Photo Credit: Rachel Roberts

The Hike

The hike starts at the Ice Age Junction parking lot then goes north on the multi-use trail bridge over McKee Rd before veering off over a grassy moraine, with two interpretive signs about the presence of glaciers in the area. It then crosses the multi-use path again and parallels it heading north through a area of native grasses and wildflowers that is part of a restoration project begun by Veridian Homes. This prairie gives way to a small aspen and oak grove heading north along the west side of a large drainage basin. Once reaching and crossing Raymond Road, the trail once again leaves the multi-use trail and heads west through a small woods and then into a field with tall grasses and wildflowers before rejoining the multi-use path for 300 feet to use an underpass below Pleasant View Rd. The trail finally leaves the multi-use path for the last time before crossing a covered bridge to reach the University’s Noer Turfgrass Research Center driveway and continuing up the drive for 50 ft before turning to the southwest.  It then continues through a grassy area, a small patch of woods and then past an agricultural field to reach the UW’s Golf Course practice area. The trail then climbs a moraine with expansive views to the east and south. Continuing on, the trail crosses a golf cart path and through a small wooded area, before briefly following a golf cart path and then passing between two tee boxes. The trail bends north through a grassland area located west of a fairway to reach the golf course’s lower parking area and the clubhouse to the right.  Hikers are welcome to use the clubhouse, which features water, restrooms and a restaurant.  From the clubhouse area the trail goes north and then west, hiking through wooded areas between holes of the University Ridge golf course and crossing a golf cart path before more wooded areas to reach Woods Road.

Event Details

Join hike leader, Kathy, on a 6 mile round-trip (out and back) hike on the Ice Age Trail from Verona to University Ridge Golf Course clubhouse. For those who wish a shorter 3-mile hike ending at University Ridge Golf Course, please arrive at the starting location at 9:15 am to arrange a car shuttle. The hike starts at Ice Age Trail Junction parking lot located at Hwy PD/McKee Rd and High Point Rd. The hike will traverse north and west to University Ridge Golf Course and return back to the Hwy PD parking lot. This surprisingly remote feeling segment passes unobtrusively through a scenic golf course and residential neighborhoods.

Tick and mosquito season is upon us. It is recommended that you wear long pants and long sleeves. Please bring bug repellent (or wear clothes soaked in Permethrin). Also bring water and a snack.

Location

The parking lot entrance is on the south side of the intersection of HWY PD and High Point Rd.  Continue past the two metal sheds to the parking area.