The Ice Age Trail crosses back and forth between Waupaca and Portage counties where the chapter maintains more than 23 miles of Ice Age Trail across six segments: New Hope, Iola Ski Hill, Skunk and Foster Lakes, Waupaca River, Hartman Creek, and Emmons Creek.
New Hope and Iola Ski Hill Segments
- A combined 6.1 miles of trail through high-relief hummocky topography with a Northwoods character.
- You will pass several unique sculptures and wind through the Iola Winter Sports Club
- A 2023 Mobile Skills Crew event completed a reroute off of the ski trails and into the woods
Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment
- 4.4 miles consisting of 3.6 miles IAT and 0.8 miles CR
- Travels a horseshoe-shaped route in the Skunk and Foster Lakes State Natural Area (SNA)
- Features a cluster of five undeveloped glacial pothole lakes
- Crosses the Farmington Drumlin swarms, the most significant swarm of drumlins along the entire Ice Age Trail
Waupaca River
- 4.9 miles consisting of 2.3 miles IAT and 2.6 miles CR
- Highlights include a steep ridge and the scenic Waupaca River
- A small trailside cabin built on private land by the Wisconsin Conservation Corps is available for hikers
Hartman Creek
- 5.5 miles of trail passes through forested, hilly terrain of Hartman Creek State Park
- Showcases one of the largest erratics on the Ice Age Trail
- The trail also enters the Emmons Creek Barrens State Natural Area where there is a semi-open oak savanna and dense patches of wild lupine – the only known larval food for the federally endangered Karner Blue Butterfly
Emmons Creek
- 2.6 miles of oak woodland and savanna areas in the Emmons Creek State Fishery Area
- Accompanied by a white blazed Faraway Valley Loop
- Upon arriving at the south end, you may explore a white-blazed lollipop loop for a total distance of 2.7 miles
Chapter volunteers promote the Trail segments by staffing numerous outreach events, Think Outside hikes, planning seasonal hikes, and hosting an annual fund-raising events.
Upcoming Events for 2024:
- First Day Hike – January 1, 2024 – Iola Ski Hill
- Chapter Open House Fundraiser – February 7, 2024 at Central Waters Brewery. 4-7pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1380985575847075/?ref=newsfeed
- Trailtessa Snowshoe Hike & Winter Camping Workshop- February 17, 2024 at Hartman Creek State Park.
- Registration is Required https://www.iceagetrail.org/event/trailtessa-2024-be-blissful/
- Portage/Waupaca Annual Chapter Meeting – March 2nd, 2024 Central Waters Brewery. Start time 10 a.m.
- Garlic Mustard Work Day – May 4, 2024 at Hartman Creek State Park. Details TBD
- Portage County Cultural Festival – May 11, 2024 at the Stevens Point Area High School. https://www.portagecountyculturalfestival.org/#about
- Spring Flower Hike – May 19, 2024 at the Skunk Foster Lakes segment. Start time 1pm. (5) Spring Wildflower Hike | Facebook
- Midwest Renewable Energy Fair – June 22, 2024 in Custer, WI. https://mreaevents.cventevents.com/event/08c874ee-f65d-49a1-8ca9-0b82fa391d86/summary
- Portage/Waupaca Annual Fall Hike-a-Thon – October 5, 2024 Location TBD
HIKING AWARD: DRUMLIN DRIFTER
- Hike all the segments and connecting routes in Portage and Waupaca Counties
- Complete the online hiking log and submit payment here
- A downloadable form can be found here
Special notes for hikers: Updated 2/10/23
The new re-route of the Iola/Hope Ski trail complete. We’re no longer on the ski-trails. The new trail meanders up and down beautiful humacky terrain and includes a 240′ boardwalk over-looking a beautiful kettle lake. Enjoy new stone steps, rock-walls and other interesting features along the trail. Entrance to the new trail is just west of the Iola Ski Chalet kiosk about 60 feet.
If you have any questions and/or need more information, please contact us using the links below
Facebook: PortageWaupacaIATA
Instagram: PortageWaupacaIATA Instagram
For more information on chapter activities and/or hiking the Ice Age Trail in this region, contact our volunteer chapter coordinator:
Debbie Krogwold
Email: IATA Portage/Waupaca Co Chapter: PortageWaupacaCoChapter@iceagetrail.org