Summary
The preserve covers 1,884 acres of rolling hills, valleys, and lush forests. It is home to a unique collection of flora and fauna that makes it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and birdwatchers.
One of the main reasons to visit Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve is to experience its natural beauty. It is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse oneself in the peace and tranquility of nature. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and camping.
The preserve is home to several points of interest that visitors should not miss. These include the Piney Creek Falls, a beautiful waterfall that drops 30 feet into a clear pool, and the Piney Creek Bridge, a historic covered bridge that dates back to the 1800s.
Interesting facts about Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve include that it was established in 1972 and is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The preserve is also home to several rare and endangered species of plants and animals, including the Blanding's turtle, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake, and the eastern timber wolf.
The best time of year to visit Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom. However, fall is also a great time to visit due to the changing colors of the leaves.
Overall, Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors. With its stunning landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and wealth of outdoor activities, it is a true gem of the Midwest.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Johnson Creek
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Johnson Creek Campground
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Randolph County State Conservation Area
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