Maiden Rock Bluff is one of the most recognizable landmarks along the western coast of Wisconsin and is part of a 263-acre State Natural Area. The iconic 400-foot-high limestone cliff rises high above Lake Pepin and the Great River Road and its environment is emblematic of the Driftless Area – the unique geographical region that encompasses much of west central and southwest Wisconsin.

The legend of Maiden Rock

The bluff gets its name from a Dakota legend about Wenonah, a young woman who fell in love with a warrior from a rival tribe. They conducted their forbidden romance in secret until one day news reached Wenonah that the warrior had been killed in battle. Heartbroken and unable to bear the pain of living without her beloved, she climbed to the top of the bluff and leapt off. It’s said that the Great Spirit, moved by her love and sacrifice, transformed Wenonah into a spirit, forever watching over the waters of Lake Pepin. There are various versions of the legend, but they all serve as a reminder of the enduring power of love, sacrifice, and the profound connection between humans and nature in Indigenous folklore.

Another version of the legend says that Wenonah jumped off of the cliff rather than marry a man she did not love. This sign is located on Highway 35 (aka the Great River Road) as a Historical Marker between the villages of Stockholm and Maiden Rock.

The trailhead

Despite its name, Maiden Rock Bluff is actually located in Stockholm, not in the village of Maiden Rock a few miles north. The trailhead is located at the end of Long Lane, a dirt road off of County Rd E (which can be reached via County Rd J – or Spring Street – that bisects Stockholm village). There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, but no amenities, so be sure to do your business and fill up your water bottle beforehand.

The hike

There are, funnily enough, no officially marked trails – but the route taken by hundreds of people over the years has carved a path in the vegetation that’s easy enough to follow. You’ll make your way down into the woods from the trailhead and then, at a point, begin to climb up along the side of the bluff, where you get your first glimpse of the lake. Keep going along the trail until you reach the top, where – for better or worse – trees have been cut down to offer expansive views of the area and Lake Pepin. There are four distinct offshoots of the trail that lead to lookout points; take your time at each one and admire the beauty and uniqueness of the Driftless Area. Continue along the loop trail back through a prairie landscape until you return to the trailhead, and don’t forget to wipe your shoes off to prevent the spread of invasive species! The entire hike is just over 1.5 miles long and takes under an hour to complete, depending on how many you times you stop to admire the view.

Tips for hiking Maiden Rock Bluff

While not a particularly strenuous hike, there are some steep sections along the trail. These can be made more difficult when it’s wet outside, either from a recent rain or snow, so make sure to be wearing appropriate shoes for the season. I’ve hiked up here in all seasons (if you count the weird winter of 2024) but never in deep snow – though I was wanting to try that this year until Mother Nature had other plans. Summer and autumn are the most popular times to visit, and fall colors make a stunning backdrop for photos!

Look for bald eagles and other birds! This stretch of the Great River Road is known for its population of bald eagles, and you can often see them soaring above the bluff. The Lake Pepin area overall is a particular birding hotspot because the Mississippi River acts as a highway-in-the-sky for many migrating birds. The route, fittingly called the Mississippi Flyway, is the most used bird migration path in North America. More than 325 bird species travel along the flyway each year between their breeding grounds up north and wintering grounds down south.

The State Natural Area is open to hunters during hunting season, so if you plan to hike in the fall, it would be a good idea to wear blaze orange. Check out the other rules below: