Central Moraines Chapter

Originally the Plover River Chapter, the Central Moraines Chapter was formed in the early 1970s.  We maintain and support the Ice Age Trail in Marathon County.

Ringle Segment

• First opened in 1973, Mobile Skills Crews (MSC) have replaced most of the original Ringle segment with new trail that is more sustainable and eliminates user conflicts.  The reimagined segment showcases outstanding glacial features not visible along the earlier route. We completed the reroute, during a series of MSC events, from April, 2017 through October, 2021.
• Dogs are not permitted on a portion of this segment, across private property, just north of Mole Brook Road.
• Open map photo in above link.

Thornapple Creek and Eau Claire Dells Segments

• A combined 6.5 miles of trail, originally completed by volunteers in 1976
• The northern portion of the Thornapple Creek segment is closed, by landowner request, from Sept 1 through Dec 31 each year.  An alternate connecting route is available.
• Open map photo in above link.

Plover River Segment

• 5.9 miles, constructed during multiple MSC events (2010-2013)
• Includes a range of hiking experiences within its 5.9 miles
  • Primeval bottomlands
  • Native rock water crossings
  • Boardwalks through a cedar swamp
  • Mature upland forests
• Open map photo in above link.

White Cedar Segment

• The Central Moraines’ newest trail, this short but sweet segment takes you off of County Highway Y for a 0.6 mile jaunt through its namesake, a white cedar swamp.  A boardwalk rivaling the Plover River boardwalks takes you through the heart of the swamp.  Park on the north side of the section near the Rice Lake boat launch.  Avoid parking in the Cul-du-Sac to allow trailers room to turn around.

Explore the Trail

• Hiking Award: Meandering the Central Moraines

Image of the Meandering the Central Moraines hiking patch

• • Hike 43.0 miles of Ice Age National Scenic Trail as it winds through Marathon County and receive a “Meandering the Central Moraines” patch and certificate.
  • Download the Meandering the Central Moraines Hiking Log and get started on an exciting adventure, today!

• Central Moraines Chapter Events

• • • Trail improvement days
    • Winter snowshoe hike
    • Spring wildflower hikes
    • Fall colors hike
    • Hike-A-Thon

Get Involved on the Trail

• We promote use of the Trail for recreation and education.
  • Ongoing Wausau School District participation in the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Saunters program
  • Think Outside
  • Guided group hikes by prior arrangement

Check the Alliance events calendar and the chapter’s Facebook page for details on upcoming activities.

Contact Us

To learn more about chapter activities or for hiker support contact: