Explore the Pike Lake Segment & the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest!
Pike Lake Hike:
Join us as we travel to Washington County to explore the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest! This loop hike will begin on the Ice Age Trail’s Pike Lake Segment and utilize the Pike Lake Unit’s color-coded trail system to return to our starting point.
Details:
We will begin near the south end of the Pike Lake Unit, and hike north on the Ice Age Trail. Near the family campground, we will loop back around to the south, heading towards the shore of Pike Lake before returning to our starting point. The planned hike is easy to moderate in difficulty, suitable for hikers of most ability levels, and will cover slightly more than 3 miles.
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please be sure to bring water, and consider bringing a lunch for post-hike socializing. If the weather is warm, you may also want to bring your bathing suit!
Location:
The main entrance to the Pike Lake Unit is located off of Highway 60, in Hartford. We will meet at the large parking area off of Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive, toward the south end of the Pike Lake Unit, near the picnic shelters and beaches.
Contact:
Contact your leader, Mike with any questions or concerns.
Photo by Unknown
World Rivers Day – Hartland Ice Age Marsh
Hike:
Originally scheduled for Sept 22, this World Rivers Day Hike was rescheduled for October 20 which also makes it a Mammoth Challenge Event!
Enjoy a guided hike of the Hartland Ice Age Marsh, a white-blazed, loop trail of the IAT. We will also hike north along the Bark River into the Waukesha Land Conservancy property. Helen Holz from the WCLC will join us and tell us their plans for this property.
Details:
This hike will be approximately 3 miles long. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. This hikes is free. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Location:
The Hartland Ice Age Marsh is located next to the Cottonwood Wayside parking lot.
Contact:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
Meet us at the Cross Plains State Park (Old Sauk Pass parking lot) for a fun 5 mile hike!
Image credit: MichaelZeiler/GreatAmericanEclipse.com
About:
A total solar eclipse, one of nature’s most spectacular sights, is coming to North America on April 8. While our location is outside the path of totality, viewers will see an 85-90% partial eclipse. A partial eclipse can be watched leisurely from wherever one happens to be. What better place to see it than the wide-open skies of the Lapham Peak Prairie!
The Hike:
We will be hike the prairie portion of the Lapham Peak Segment, pausing to watch the eclipse along the way. Peak coverage will occur at 2:07. Looping back along the bike trail will make for a for a 3-4 mile hike.
Details:
Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful, but not necessary. We will 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. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after.
CAUTION: Anyone observing a partial eclipse should be extremely careful to avoid damaging their eyes.
Looking at the sun is harmful to your eyes at any time, and most people never do it. The danger that an eclipse poses is simply that it may prompt people to gaze or stare directly into the sun. A large partial eclipse can be especially insidious, not only because it is so attractive but because the sun’s overall dimming makes it less painful to look at. The most important rule to remember here is to use ISO-certified-safe solar glasses and viewers. Regular sunglasses are NOT safe for viewing. Free eclipse glasses can be found at many public libraries including both the Waukesha Public Library and the Delafield Public Library. More info for safe eclipse viewing can be found at https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety.
Location:
Meet at the Evergreen Shelter parking lot.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
Photo by Xiping Wang
Twilight Trail Hike – Monches
Great news, hikers! The Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance is bringing back Twilight Trail Hikes; its well-attended, weeknight series of hikes for 2024! This series of hikes will take place on the last Tuesday of the month, April through September. No need to sign up, just show up!
Hike:
This out-and-back hike starts at the Monches Segment’s northern trailhead, where we will enter the Charles Schurz Forest and explore its wooded moraines. We will then descend toward the marshy banks of the Oconomowoc River to the “interesting bridge” and return.
Details:
This hike is approximately 3.25 miles long. The northern end of this segment is hilly and a hiking stick is helpful. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water and a flashlight/headlamp, if conditions warrant. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.
Location:
The Monches Segment’s northern trailhead is located along the Waukesha-Washington County line in the Town of Merton (Waukesha County) at the intersection of CTH Q (County Line Road) and CTH E (Washington County)/CTH K (Waukesha County). The Monches/Hwy K Parking Lot for this hike is located approx. 0.13 mile north of the this intersection. Look for the IAT event sign as you approach this hike event.
Photo by Unknown
The Walk:
This month’s Senior Saunter will take us for an enjoyable 2 mile walk around Fowler Lake in downtown Oconomowoc. Our route will take us on the Historic Walking Tour. This walk is wheelchair and stroller-friendly and is not limited to seniors; all ages are invited to attend!
Details:
Starting at the Fowler Lake Parking Lot (behind City Hall), we will go west along the lake path and then
north on N. Lake Road. As you get to the north end of Fowler Lake you will go easterly on E. Lisbon Road
and E. Greenland Ave. Then you continue to the south on N. Oakwood Ave , N. Walnut St. and back west
to your staring point on E. Pleasant Dr. Bring water for the hike.
Location:
This hike will begin and end at Oconomowoc’s Folwler Lake Park.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to Mark, your hike leader, and he will answer them for you.
Photo by Unknown
The Walk:
This month’s Senior Saunter will take us for a walk south along the beautiful Fox River Parkway in Downtown Waukesha. Starting at the Waukesha Schuetze Rec Center at Frame Park, we will walk south on the Fox River Trail toward Bethesda Park. From there we will loop back to Schuetze Center. This walk is wheelchair and stroller-friendly and is not limited to seniors; all ages are invited to attend!
Details:
Walk at your own pace for whatever distance you wish (1.6 to 2.5 miles with options for more) on the paved trail. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring water for the hike. Note: We do not cancel hikes ahead of time due to weather predictions. If you are not sure, stay home.
Fox River Trail Options:
- Frame Park to Veteran’s Park: ~1.6 mi round trip
- Around the Frame Park Lagoon: ~1.7 mi. loop
- Frame Park to Bethesda Park: ~2.5 miles round trip
Location:
This hike will begin and end at Waukesha’s Schuetze Recreation Center.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to Mark, your hike leader, and he will answer them for you.
Our chapter is introducing “Senior Saunter Walks” featuring gentle 1-to-2-mile walks on paved paths. These walks are led by chapter member, Mark Miner. They will be offered on the fourth Wednesday of March, April, and May.
The Walk:
Join us on a Senior Saunter Walk to explore Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail! We will explore a portion of the Delafield Segment who’s trailhead is adjacent to Cushing Memorial Park. Our leisurely walk will follow the Bark River and through the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Riverwalk to downtown Delafield. These walks are wheelchair and stroller-friendly and are not limited to seniors; all ages are invited to attend!
Details:
This 1.5- 2 mile walk begins on the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Riverwalk . Situated along the Bark River in Delafield, the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Riverwalk winds along the Bark River for 3/4 mile between Cushing Memorial Park and St. John’s Pond. Along the way are nine separate war memorial sites, a bridge, the entry plaza, two ecological information areas, and a Peace Garden. The Riverwalk concludes in downtown Delafield. Once downtown, you can stop for a bite to eat or do a bit of shopping. Then return to Cushing Memorial Park either by the way you came or along the the paved Lake Country Recreation Trail (Main Street). Walkers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Most importantly, bring water.
Location:
This walk will start out at the Cushing Memorial Park parking lot.
Contact Information:
Questions? Mark, your hike leader will answer them for you.
Photo by Unknown
About:
Hartland became Wisconsin’s first Ice Age Trail Community in 2015. The Hartland Walking Club was created by local volunteers on the Village of Hartland Ice Age Trail Community Committee. Check the Hartland Walking Club’s Facebook page for updates and additional activities.
The Hike:
We will hike from the Cottonwood Wayside parking lot in Hartland, for an approximately four mile out and back hike. The hike begins by walking on a paved path that parallels Cottonwood Dr., eventually crossing North Shore Drive. This segment continues off-road over wooded, hilly topography.
Details:
This is an easy to moderate hike suitable for hikers of most ability levels. There is very little elevation gain before getting to the wooded section of the trail. Anyone not wishing to hike the full distance can turn back at any time and return to the parking lot.
All ages are welcome but ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. There is no fee for this activity. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Department organized this hike.
Location:
We will meet at the the Cottonwood Wayside parking lot.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to Jeff, your hike leader.
Photographer Unknown
The Hike:
Explore the National Scenic Ice Age Trail with us! This month we are featuring a hike from Lapham Peak Segment’s southern trailhead to the tower. The Lapham Peak Segment starts by heading east on the paved Glacial Drumlin Trail for 2 miles where it crosses Hwy 18 and continues through the Kettle Moraine State Forest—Lapham Peak Unit to the tower. This will be an approximately 4.5 mile hike.
Details:
Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are free, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.
Location:
We will meet at the Tower parking lot and carpool to the UW Field Station. From there we will hike back.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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Photo by Stu Brandel
This hike was originally scheduled for Saturday, January 20, 2024.
The Hike:
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance – Waukesha/ Milwaukee County Chapter and the Waukesha County Land Conservancy for a peaceful outing in nature with a guided hike at the stunning Hartland Marsh Preserve and the IAT’s John Muir Overlook loop trail. We’ll enjoy the winter wonderland and discover what makes this place so unique with IAT Hike Leader, Jeff Romagna, and Wisconsin Master Naturalist and Land Management Director, Helen Holtz.
Details:
This is an easy hike suitable for hikers of all ability levels. There is very little elevation gain on this route and the biggest challenge may be navigating snowy and/or icy conditions. All ages are welcome but ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. This event is free to the public and family friendly.
If you would like to join us afterwards, we’ll head to the Culver’s for some free custard – after all, we’re Wisconsinites and frozen custard (and maybe some cheese curds) is the perfect way to warm up!
Location:
We will meet at the Cottonwood Wayside.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to Jeff, one of your hike leaders.
Photo by John Hart
The Hike:
Explore the National Scenic Ice Age Trail with us! This month we are featuring a 3-4 mile out and back hike on the Merton Segment.
Details:
Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are are free, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.
Location:
Meet at the Ice Age Trail Parking Lot – Monches/Merton.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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Photo Credit: John Bechtel
Hike:
Join us on Tuesday, October 15 for an evening hike in the beautiful Lapham Peak prairie under the almost-full Hunter’s Moon. This out-and-back hike will start at 6 p.m. at the Evergreen Shelter parking lot. We’ll head west into the prairie to the end of the Lapham Peak segment before turning around for the return hike. With this hike you can count 4 miles toward the Mammoth Hike Challenge! Before the hike get dinner or enjoy a post hike drink in Delafield, the closest Trail Community to the Lapham Peak Segment.
Details:
This hike is 4 miles. Bring a flashlight or headlamp; we hope to have moonlight, but it might be dark before the end of the hike. Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring water. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.
Location:
We will meet at Lapham Peak’s Evergreen Shelter parking lot.
Contact:
Questions or comments can be made through our Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or our chapter email.
Photo by Stu Brandel
THIS HIKE HAS BEEN POSTPONED AND RESCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2024.
The Hike:
Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance – Waukesha/ Milwaukee County Chapter and the Waukesha County Land Conservancy for a peaceful outing in nature with a guided hike at the stunning Hartland Marsh Preserve and the IAT’s John Muir Overlook loop trail. We’ll enjoy the winter wonderland and discover what makes this place so unique with IAT Hike Leader, Jeff Romagna, and Wisconsin Master Naturalist and Land Management Director, Helen Holtz.
Details:
This is an easy hike suitable for hikers of all ability levels. There is very little elevation gain on this route and the biggest challenge may be navigating snowy and/or icy conditions. All ages are welcome but ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Leashed dogs are welcome. Dress for the weather. If conditions are unsafe we will cancel. This event is free to the public and family friendly.
If you would like to join us afterwards, we’ll head to the Culver’s for some free custard – after all, we’re Wisconsinites and frozen custard (and maybe some cheese curds) is the perfect way to warm up!
Location:
We will meet at the Cottonwood Wayside.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to Jeff, one of your hike leaders.
The Hike: First Day Hike or Snowshoe
Hello, thrill-seekers! Let’s start the New Year with a bang and take on the frosty beauty of winter along the Thornapple Creek Segment of the Ice Age Trail.
Distance
An easygoing, 2-mile hike, so you can join even if you’re still recovering from your epic New Year’s Eve bash.
Event Details
But wait, there’s more! We’ve got an extra surprise for you – a Cardinal scavenger hunt with a super cool Scandinavian prize that’ll bring you good luck all year long so, hold onto your hats, folks, it’s time to hit the trail!
Our Chapter members are pumped to get to know you all, so let’s hnnke from Gold Dust Road to Thornapple Creek Road and exchange some stories. After that, we’ll shuttle you back to your cars.
Bonus Miles – Double the Fun!
Feeling extra adventurous? Double the fun and turn around and go for the golden 4 miles. We’ll have delicious treats and hot cocoa waiting to warm you up and keep our hikers energized.
What to Bring
Dress for the weather and bring a water bottle, hiking poles if you use them, and snowshoes or ice grippers if you can. (We’ll have a few extra pair of snowshoes available too – just in case.)
Where to Meet
Meet at the east end of Gold Dust Road. It’s a dead-end road, so there’s plenty of roadside parking available. GPS Coordinates: 44.95743,-89.34705
Join the fun on Thursday, December 21, 2023 to celebrate the Winter Solstice on the Ice Age Trail!
Details
Dress for the weather. Headlamps and/or flashlights will be needed. 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.
Photo by Pat Witkowski
About:
The Waukesha/Milwaukee County County IATA Chapter is offering a series of Weekender Hikes. These hikes take place on one Saturday morning a month for the remainder of the year meeting at 10:00 a.m. Hike details will be available on the Chapter Calendar and on the Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page. Notice! There is a topic/theme for each hike. All are welcome to bring information, stories, and trivia to share before, during, and/or after the hike.
The Hike:
Join us for a celebratory weekend hike on the Waterville Segment! We will do an out and back hike heading south to the brand new addition to the trail recently finished by volunteers. Our theme is the history of the Waterville Community.
Details:
This easy hike will be about 4 miles. Bring water and dress appropriately for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Location:
This final 2023 Weekender Hike will start at The UWM at Waukesha Field Station overflow parking area. Look for the IAT event sign as you approach the hike event.
Contact Information:
Questions or comments about our Weekender Hikes can be made through our Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or through our chapter email.
Photo by Tim Hahn
About:
The Waukesha/Milwaukee County County IATA Chapter is offering a series of Weekender Hikes. These hikes take place on one Saturday morning a month for the remainder of the year meeting at 10:00 a.m. Hike details will be available on the IATA Calendar and on the Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page. Notice! There is a topic/theme for each hike. All are welcome to bring information, stories, and trivia to share before, during, and/or after the hike.
The Hike:
Join us for a weekend walk on the
Blue Spring Lake Segment in Jefferson County. We will hike a loop using the Bald Bluff Nature Trail to the Blue Springs Lake Segment to the Stone Elephant, then take the trail behind the Stone Elephant to the horse/snowmobile trail to reconnect with the Blue Springs and Bald Bluff trails to return to the parking lot. Our discussion theme is the History of Blue Spring Lake.
Details:
The hike will be about 4 miles, and of medium difficulty. There are some moderate hills so hiking poles will be helpful. Bring water and dress appropriately for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. For your safety during hunting season, wear blaze orange or other bright colors. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Location:
Look for the IAT event sign as you approach each hike event and park at the Bald Bluff Scenic Overlook parking lot. This parking lot will fit 12-15 cars parked smartly; roadside parking is available south of the lot (north of the lot says private property).
Contact Information:
Questions or comments can be made through our Waukesha/Milwaukee IAT Chapter Facebook page or through our chapter email.
Photo by Mama’s Basecamp
The Hike:
Explore the National Ice Age Trail with us! This month we will be hiking the Scuppernong Segment. This out and back hike will start at Scuppernong’s southern trailhead and will be 4-5 miles in length.
Details:
Bring water. Dress for the weather. Hiking sticks are helpful. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are are free, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.
Location:
Meet at the Hwy 67 Trailhead parking lot.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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Photo by Sarah Haeuser
The Hike:
Explore the National Ice Age Trail with us! This month we will be hiking the Loew Lake Segment. This segment connects with the Holy Hill Segment to the north and the Monches Segment to the south. Located in Washington County, the Loew Lake Segment of the IAT meanders through a moderately hilly area. Highlights of the segment include a lovely corridor of pine trees, views from hilltops, plenty of glacial geology, and wonderful views of Holy Hill.
Details:
This hike will be approximately 4 miles long. Hiking poles are helpful. Bring water and dress for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are free. All ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.
Location:
Meet at the Monches/Highway K parking lot. We will leave some vehicles there and carpool to the Kettle Moraine – Loew Lake Unit parking lot (off of Emerald Drive) where we will begin our hike.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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Photo by Jon Jones
About:
The Waukesha/Milwaukee County County IATA Chapter is announcing a series of Weekender Hikes. We are offering hikes on one Saturday morning a month for the remainder of the year meeting at 10:00 a.m. Notice! There is a topic/theme for each hike. All are welcome to bring information, stories, and trivia to share before, during, and/or after the hike. All are welcome to bring information, stories, and trivia to share before, during, and/or after the hike.
The Hike:
Waukesha/Milwaukee County IAT Chapter is partnering with The Hartland Walking Club for our first WeekenderHike. Enjoy this Mammoth Challenge Opportunity with the Hartland Trail Community for a guided hike of the FULL (6.8 mile) Hartland Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Our theme is finishing the Mammoth Challenge. No need to sign up, just show up!
Details:
A bus will first stop at the Cottonwood Wayside for those who want to walk approximately half of the Hartland Segment, then proceed to the Nagawaukee Park and Ride on Golf Rd (STH 83 & I-94) at the south end of the Hartland Segment. A bus will drive us to the south end of the Hartland Segment where we will be dropped off at the Nagawaukee Park and Ride. We will then hike the entire 6.8 miles (5.7 IAT, 1.2 CR) of the segment back to Centennial Park. Hikers will have an opportunity to stop for coffee or lunch in downtown Hartland. As you walk north to complete the Hartland Segment, watch for 12 Mammoth Hike Challenge signs. Hikers who complete the segment will earn a Hartland Segment pin, usually $5 but free of charge for this Mammoth Hike Challenge event!
Dress for the weather. We will cancel if weather or conditions are unsafe. These hikes are are free, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Follow us at Hartland Walking Club on Facebook for more details and to stay updated on what’s happening. Jeff Romagna and the Hartland Recreation Dept. organized this hike.
Please Note: Except for the Hartland Segment between Hartbrook Park and Centennial Park, dogs are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after. HOWEVER, DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE BUS!
Location:
Meet at the Centennial Park parking lot in Hartland.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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