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.
(**Quincy is actually Nature Conservancy land and no climbing is allowed there at this time** -Eggert)
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.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Central Sandstone:
A Classic! Middle of steep face, start on jug and get high up to small crimp, establish and gun for the lip. Super fun problem with stretchy moves. Seen few accents....[more]Browse More Classics in WI
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.
Within thier rights or not, the nature conservancy's shutting down of an area still blows. Just speaking my mind.
By Chris treggE Administrator From: Madison, WI Sep 8, 2009
Yes Jim I agree. To be clear, climbing is not allowed only at Quincy Bluff and Preserve-- it's ok to climb at the other areas listed for Central Sandstone on this page. Jim have you called the Nature Conservancy to ask why or if there is anything that can be done? I would be willing to do that (fully expecting to get shut down). The main boulder at Quincy looks so good that it would be worth at least a call if not a petition. Of course it's still within their rights to say No Way.
It's my opinion that the area should be left on here for historical sake however. Thanks Remo for posting.
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