The Parnell Tower Trail begins its 3.5-mile loop with a series of steps leading to the highest point of elevation in the forest. There a sixty-foot observation tower rises above the treetops for a spectacular birds-eye view of the land of kettles and kames. This challenging hiking trail soon looses sight of the tower as it sweeps along the moraine under the dense canopy of red oaks and maples. Wild turkeys, squirrels, and white-tailed deer are abundant among the scattered acorns and remnants of early settlers' rock wall fence lines. The trail is marked by purple guideposts and for a short distance follows the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (yellow guideposts) near the backpack camping shelter #4. The picnic area located at the parking lot has tables, grills, drinking water and toilet.

Directions: From Plymouth, WI, Take Hwy. 67 west to Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive. Head south and proceed to County U. Turn right (west) to reach trailhead parking.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Strenuous

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