Winter Solstice Hike – Springfield Hill Segment

Join the fun on Saturday, December 21, 2024 to celebrate the Winter Solstice on the Ice Age Trail!

Details

Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Springfield Hill Segment
Distance: 1.6-mile loop

Dress for the weather. There are no bathroom facilities available at the Springfield Hill Segment.

After the hike, enjoy FREE hot cocoa provided by the Dane County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. All are welcome, including well-behaved and leashed dogs.

Springfield Hill Segment
This segment, a short loop that can be hiked in either direction, highlights the 198-acre Springfield Hill Natural Resource Area. This property consists of steep wooded valleys, glacial kettle ponds, and open meadow. The stunning prairie changes with the seasons and demonstrates what’s possible through extensive and ongoing restoration efforts. The Trail’s route provides outstanding views from atop Springfield Hill, one of the highest points in the area.

Photo by Joe Ulmer.

Tyke Hike, Gibraltar Rock Segment – Lodi Valley Chapter

Join the Lodi Valley Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for a Tyke Hike along the Gibraltar Rock Segment. This slow-paced, short, nature-focused walk is designed for especially for young children (accompanied by an adult). During this hike we’ll look for early signs of fall.

Meet at the Slack Road Trailhead.

Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, and in case of slippery conditions, a walking stick is useful.

For more information, contact Patti Herman: phone, 608-843-3926, or email, billpatti@charter.net

We hope you’ll join us!

Featured image by: Chip Nitschke

Milton History Hike-Rock County Chapter & Milton Public Library

The Milton Public Library and the Alliance’s Rock County Chapter have teamed up to take you on a Milton History Hike during the Mammoth Hike Challenge!

It’s a fun way to explore Milton, an Ice Age Trail Community, and cross it off your list!

Start at the Public Library (430 E High St # 100) to learn a little library history as well as how the Ice Age Trail came to be. Then, we’ll head to Milton College’s Main Hall for a brief introduction to the once-grand campus before following the yellow blazes (Ice Age Trail route through town) to the Milton House Museum for a short talk about Milton’s role in the underground railroad. Continue on your way to collect more Mammoth Hike Challenge miles or head back to Good Works Brewing for a discounted beverage! (Trail Magic: Mention the Mammoth Hike Challenge for $1.00 off a pint.)

The history hike is open to all ages, but space is limited, and registration is required.

Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest Hike (with an up to 20-mile hike distance!) – Walworth/Jefferson County Chapter

The Hike:

Kick off the Mammoth Hike Challenge with a 3, 5, 10, 15, or even 20-mile hike through the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.

You’ll enjoy wooded moraines, kettles, and outstanding views of Rice Lake and Whitewater Lake from atop a steep rise. If you hike the entire distance, you’ll get to preview one of the ever-popular backpacking shelters found along the Trail in this region, the “stone elephant”, and the views from the Bald Bluff Scenic Overlook.

You’ll hike along the Blue Spring Lake Segment, and depending on how far you decide to go, you may also traverse the Blackhawk and Whitewater Lake segments.

Event details:

Meet at the Emma Carlin Trail Access and Parking by 7:45 am at the latest. We’ll start hiking at 8:00 am. If you choose to hike the entire distance, the end point is the Trail Access and Parking at the Rice Lake Boat Launch/Nature Trail Parking.

The Walworth/Jefferson County Chapter members (volunteer shuttle drivers) will be waiting at the 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20-mile end points to drive you back to your vehicle, allowing you to hike the distance most comfortable for you (and your hiking companions if you bring them).

If you plan to hike the 20-mile distance, please bring a lunch; we will take a lunch break at the Ole Oleson historic log cabin (Blackhawk Segment).

Regardless of the distance, please pack your own water and snacks, especially if you intend to hike one of the longer distances.

____

Photos by Cameron Gillie of ThePinHoleThing.com

Tyke Hike, Lodi Segment – Lodi Valley Chapter

Join the Lodi Valley Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for a Tyke Hike along the Lodi Segment. This slow-paced, short, nature-focused walk is designed for especially for young children (accompanied by an adult). During this hike, a scavenger hunt will help sharp-eyed youth notice particular aspects of nature.

Meet at the Lodi High school Pool Parking lot at 10:00 a.m. (See image below)

Costumes encouraged, but also wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, and in case of slippery conditions, a walking stick is useful.

Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.

For more information, contact Patti Herman: phone, 608-843-3926, or email, billpatti@charter.net

Rice Lake – Ice Age Trail Community Celebration

Save the Date – Wednesday, August 28, 2024

To celebrate Trail Community Designation, Rice Lake will have a short ceremony complete with a ribbon-cutting. The event will feature family-friendly activities, a chance to meet Monty the Mammoth (official mascot of the Ice Age Trail), light snacks, and refreshments.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, August 28 Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park – 20 E Stout Street, Rice Lake

The celebration is open to the public and is a great opportunity to learn more about the Ice Age Trail and Ice Age Trail Alliance.

Tyke Hike, Lodi Marsh Segment – Lodi Valley Chapter

Join the Lodi Valley Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance for a Tyke Hike along the Lodi Marsh Segment. This slow-paced, short, nature-focused walk is designed for especially for young children (accompanied by an adult). During this hike, a scavenger hunt will help sharp-eyed youth notice particular aspects of nature.

Meet at the Twin Pines trailhead of the Lodi Marsh Segment on Lodi Springfield Road (Riddle Road).

Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, and in case of slippery conditions, a walking stick is useful. Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.

For more information, contact Patti Herman: phone, 608-843-3926, or email, billpatti@charter.net

Featured image by: Karen Smith

Hike-a-Thon – Central Moraines Chapter

Save the date for the Central Moraines Chapter’s Hike-a-Thon. More details to come.

Downtown Baraboo Sunday Market

Event Details: Visit us in our Ice Age Trail Community – Baraboo!

Stop by the Ice Age Trail Alliance booth during the on Downtown Baraboo Market on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Talk Trail with volunteers from the Baraboo Hills / Heritage Chapter. There will also be a “decorate your own walking stick activity” for the public while supplies last. The Downtown Baraboo Sunday Market includes antiques, collector items, artisans and crafters. Outdoor Adventure is the theme for Sunday, June 30.

The market is located on the beautiful courthouse square area in the center of Downtown Baraboo. The market

Learn more about the market by visiting their website: Downtown Baraboo Sunday Market.

Environmental Fun Fair – Dane County Parks

Join Dane County Parks for an Environmental Fun Fair located on the grounds of our Lussier Family Heritage Center facility. This FREE fun afternoon will be full of hands-on, sensory activities centered around nature, outdoor recreation, and science. This is an inclusive event appropriate for ALL ages and abilities! Activities under both solar shelter, the big oak tree and the lower level of the Center.

Be sure to visit the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s booth to decorate hiking sticks and learn about glacial landforms and Leave No Trace principles.

Activities will include:

🎨 Face Painting – Antsy Pants Paints

Mobil Trash Lab – Dane County Waste & Renewables

⛰️ Hiking Stick Decoration + Leave No Trace information – Ice Age Trail Alliance

Camping Demo with Sierra Club Four Lakes Group

🐞 LED Bugs– Dane County 4H

🌧️ Rainfall Simulator – Madison Area Municipal Stormwater Partnership

Biofact Exploration and Animal Adaptation Matching – Henry Vilas Zoo

Recycling Game – Sustain Dane

📖 Book Bike – Monona Public Library

🐦 Bird and Nature Activities – Madison Friends of Urban Nature (FUN)

🕊️ Birds of Stewart Park – Friends of Stewart Park

⚡ Induction Cooktop Demonstration & Guess the Watts – Dane County Office of Energy & Climate Change

🛰️ Bird Banding and Tracking – International Crane Foundation

🌳 Tree Climb (all ages and abilities) – Dane County Parks Arborists

🌻 Roadshow – Madison Children’s Museum

🔬 Diagnostic Laboratory with Microscope – Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

…more activities coming soon

Event Details

Activities under both solar shelter, the big oak tree and the lower level of the Center. Parking is available at the Heritage Center and across the road at the Capital City Trail/Lower Yahara River Trail Trailhead (3102 Lake Farm Road). Restrooms are available near the front entrance of the Heritage Center.

Spanish interpreters will be on site and available to help where needed.

Family Adventure Hike

Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance and Rosemary Garfoot Library for a morning of adventure and family fun in Cross Plains! Come decorate walking sticks and set out on a short hike on the Ice Age Trail. Meet at the shelter next to the library and the pool.

Mammoth Fun-Run & Hike – Lodi Valley Chapter

Celebrate National Trails Day – Saturday, June 1 – with a family-friendly, great-for-all-ages Mammoth Fun Run & Hike hosted by the Lodi Valley Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. This year, the 6K trail run will be a fun and timed challenge. Enjoy the beautiful Lodi Marsh Segment as you run or hike to the Finish Line in Lodi, an Ice Age Trail Community!

Events: 6K hike and a timed 6K trail run (distances are approximate). VIEW and DOWNLOAD COURSE MAP HERE.

Event Details:

Location: The event will START and END at Doctor’s Park (220 S. Main Street). A shuttle will take participants to the race start along the Lodi Marsh Segment of the Ice Age Trail. Participants will run or hike their way back into Trail Community, Lodi, Wis.

Event Check-In: All participants need to check in with event volunteers at Doctor’s Park prior to boarding the shuttle. Registration and Check-In begins at 8:00 a.m. The last shuttle to the trailhead will leave from the registration site at 8:40 a.m. (Please leave Fido at home. Dogs are not allowed on the shuttle bus. Thank you for understanding.)

Race start: The Fun Run & Hike will begin at 9 a.m.

Registration: Register online now. Day-of event registrations will also be accepted.

About the Event:

Expect:

A beautiful trail with lovely views.
Challenging 6K timed run.
Trail prizes.
Homemade treats. Special thanks to Alicia Gonzales of Royally Sweet Cookies for providing beautiful post-run cookies!
Good times for all!

Come for the event and stay for the Lodi Sausage Company brat stand on Main Street.

Donations: Donations to the Lodi Valley Chapter are encouraged to further corridor protection, trailbuilding, and trail maintenance.

Central Moraines Chapter – Winter Hike

The Hike

This is a family friendly hike along the scenic Plover River. The trail winds through a mature upland forest, drops down to follow a pristine path along the gurgling Plover River, and returns to higher ground. We’ll pass large erratics and walk the bridge across crystal clear Aniwa Creek. The section then passes through a savanna that’s been reforested with young Oak trees.

Event Details

We’ll start out, southbound, as a group. You get to choose your perfect hiking distance: The 2.5-mile one-way option is from Hatchery Road to Sportsmen Drive where you can grab a shuttle back to your vehicle. Or you can create a personalized round trip distance by reversing course at any point. Don’t forget to grab some cocoa (or other hot beverage) and cookies. Great camaraderie, a chance to unwind, and the ultimate energy boost! Dogs, on a leash, are welcome.

Location Details

We’ll meet between 12:45 and 1 p.m. near the Ice Age Trail parking lot at Hatchery and Village Roads in Aniwa. GPS coordinates: 45.018803,-89.244431. There’s been logging in the area lately, so roadside parking is recommended.

Optional Bonus “Trivia on the Trail”

Pick up a Trivia guide at the start of your hike. Look for questions posted along the trail. Answer them correctly and win a prize!

Tyke Hike – Lodi Valley Chapter

Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance Lodi Valley Chapter for our next Tyke Hike at the Lodi Marsh Segment. These short walks are designed for young children accompanied by an adult, with a focus on noticing things in nature. During this hike we’ll look for what’s going on in early spring.

Meet at the Twin Pines trailhead of the Lodi Marsh Segment on Lodi Springfield Road.

Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, and in case of slippery conditions, a walking stick is useful. Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.

For more information, call Bill @ 608-843-3926 or email at billpatti@charter.net

Featured image by: Karen Smith

Tyke Hike – Lodi Valley Chapter

Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance Lodi Valley Chapter for our next Tyke Hike. These short walks are designed for young children accompanied by an adult, with a focus on noticing things in nature. During this hike we’ll look for what’s going on in winter.

Meet at the Gibraltar Rock Segment parking lot at Gibraltar Rock Road.

Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, and in case of slippery conditions, a walking stick is useful. Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.

For more information, call Bill @ 608-843-3926 or email at billpatti@charter.net

Featured image by: Lisa Jones

Trailtessa 2024- Be a Twilight Explorer

Be a Twilight Explorer

Friday, April 26

7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Dunes Segment, Manitowoc County

Woodland Dunes Nature Center, Two Rivers

Be brave! Explore the magical time of twilight with a group of other women and girls.

Be curious! Learn about evening spring sounds, then explore part of the Dunes Segment of the Ice Age Trail for a short, guided twilight walk. Watch the timberdoodles perform their courtship display and listen for frogs and other critters.

If the sky is clear, scope out the night sky with an astronomer. Bring a headlamp/small flashlight and be prepared for some areas of mud on the trail. Trail length will be about ½ mile and is on fairly even ground.

Open to all ages. Registration required, space is limited.

Resister directly with Woodland Dunes Nature Center.

Contact Jessica Johnsrud, jessicaj@woodlanddunes.org, or call the Nature Center at 920-793-4007 to register.

Trailtessa [treyl-tes-sah], noun: a woman or girl who gets out on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be. Trailtessa events were created in conjunction with the REI Force of Nature initiative.

We love dogs, but we ask that you not bring them to Trailtessa events.

Waxing Gibbous Moon Hike, McKenzie Creek Segment – Indianhead Chapter

Enjoy a forested and hilly hike, following the ups and downs of kettle topography under a waxing gibbous moon. Fingers crossed for clear skies – the half-lighted, not-quite-full moon will be visible well before dark. You’ll hike to serene, spring-fed McKenzie Lake, a prime example glacial activity’s end product. The kettle lake provides a magical backdrop for awe-inspiring views of the moon where chapter volunteer, Joe Synder, will have his telescope set up (weather permitting).

Bring post-hike treats to share.

Volunteer shuttles will take hikers back to their vehicles.

HIKE DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Start Time: 5:30 p.m.
Distance: 2 miles
Hike Start: Meet at the Trail Access and Parking on County Rd O/270th Ave
Hike End Point/Shuttles: McKenzie Lake boat ramp on 280th Ave.

Recommendations:

Know your activity tolerance and respect that.
Dress for the weather: wear layers, a hat, etc.
Bring bug repellant, water, and a snack.
Bring a treat to share.
Bring a headlamp if you plan to make it a four-mile round-trip moonlight hike.

Note: Inclement weather will cancel the hike.

Questions? Please call hike leaders, Cheryl (715-371-0048) or Barb (715-410-8069)

Photo credit: Eric Sherman

Dane County Winter Fun Extravaganza

Event Description

Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Lussier Family Heritage Center and Dane County Parks at the Winter Fun Extravaganza! The event will be a great opportunity to get outside this winter. Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers will be at the snowshoe area to help attendees with gear and questions. Alliance members will also have maps, stickers and bandanas for everyone who comes by to say hello.

Here is a list of fun things that will be going on that you can participate in.

Sledding – A few sleds will be available at first come, first serve basis.
Warming Shelter Fire – We will light up the fire in the warming shelter and be providing s’mores with a donation to our environmental education programs.
Snowshoeing – Snowshoe rentals will be $5 a pair to use during the event on a first come, first serve basis.
Permit Free Weekend for Cross County Skiing!
Bonfire – We will have a bonfire going at the shelter and be providing s’mores and hot chocolate with a donation to our environmental education programs.
Snow free play! Use our igloo bricks to build an igloo, make snow people and more!

This is a free event open to the public, no registration is required. This event is weather dependent, check Dane County Parks’ Facebook event page and other social media platforms for cancelations.

Location

Indian Lake County Park

8183 State Highway 19
Cross Plains, WI 53528
Get Directions

Contact

heritagecenter@countyofdane.com

*Image credit: Lussier Family Heritage Center, Dane County Parks

Family Scavenger Hike, Straight Lake Segment – Indianhead Chapter

Family Scavenger Hike, Straight Lake Segment, Indianhead Chapter

Bring the kiddos and join us for a family-friendly hike along an easy-to-traverse section of the Straight Lake Segment. Keen eyes will spot nature’s little gifts (and yellow blazes!) during this nearly two-mile scavenger hike. Volunteer shuttles will take you and your littles back to your vehicle. Enjoy a special snack, brownies, made by chapter volunteer Corrine “Cork” Lundberg.

This hike is in partnership with the Polk County Social Services Department to help raise awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

HIKE DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
Distance: 1.7 miles
Hike Start: Trail Access and Parking along 280th Ave.
Hike End Point: Park Entrance parking lot (270th Ave. and 120th St.) with shuttles back to the start.

A Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required to enter the Straight Lake State Park. (Vehicle admission stickers can be purchased at the park through self-registration or online).

Recommendations:

Know your activity tolerance and respect that.
Dress for the weather: wear layers, a hat, etc.
Bring sunscreen, bug repellant, water, and a snack.

Note: Inclement weather will cancel the hike.

Questions? Please call hike leaders, Cheryl (715-371-0048) or Barb (715-410-8069)

Photo credit: Kris Van Handel

Trailtessa 2024: Be BLISSFUL

Be BLISSFUL

February 17, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca/Portage Counties

Cost: $20/attendee, Girls under 18 are free

Pure Bliss. Embrace all that winter has to offer! Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance at Hartman Creek State Park for a morning hike. Make new friends, warm your hands at a post-hike bonfire, and enjoy homemade, locally-sourced AMAZING soup and bread from female-owned 13 Chairs in Amhurst.

10:00 am – 1:00 pm Snowshoe Hike (lunch included after the hike)

*2-mile guided snowshoe hike along the Hartman Creek Segment. Snowshoes will be available for attendees to use if needed.

Registration fee is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, we will consider it a donation to the Alliance.

We love dogs, but we ask that you not bring them to Trailtessa events.

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Wee Walkers Hike # North Shore Dr.

About:

Hartland became Wisconsin’s first Ice Age Trail Community in 2015, and this walking club was formed to bring people–both adults and “Wee Walkers”–together to enjoy the trail, community, and each other. Start the New Year right by getting your kids out of the house and onto the Ice Age Trail with the Hartland Walking Club’s “Wee Walkers” program–monthly hikes designed especially for tykes! They’d love to have you join them for a walk!

The Walk:

Gorgeous day for a hike coming up with our Wee Walkers one of our favorite parts of the Hartland Segment! We will start at the northeast corner of KE and Cottonwood Ave and head south on the Ice Age Trail to Foxwood Drive and back. This hike will move at a “toddler’s pace,” as they stop to explore and enjoy the surroundings along the way. Check their Facebook page for updates.

Details:

This month, their out-and-back hike will total approximately 1.8 miles. This section of trail is stroller-friendly but it’s really fun for kids with ups and downs, switchbacks, and surprises to explore. Please dress for the weather and consider bringing water and snacks. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel.

Walks are led by 5-year-old Simon, 3-year-old Ophelia, 1-year-old Rhea, and their mom, Christina, an Ice Age Trail volunteer (and kid at heart). All ages are welcome; kids must be accompanied by an adult. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.

Christina Callies and the Hartland Recreation Department organized this hike. Register in advance to ensure that you receive notification in the event this hike is postponed or canceled. You can also just show up at Cottonwood Wayside, too. There is no fee for this activity.

Location:

Equipment Depot Milwaukee has graciously given us permission to park in their lot adjacent to the trail; access the lot off Cottonwood Ave and park in the southernmost part of the lot along KE.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to your hike leader, Christina.

2023 Dane County Chapter Hike-A-Thon

Join the Dane County Chapter on Saturday, October 14, 2023 for the annual Dane County Hike-A-Thon!

Choose between 2 hike options:

A 16-mile hike going south to north on the Montrose Segment and part of the Verona Segment
A 5-mile hike going south to north on part of the Verona Segment

See below for hike details!

Either way, you’ll get a shuttle, refreshments, some swag, and you’ll get closer to completing the Mammoth Hike Challenge!

We ask that each Hike-a-Thon participant make a personal gift of $50 per individual or 1st member of a household, $25 for 2nd adult in the household. Children under 18 accompanied by an adult are $10.

All proceeds from the Hike-A-Thon will go towards the Dane County Land Protection Fund, which allows quick action when a land protection opportunity arises, providing funds to pay for critical, time-sensitive costs related to land acquisition, such as appraisals, land surveys, and other fees.

The Details:

All participants will receive a shuttle from their car to the start of the hike, and refreshments during and after the hike.

15-Mile Hikers: Meet at Badger Prairie Park Shelter #1 at 7:30 am for check in.

The bus will leave promptly at 8:00 am and shuttle hikers to County D along the Montrose Segment for the start of the hike.
Hikers will then walk the Montrose Segment, a short connector route and part of the Verona Segment ending at Badger Prairie County Park Shelter #1.

5-Mile Hikers: Meet at the Badger Prairie Park Shelter #1 at 11:30 am for check in.

The bus will leave promptly at 11:45 am and shuttle hikers to the parking lot at Prairie Moraine County Park.
Hikers will then walk portions of the Verona Segment ending at Badger Prairie County Park Shelter #1.

There will be two aid stations along the with water refills and lots of snacks: Bosco and Prairie Moraine parking lot.

Location/Parking Details:

LOCATION: Badger Prairie County Park, Link to Google map

PARKING: Badger Prairie Park Shelter #1, Link to location on Hiker Resource map

Post-Hike Celebration:

After your hike, join Dane County Chapter volunteers at the Badger Prairie Park Shelter #1 for grab and go sandwiches provided by Millers & Sons Grocery, soda, beer, hot apple cider and other drinks, and snacks to refuel after a long hike.

Make plans to enjoy local businesses in the our Trail Community of Verona.

The Ice Age Trail Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your gift as part of this event is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Thank you sponsors for supporting the Dane County Hike-A-Thon:

Miller and Sons Grocery
Verona Chamber of Commerce

National Trails Day: Group Hike and Open House at the Pleasant Lake Loop – Waushara and Marquette County Chapters

Lace up your hiking boots and gather your family and friends! In celebration of National Trails Day, join fellow hikers for an open house and hike along the Pleasant Lake section of the Ice Age Trail.

The Hike:

Enjoy a 1.5 mile guided group hike on a newly completed section of the Ice Age Trail featuring recently planted native prairie. Dr. Diane Lueck, Naturalist and Lecturer with the College of Natural Resources at UW Stevens Point, will lead this hike.

Event Details:

This is a free, family friendly event! All are welcome to attend, including leashed dogs. Participants can use this hike’s mileage towards their “Walk-the-Waush” goal. All participants will be eligible for event-related door prizes.

The event will be canceled if there is inclement weather.

What to Bring:

Hiking boots are ideal although tennis shoes can work, too. Dress in layers to accommodate Wisconsin’s weather. Bring a filled water bottle, insect repellant, and sun block.

Directions:

We’ll meet at 12:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Lake Ice Age trailhead parking lot located on 3rd Ave, 1/4 mile south of County Road CC in Coloma. To get there, take County Road CH south from Coloma to County Rd CC. Follow the yellow Ice Age Trail Event signs. Google Map Directions here.

Questions?

Contact: Randy L., Ice Age Trail Alliance (920-787-2333), Heather P. (920-787-7037, wausharacounty.parks@co.waushara.wi.us), or Jen P. (920-787-5638, public.health@co.waushara.wi.us)

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Wee Walkers – Maple Wayside to Cottonwood Wayside

About:

The Walk:

Hartland Walking Club’s “Wee Walkers” invite you and your kids to continue their 2023 series. This year, they are on a mission to hike the ENTIRE Hartland Segment of the Ice Age Trail–out AND back!! They started at Centennial park in January and will head south each month in 2023 until the full segment has been! Anyone who accomplishes this goal with us will earn a free “Hartland Segment” pin! Starting at the Maple Wayside, hikers will head south to the Cottonwood Wayside for an out and back hike on the Ice Age Trail. This hike will move at a “toddler’s pace,” as they stop to explore and enjoy the surroundings along the way. Check their Facebook page for updates.

Details:

This month, their out-and-back hike will total approximately 1.5 miles. They will trek from the Maple Wayside to Cottonwood Wayside and back. Unfortunately, this section of trail is not stroller-friendly. Please dress for the weather and consider bringing water and snacks. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel.

Christina Callies and the Hartland Recreation Department organized this hike. Register in advance (ensure that you receive notification in the event this hike is postponed or canceled) or simply show up at Nixon Park. There is no fee for this activity.

Location:

Meet at the parking lot at the Maple Wayside. You will find Christina and her kids layering up by their car.

Contact Information:

Email comments or questions to your hike leader, Christina.

National Trails Day Hike – Washington/Oz Co Chapter

Pike Lake Segment

Please join us as we partner with the Friends of Pike Lake for their Discovery Day event. As part of that event, and to celebrate National Trails Day, we will offer a guided hike on the Pike Lake Segment of the Ice Age Trail. As we hike the IAT and other trails in the park, we see glacial features and climb a large glacial kame (Powder Hill).

No Wisconsin state park sticker is required, as this is the DNR’s Free Fun Weekend.

LOCATION: Beach Parking Lot, Pike Lake Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest, east of Hartford. Click here for driving directions. Watch for yellow “Ice Age Trail Event” signs.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: We will take the Ice Age Trail east from the beach parking lot entrance, making a quick side trip to climb the observation tower on top of Powder Hill. We will return to the parking lot using the orange trail, which runs along the shore of Pike Lake. Total hike distance will be approximately 3 miles. (Participants can return on the green trail on their own to reduce the distance.)

WHAT TO BRING: Wear comfortable hiking boots and dress appropriately for the weather. Bring water and insect repellant.

HIKE LEADER: TBD