The Central Sandstone areas are bluffs littered with boulders that rise out of the central plains of Adams County. Located between Adams-Friendship and Wisconsin Dells, are Rattlesnake Mound and Quincy Bluff Reserve. Both really cool, state owned areas, with easy access and great sandstone. Rattlesnake has more rock and established problems, but both areas are worth it. About 5 years ago, a couple tornadoes touched down right on top of Rattlesnake and threw trees all over the area. Locals along with the state cleared a lot of the windthrow. Some boulders are still covered but its not bad.
Getting There
A Wisconsin Atlas helps for this one:
Rattlesnake is just off of HWY 13 north of Wis Dells. If driving north, turn left onto Edgewood Dr. and continue west for a couple miles. Turn right (north) on 14th Ct, and the bluffs are just to your right. Park where you see the rock at the saddle, and hike to boulders. Boulders are scattered near both sides of each bluff. Distances are close so makes the hiking easy.
Quincy Bluff is located just south west of Rattlesnake. If heading north on Hwy 13 turn left onto County HWY H. Take H west to Evergreen Ave. Turn right and follow Evergreen to 16th Dr. Turn right here and head north. Quincy is a few miles up on your right hand side. There is a small grass parking lot with a state reserve sign ,with maps, etc. Walk the trail always staying left around to the bluff. The Main Boulder is at the far end of the rim. Boulders are scattered here.
Starts with left hand on the good sloped ledge and right hand in good slot/crimp. Goes left hand to a decieving slopey sidepull. Then throw to a bomber slot/jug. Keep it together for the topout....[more]
The new directions to Quincy work great. However, it is posted that climbing is not allowed there. Anyone else notice that? Should this area really be listed on MP??
I deleted my comment. Despite the desire to go and finish that one great problem, I fully respect that this is a nature preserve and they do not want any number of a list of activities in the preserve, including climbing.
There's more than enough at G Dodge, and the one boulder isn't much to fight over.
I agree with Jonathan. Quincy is a fun little spot, but not worth getting into trouble with the state, it should be left alone if climbing is not allowed. I hope that my posting of this area doesn't cause for more problems and access issues. Thanks guys for digging up the literature on preserves, it will help others understand the issue.
Central Sandstone
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