The rock show ends as the trail reaches a gully.
The trail enters a stand of birch at 1.1 miles. Yellow birch reaches a height of 75 feet. It’s easy to spot, as its bark, which ranges from shiny yellow to gray-silver, curls into strips. During autumn, its leaves turn bright yellow and gold.
You’re certain to see at least signs of the forest wildlife if not spotting some of them. Among the forest’s denizens are whitetail deer, foxes, skunks and chipmunks.
Kettle bog
At 1.2 miles, the trail arrives at a glade surrounded by oaks. A kettle bog is to the right.
Kettle bogs formed at the end of the last age. As the glaciers melted and retreated, large chunks of ice were left behind. Glacial sediment surrounding the ice check dammed the meltwater in place, forming lakes. At the edge of the lakes were swampy flats layered with peat, or decomposed sphagnum moss, creating a bog.
The trail turns rocky as going to the bottom of ravine and then is hilly, with a lot of ups and downs, the rest of the way.
You’ll enter a stand of birch, as curving onto the loop’s north side, about 1.6 miles in.
Ice Age Trail
A downside of the trail is that it runs under a high-tension line starting at 1.8 miles. This unfortunately lasts for much of the loop’s northern leg. Upon reaching a small glade, the trail then swings onto the loop’s western side.
A backpackers shelter that sleeps 10 sits at 2.5 miles in. This is near where the Ice Age National Scenic Trail connects with the loop. The IAT runs concurrent with the trail for about a quarter mile; when they split, go left/east to stay on the tower trail loop.
From there, you’ll head up a steep hill. At the top is the observation tower. Look for the stem trail’s steps and descend them back to the parking lot.
Hiking boots are a must on the trail. Slopes can be steep while roots and rocks sit on sections of the trail, and after rain those inclines can be muddy. Insect repellent also is a must.
