Perrot Ridge/Brady's Bluff Figure 8

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This hike starts at the East Brady's Bluff Trail next to the Park Headquarters Ranger station and parking lot at the southern entrance to Perrot State Park. It is clearly marked and there are trail map signs available along the way or you can pick up a map at the Ranger station. You can take on this figure-eight route in either direction, I have indicated the direction we typically take.

This is inside Perrot State Park so you'll need a day or annual pass to access it. More information can be found at their website.

During the winter, when ample snow is on the ground, the portions of this route that use the cross-country ski trails are off-limits to those on foot and snowshoers. Park rangers mark/blaze alternate routes that will keep you off of those sections.

The use of trekking poles helps with this route. During the winter, snowshoes or spikes will be very helpful as it can be very slick and icy.

This route combines sections of a number of popular trails in Perrot State Park; Perrot Ridge Trail, Cross-Country Ski/Hiking Trails, Brady's Bluff Trail - North, and Brady's Bluff Trail - East.

It is a great workout as it provides a number of nice elevation gains and descents and there are a number of beautiful vistas and views of the Mississippi River Valley along the hike. You'll also be able to enjoy two of the highlights of the area, the summits of Brady's Bluff and Perrot Ridge. These scenic areas are great places to rest, and provide a sense of accomplishment for all.

Just over half of this route is composed of singletrack that can be technical at times, requiring balance checks and stable footing over rocky terrain, particularly on the steepest sections. The portions of the hike that use the Perrot State Park Cross-Country Ski/Hiking Trails are wide doubletrack that serve as groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter.

NOTE - the doubletrack areas are closed to foot traffic/snowshoeing in the winter but alternate routes are marked by rangers and available.