Eagle Heights Woods and Effigy Mound

The Raymer's Ravine and Eagle Heights Loop offers a delightful escape into nature, winding through a mature oak forest and along the shores of Lake Mendota. You'll discover the impressive sandstone cliffs of Raymer's Ravine and enjoy shoreline access at Raymer's Cove, before climbing to the Eagle Heights bluff for expansive lake views. Keep an eye out for woodland wildflowers in spring or glistening icicles in winter, depending on the season.

This easy 2.3-mile (3.7 km) hiking route, with a gentle 184 feet (56 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour to complete. Parking is available at the Frautschi Point Entrance or the Raymer's Cove Parking & Trailhead. While mostly flat, be aware of a steep, potentially slippery section leading to the bluff top, especially after rain.

Beyond its natural beauty, this trail holds significant historical value within the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. You can explore remnants of old carriage roads built in the 19th century and discover ancient Native American burial mounds at the highest point of the bluff in Eagle Heights Woods, attesting to the area's spiritual importance for over a thousand years.