Photo by Kris Van Handel
Twilight Trail Hike – Eagle Segment
This summer, the Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit will partner with our Chapter on our Twilight Hikes in the KFSF-SU. How cool is that? Each of these partnered hikes will feature a member of their Friends Group joining the hike giving us an additional insight into the KFSF-SU!
Those hikes are:
- Tuesday, June 25 – Eagle (south) / Start at the IAT parking lot on Stark Rd., on Hwy 59.
- Tuesday, August 27 – Eagle & Brady’s Rocks / Start at the Brady’s Rocks Trailhead parking lot on Hwy 67.
- Tuesday, September 24 – Scuppernong Trails and IAT / Park at the Scuppernong Trailhead parking lot on Hwy ZZ.
No need to sign up, just show up!
Hike:
Join us as we hike the Eagle Segment’s southern portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This portion of the trail meanders through the Kettle Moraine Low Prairie which includes a sedge meadow, a wet-mesic prairie, and native and wild plants such as blue-joint grass, valerian, and Ohio goldenrod. This low prairie is part of the Scuppernong River Habitat area in the Southern Kettle Moraine Forest, and is home to many different birds and wildlife. Eventually the low prairie gives way to a pine plantation forest.
Details:
This out-and-back hike starts at the Eagle Segment’s southern trailhead on Stark Rd. and is is approximately 3.75 miles long. We will north to Wilton Rd. and return. The southern portion of the trail is mild and easy walking. Due to it’s high water table, it can be wet in places. Bring water and remember to dress appropriately for the weather. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.
Location:
The Eagle Segment’s southern trailhead is located off of Hwy 59 on Stark Rd., west of Eagle, WI. Look for the IAT event sign as you approach this hike event.
Trail Improvement/Boardwalk Repair Project
The Workday:
Join the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for boardwalk repairs on the Eagle Segment. We will be staging materials and redecking a prairie boardwalk.
Work Details:
As always, our Trail Improvement Day will provide tools and training. We do need a few more cordless drills. If you are willing to bring one, please make sure it is clearly labeled. We will be using a T25 bit.
Participants should dress in layers for the weather with sturdy footwear and gloves. You will want to bring a water bottle. Please meet at 9:00 am sharp so we can organize into crews. Participants should have a current National Park Service Volunteer Agreement on file. If not, complete the form and bring it with you. Download Agreement.
Location Details:
Watch for the yellow ICE AGE TRAIL EVENT signs two miles north of Eagle. We will meet at the end of a gated gravel drive off of Hwy 67.
Contact Details:
Watch for last minute weather related information and contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com or 262-490-3515.
Photo by Alicia Howell Naffier
The Hike:
Join us as we hike the Eagle Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The Eagle Segment skirts the eastern edge of the Kettle Moraine and the Niagra Escarpment. It meanders along the edge of what was once Glacial Lake Scuppernong. This trail is mild and easy walking characterized by frequent boardwalks through low wetlands, prairies, and thin forests. The Trail passes through the Kettle Moraine Low Prairie and Scuppernong Prairie State Natural Areas. It also belongs to the larger Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Details:
This leisurely-paced hike is approximately 4 miles long. Bring water. Dress for the weather. This hike will only be canceled if weather or conditions are unsafe. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location:
Meet at the Hwy 67 Trailhead parking lot. We will leave some vehicles there and carpool to the small parking area along on Hwy N near Eagle, WI where we will begin our hike.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to Mark, your hike leader.
The Hike:
We will hike from Hwy N through the Scuppernong Prairie on the bed of ancient Lake Scuppernong, which includes a grassy savanna. We will continue along a wooded esker as we return to the State Forest Headquarters.
The State Forest Headquarters is an interesting stop along the IAT. It has a museum dedicated to wildlife, geology, and local economic history. The display cases feature a number of artifacts found along the Ice Age Trail. A gift shop, flush toilets and a water bottle refill station are available there.
Details:
This leisurely-paced hike is 4 miles long. Bring water. Dress for the weather as our hikes are held in all types of weather. We will only cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location:
Meet at the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit Headquarters parking lot off of HWY 59. We will leave some vehicles there and carpool to the roadside parking area on Hwy N.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to Mark your hike leader.
