On January 1, 2025, brighten your new year with a First Day Winter Color Walk along the Ice Age Trail at John Muir Memorial County Park.
Join the jolly, jingling trail guides at 10:00 a.m. to ring in the new year with friends old and new.
Hike Details:
The walk covers about 1.5 miles of trail and will last about an hour. The walk culminates with a special new year’s wish ceremony at the shelter.
What to Bring:
Wear your most colorful, cozy clothing and feel free to bring a hot beverage to enjoy along the way. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking boots, bring hiking poles (if you use them) and water, etc.
Location:
Meet at John Muir County Park (Montello, Wis.) at 10:00 am. Plan to arrive in time to park and gather as we will commence promptly at 10:00 a.m.
Contact Info:
Contact the Marquette County Chapter (MarquetteCoChapter@iceagetrail.org) with questions.
Featured image by: Cameron Gillie
Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike!
Meet at 1 pm, Wednesday, January 1st, at the Gibraltar Rock Road parking area and enjoy a leisurely stroll up to the top of the rock and back down the west side to enjoy the new loop trail!
For directions visit: https://goo.gl/maps/oBxsfu8bRzw
We will have hot chocolate and some leftover cookies (maybe even some fruitcake…yum) to toast the New Year!
Watch for the yellow Ice Age Trail Event signs. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes.
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
Due to possible slick conditions walking sticks are recommended. We will have extra available for you to use.
Questions? Call Bill at 843-3926.
Chase a few blazes to start the New Year! Join the Marquette Co. Chapter on New Year’s Day for a First Day Hike at John Muir County Park.
Hike Details:
Follow in Muir’s footsteps and experience the prairies and meadows of his boyhood home. The 1.8-mile John Muir Segment showcases a hummocky terrain, drumlins, and features views of Ennis Lake. After the hike, warm up with some hot chocolate, provided by the Chapter. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
What to Bring:
Dress for the weather, wear comfortable hiking boots, bring hiking poles (if you use them) and water, etc.
Location:
Meet at John Muir County Park (Montello, Wis.) at 10:55 a.m. Parking is adjacent to Trail access.
Contact Info:
Contact Jeff Frazer, Chapter Coordinator, with any questions: morgmule@yahoo.com
Featured image by: Cameron Gillie
Snow on thistles. Verona Segment, Dane County. Photo by T. Knaack
The crunch of snow underfoot breaks the silence of a stark, white winter landscape. Cold air enters lungs and puffs of warm breath rise like smoke. A First Day Hike on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a good way to test your resolve to get outside in the New Year.
Blue Spring Lake Segment, Walworth County. Photo by Chris Munz.
The good news is you can ease into your resolutions by joining like-minded folks who are also choosing to celebrate a new day and a new start with a blood-pumping, welcome-to-2018-hike!
Three First Day Hikes Near You:
Gibraltar Rock Segment, Columbia County, hosted by the Lodi Valley Chapter
Pike Lake Segment, Washington County, hosted by the Washington/Ozaukee County Chapter
Lapham Peak Segment, Waukesha County, hosted by the Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter
There are 17 First Day Hikes hosted by Wisconsin State Parks.
First Day Hikes is an initiative begun by America’s State Parks as an effort to get more people outdoors and enjoying their state land for exercise and recreation.
