Butler Rock near Brazeau, Wisconsin is a quiet hiking stop in Oconto County with a rocky summit, wooded trail, and broad views over the surrounding landscape. While Wisconsin is not known for mountains, places like Butler Rock offer a nice way to get a little elevation, stretch your legs, and enjoy a scenic overlook in northeastern Wisconsin.
We found Butler Rock while out exploring by ATV and were glad we did. The trail is short enough for a simple outing, but the exposed rock, forest setting, and overlook make it feel like more of an adventure than you might expect.
General Information
| Location | Butler Rock |
| Community | Brazeau |
| County | Oconto County |
| State | Wisconsin |
| Type | Short hike to a rocky summit overlook |
| Trail Length | About 1.3 miles from the parking area |
| Estimated Hike Time | About 20 minutes each way |
| Elevation | About 1,093 feet |
| Access | By vehicle or ATV / UTV |
| Cost | Free |
| Google Map Location | View on Google Maps |
A Scenic Stop in Oconto County
Wisconsin may not have many places people would call mountains, but it does have a handful of rocky overlooks and high points that make for rewarding little hikes. Butler Rock is one of those spots. The trail leads through the woods before opening onto a broad rock surface with views over the surrounding forest.
If you enjoy simple nature stops, quiet overlooks, and places that feel a little tucked away, Butler Rock is worth adding to an Oconto County outing.
Trail Notes
We made our first trip here in spring before the trees had fully leafed out, which made the rock and surrounding terrain especially easy to see. I would imagine this spot is also beautiful in fall when the forest begins changing color.
One of the things I found most interesting along the hike was the exposed rock and the glacial-looking surfaces on the climb up. Even if you are not hiking a long distance, the terrain gives the walk a little more character than a basic woodland trail.
If you visit during the warmer months, wear long sleeves and long pants if possible. We picked up a few ticks in the taller grass, and bug spray is definitely a good idea.
What to Bring
- Good walking shoes or hiking shoes
- Bug spray during warm weather
- Long pants if grass or brush is high
- Water for hot days
- A camera if you enjoy rocky overlooks and woodland scenery
Images From Butler Rock
Why Butler Rock Is Worth the Stop
Butler Rock is the kind of place that works well as a quick stop or as part of a bigger day of exploring. It does not require a major hike, but it still gives you a sense of elevation, rock scenery, and a little more adventure than an ordinary roadside pull-off.
For visitors exploring Brazeau, Mountain, or other parts of Oconto County, it is an easy way to add a short hike and a scenic view to the day.
Explore More Oconto County
Oconto County ATV / UTV Trails – If you want to keep exploring, Oconto County has one of our favorite trail systems for riding through forests, small towns, and scenic Northwoods stretches.
Copper Culture State Park – A good stop for short trails, local history, and views of the Oconto River.
Mountain Fire Lookout Tower – Climb 132 steps and stand high above the forest at one of the most memorable scenic stops in the Mountain area.
Final Thoughts
Butler Rock is a quiet little hike with a rewarding overlook, rocky terrain, and enough elevation to make it feel different from many other short trails in northeastern Wisconsin. If you are already exploring Oconto County, it is worth making time for this stop.
Sometimes the smaller places end up being the ones you remember most.