If you only have time for one hike this fall, make it Parnell Tower. This 60-foot observation tower sits at the highest point in the Kettle Moraine State Forest’s Northern Unit, and on a clear October day you can see up to 25 miles of rolling hills and farmland in every direction. Fall color develops throughout Wisconsin from mid-September into October, but the exact peak around Parnell Tower varies each year with weather conditions. Check the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report shortly before your hike for the latest conditions.
Here’s everything you need to plan your visit, from trail details to parking, plus a few answers to the questions we get asked most.
Where Parnell Tower Is and How to Get There
Parnell Tower is located off County Road U near Plymouth, Wisconsin, in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. From our Wisconsin Bed and Breakfast, it’s about a 25-minute drive, which makes it an easy half-day outing that still leaves plenty of time for lunch in town or an afternoon at the spa.
Address: W7876 Co Rd U, Plymouth, WI 53073
The Hike to Parnell Tower
The Parnell Tower Trail is a 3.5-mile loop with a set of wooden stairs leading toward the tower and another set of stairs up the tower itself. You don’t have to complete the entire 3.5-mile loop to visit Parnell Tower. You can reach the tower from the trailhead after a shorter but steep climb, while hikers who want a longer outing can continue on the full loop.
Allow roughly 1.5 to 2 hours for the full loop, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at the tower or stopping for photos and birdwatching along the way. The full loop includes hills and a substantial number of stairs, so expect more effort than you would on a flat woodland walk.
Once you’re at the top of the 60-foot tower, you’re looking out over the highest point in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, with views of glacially formed hills, forest, and farmland stretching toward the horizon.
When to Visit for Peak Fall Color
Fall color in the Plymouth and Kettle Moraine area typically develops throughout October, though the exact peak shifts from year to year depending on weather. For 2026, Travel Wisconsin currently forecasts peak color around Plymouth during the fourth week of October. For the most current conditions before you go, check the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report, which tracks color conditions throughout the state.
Because the trail can get crowded on peak-color weekends, plan to arrive early in the day, especially on Saturdays in October.
More Ways to Enjoy Wisconsin Fall Colors Near Parnell Tower
Parnell Tower is a great start, but it’s not the only reason to spend a fall day in this part of the Kettle Moraine. A few more ideas:
- Take the scenic drive. If you’re making the trip out to Parnell Tower anyway, extend it into a full Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, which winds through the forest’s most photogenic stretches.
- Go for a bike ride. Hidden Serenity offers complimentary use of bicycles in season for guests who want to cover more ground. Ask us for our favorite fall routes when you check in.
- Get out on the water. Mauthe Lake and Long Lake in the Northern Unit offer canoe and kayak rentals, giving you another way to see the Kettle Moraine landscape during fall.
- Watch for migrating birds. Fall is peak migration season at the Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, less than an hour from Parnell Tower and worth the detour if you’re into birdwatching.
- Climb Holy Hill. Another short, scenic hike about 30 minutes away, with a historic basilica and panoramic views. Read our full guide to hiking Holy Hill.
And when the hike is done, Hidden Serenity Bed and Breakfast is right around the corner, where you can continue enjoying the fall colors along our wooded walking trail. Every stay also includes a three-course homemade breakfast and a complimentary 90-minute session in our private in-house spa. Book your room before fall weekends fill up.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Parnell Tower for fall colors?
Fall color in the Plymouth and Kettle Moraine area typically develops throughout October, but the exact peak varies from year to year. For 2026, Travel Wisconsin currently forecasts peak color around Plymouth during the fourth week of October. Check the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report a few days before your trip for current conditions.
Is there parking at Parnell Tower?
Yes, there’s a parking lot at the trailhead on County Highway U. You’ll need a Wisconsin state park vehicle admission sticker to park in the Kettle Moraine State Forest, so it’s a good idea to purchase one in advance through the Wisconsin DNR.
How difficult is the hike to Parnell Tower?
The Parnell Tower Trail is a 3.5-mile loop with hills and a substantial number of stairs, including the climb up the observation tower. Allow roughly 1.5 to 2 hours for the full loop, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the tower. You can also visit the tower without completing the entire loop.
How tall is Parnell Tower, and what can you see from the top?
The tower is 60 feet tall and sits at the highest point in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. On a clear day, you can see roughly 25 miles in every direction, including forest, farmland, and rolling glacial terrain.
Is Parnell Tower good for a fall color road trip stop?
Yes. Many visitors combine Parnell Tower with the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive or a stop at Holy Hill for a full day of fall color viewing in one trip.