Maiden Rock

• Wind directionSW (225°) → WNW (285°)
• Ideal speed10–18 mph
• Upper limits≤ 22 mph base · gusts ≤ 25

Maiden Rock is a ~400 ft limestone bluff on the Wisconsin (east) shore of Lake Pepin, facing W/SW out over the lake (coords/elev consistent with the bluff line above the water). Orientation hint S/SW/W matches a roughly west-facing ridge: best ridge-soaring with wind blowing FROM the W-WSW off the open lake, working SW through W and edging into S and NW. Ideal arc ~225-285 deg (WSW-W) with the lake providing clean, unobstructed onshore flow; marginal cross conditions ~195-310 deg. No club/USHPA guide with explicit speed numbers was found, so speeds (~10-18 mph ideal, up to ~22 mph base, gusts to ~25) are inferred general ridge-soaring values for a 400 ft bluff, not site-published. HAZARDS/ACCESS CAVEATS: The named Maiden Rock Bluff is a Wisconsin DNR State Natural Area (#410) where hang gliding/launching is PROHIBITED, so the protected bluff itself is not a legal launch. Historic Lake Pepin bluff soaring was done WINTER-ONLY because the only safe LZ was the frozen lake surface; in summer there is essentially no good landing area at the base (water/trees/road/RR along the shoreline), making this a high-consequence, expert/local-knowledge-only proposition. Lee-side rotor likely on E/NE winds; bluff-top thermal/mechanical turbulence midday. Best in steady mechanical W-flow off the lake; treat as advanced and confirm current legal access and a viable LZ with local pilots (Eagle Hang Gliding / Lake City MN community operate the Lake Pepin area, mostly via boat/aero tow rather than this foot-launch bluff) before flying. Confidence LOW: arc inferred from orientation + bluff geometry, not from a published site guide.