Tag Archives: Hike

First Day Winter Color Hike – Marquette Co. Chapter

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

Tyke Hike with Santa – Lodi Segment, Lodi Valley Chapter

The Hike:

Join us  for a short, low-key, family-friendly walk to experience the Ice Age Trail in winter. We’ll return to the parking area to enjoy cookies and hot cocoa…and a visit from Santa!

Please wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, and bring a light.  This will be a very short and child appropriate walk.  Leashed dogs are welcome. Due to possible slick conditions walking sticks are recommended.  We will have extra available for you to use.

Questions? call Patti  at 843-3924

Location details:

Meet behind the Lodi High School (1100 Sauk St) at the Ice Age Trail kiosk at 10:00 a.m. Watch for the yellow Ice Age Trail Event signs.

For directions visit: https://goo.gl/maps/tbL5nG8VsgF2

For more information, contact Patti at  608-843-3924 or billpatti@charter.net

Guided Hike, Lodi Segment – Lodi Valley Chapter

Join us for a hike on the Lodi Segment of the Ice Age Trail! Starting at the Lodi & Lake Wisconsin Chamber building, this guided hike will take you through downtown Lodi to Veteran’s Park and through the historic district. We’ll make our way across the unique, 150-foot long Rainbow Bridge to the high school before heading back to the Chamber.

Meet at the Lodi & Lake Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce building at 120 Portage Street in Lodi. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather.

For more information, email Kim Cooke, Lodi Valley Chapter Coordinator at LodiValleyChapter@iceagetrail.org.

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

Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter: Let’s Learn, Let’s Hike!

Presentation:

Have you ever wanted to walk along the Ice Age Trail? Wondered how this trail came to be or who built it? Ever wonder about all the life that surrounds you while on the trail? The more you discover, the more fascinating your hike becomes! Learn, experience and enjoy Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail and the wildly popular October Mammoth Hike Challenge!

Presenter:

Join “Thousand-Miler” and active Chapter member, Mary Cieslewicz and learn how to be a curious hiker.

Details:

Practice your curious hiking skills by taking a short hike on the Ice Age Trail at 10:00. At 10:30 we’ll have pumpkins to paint and hot cocoa to drink, plus a raffle prize for one lucky hiker! Whether hiking or sauntering, be inspired for adventures on the Trail! This activity is part of Let’s Hike, Delafield!

 

Location:

This presentation will take place at the Delafield Public Library. Library programs, events, and activities are free and open to the public.

Stars


Trail Magic:  Ask any librarian for some Trail Magic, and receive a small notebook to keep track of your observation on the trail!

 

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

 

 

Full Moon Hike, Lodi Marsh Segment – Lodi Valley Chapter

Join us for a short walk in the light of the full moon. Treat yourself to an out-and-back hike featuring a prairie with views of the Lodi Marsh and bluffs. Tromp across a boardwalk hovering above the wetland for which this segment is named.

Meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Twin Pines Trail Access and Parking (see image below) noted with the pin icon.

Twin Pines parking lot

Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather. Bring a light; it may be dark for the walk back to our vehicles. Leashed, well-behaved​ dogs are welcome.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured image by: Rachel Roberts

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

Full Moon Hike, Gibraltar Rock Segment – Lodi Valley Chapter

Join us for a short walk in the light of the full moon. Treat yourself to a spectacular hike with simultaneous views of the setting sun over Devil’s Lake State Park and the moon rising in the east.

Meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Trail Access and Parking at Slack Road (Gibraltar Rock Segment). From there, we’ll walk up to Steenbock Preserve’s mesic prairie (a one-mile walk one way) to enjoy the coincidence of the sunset and moonrise.

Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather. Bring a light; it may be dark for the walk back to our vehicles. Leashed, well-behaved​ dogs are welcome.

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

 

 

Featured image by: Rachel Roberts

Thousand-Miler Recognition: Celebrating Adventure and Tenacity!

Posted on
Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Ice Age Trail, Thousand-Milers
A robust class of Thousand-Milers received recognition for their achievement at the 2024 Annual Conference's Award Ceremony. Photo by Dennis Linley.
Nothing captures the imagination quite like hiking the entirety of a long-distance path like the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This most recent Thousand-Miler class submitted completion reports before April 1, allowing them recognition at the 2024 Annual Conference’s Award Ceremony.

The class numbered 109 hikers, hailing from 58 communities across Wisconsin, while 12 hikers came from other states: Illinois, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and Vermont. Of this group, 96 section-hiked the Ice Age Trail, extending their adventure over several years. For example, one hiker began his journey on May 10, 2003, completing it 7,469 days later, on October 20, 2023.

Continue reading →

Tyke Hike

The Ice Age Trail Alliance – Lodi Valley Chapter invites you to join us 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.

Event details: Saturday, June 15th at 10:00 am

Location details: We will meet at the Robertson Trailhead; Watch for the yellow Tyke Hike signs.

Questions? For more information call Patti at 608-843-3924 or billpatti@charter.net

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.

Dane County Chapter Hike – Lodi Marsh Segment

In total, we’ll have a 6-7 mile moderate difficulty hike on the Lodi Marsh Segment of the Ice Age Trail. This scenic hike will go through woods and prairies with lovely views of the valleys and Baraboo Hills in the distance. We’ll start going East and can do out and back all the way to parking area at Hwy 113 or we can stop at County Line, return to our parking and then do the loop trail west of the parking which overlooks the marsh and crosses over and around a nice drumlin left behind by the last glaciers. Either option is about same distance. Or we can make shorter and just go to county line, turn around and skip the west loop.

May Full Moon Hike

The Hike:

Greetings Walkers and Hikers! Grab your jacket and get out of the house! Another Full Moon hike is coming up!

Join us for a hike to celebrate another glorious evening under our next full moon, Tuesday evening, May 21st.

Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and bring a light.

This month’s full moon is called the Flower Moon. In most areas, flowers are abundant everywhere during this time thus the name of this Moon. Other names include the Full Corn Planting Moon, or the Milk Moon.

This will be a low key, family appropriate walk.  Leashed, well behaved dogs are welcome.

Event details:

Tuesday, May 21st at 7:30 pm @ Slack Road Trailhead

Location details:

We will meet at the Slack Road Trailhead; Watch for the yellow Ice Age Trail Event signs.

Questions? Contact Bill at billpatti@charter.net or 608-843-3926.

Pencil in these upcoming events:

May 25th – Tyke Hike

June 1st – National Trails Day – Mammoth Fun Run/Walk

June 22nd – Trail Maintenance Day

June 19th – full moon hike

Full Moon Hike

The Hike:

Greetings Walkers and Hikers!

We will walk up to the prairie for a good look at the rising moon. Wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather.  This walk will be more than a mile one-way, low key, and family friendly. Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.   

Event details:

Sunday, April 21st at 7:30 pm @ Riddle Road/Robertson Trailhead

Location details:

We will meet at the Trailhead; Watch for the yellow Ice Age Trail Event signs.

Questions? Contact Bill at billpatti@charter.net or 608-843-3926

This month’s full moon is called the Pink Moon, though it actually will not be pink in color. The name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring.

Other names for this month’s celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon, because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn. Others refer to the reappearance of certain animals, including Moon When the Ducks Come Back (Lakota), Moon When the Geese Lay Eggs (Dakota), and Frog Moon (Cree). Along the same vein, Sucker Moon (Anishinaabe) notes the time to harvest sucker fish, which return to streams or lake shallows to spawn. According to legend, now is the time when this fish comes back from the spirit world to purify bodies of water and the creatures living in them. (This name may also be applied to the February Moon, to honor the sacrifice of the sucker fish in order to feed the Anishinaabe peoples, traditionally helping them to survive the winter.)

Pencil in these upcoming Full Moon Hikes:

May 21

June 19

July 18

August 17 …the untraditional birthday hike!

April Tyke Hike

The Ice Age Trail Alliance – Lodi Valley Chapter invites you to join us 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.

We hope to see you at the Tyke Hike!

Event details: Saturday, April 20th at 10:00 am

Location details: We will meet at the Slack Hill Road Trailhead; Watch for the yellow Tyke Hike signs.

Questions? For more information call Patti at 608-843-3924 or billpatti@charter.net

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.

 

Trailblazers Day – Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Annual Conference

Join fellow young adults and outdoor enthusiasts for a day of hiking, socializing, and learning about the Ice Age Trail!

The Alliance’s Trailblazers* and staff members are hosting a day for young adults to experience the Alliance’s Annual Conference.

Get an exclusive guided hike from geologist Rudy Molinek at Devils’ Lake State Park. Learn about the unique geologic landforms of this area during a 3-mile morning hike.

Then, in the afternoon, join other Conference attendees and attend two sessions (of your choice). Topics range from a Trail signage workshop, a hiker forum with Thousand-Milers, learning about the many physical and mental benefits of hiking, and more!

Whether you are interested in finding a hiking buddy, volunteer opportunities, or gaining insider knowledge about the Ice Age Trail, you will leave this event with a newfound appreciation for Wisconsin’s landscapes.

NOTE: The Trailblazers Day is intended for people ages 18-35 years old.

 

Registration is closed.

 

Event Schedule:

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Welcome

  • Introductions/Meet & Greet/Prepare for hike

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Morning hike at the Devil’s Lake Segment

  • A 3-mile guided hike with a geologist along this scenic segment. Learn about the unique geologic landforms and history of this area.

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Lunch

  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at Devil’s Lake (lunch is provided!)

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Afternoon Sessions

  • Attend two-afternoon sessions (of your choice) back at the Conference Center. A schedule of sessions being offered can be found here under “Agenda.”

 

*Trailblazers: A group of young adults committed to furthering the mission of the Ice Age Trail Alliance and engaging the next generation of trail stewards.

 

Featured image by: IATA Staff

Celebrate National Trails Day® in a BIG Way!

On the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

There’s lots to celebrate at this family-friendly event.

You’re Invited!

In honor of National Trails Day®, the Ice Age Trail Alliance and the National Park Service are hosting a celebration at the National Park Service headquarters in Cross Plains.

There’s lots to celebrate this year:

  • The Ice Age Trail’s Unit Status designation
  • The partnerships that make the Trail a reality
  • Nearly three new yellow-blazed miles along the Cross Plains Segment (plus a white-blazed loop trail!)

Be there as the ribbon is cut and the new portion of the Cross Plains Segment is officially opened. Then, hike it! (Choose the distance right for you.)

Jaunt across a cool-grass prairie and saunter through oak woodlands, enjoying the surrounding landscape’s story; the tension between the Wisconsin Glaciation’s massive ice sheets and the unburied Driftless area. (Plus, the Trail travels across land owned by Alliance partners, the National Park Service and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.)

Meet the Trailbuilders who crafted the tread, built the boardwalk, and moved boulders on this portion of Trail as you hike! Hear their stories, get inside information.

Enjoy light, post-hike refreshments at the National Park Service office, and get your National Park Service stamp from the park office (which will be open).

Make plans to attend!

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 1:00 p.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony
Where:
National Park Service-Cross Plains Interpretive Site
8075 Old Sauk Pass Rd, Cross Plains, Wis.

About National Trails Day®: Each year, people all across the country unite on the first Saturday of June to recognize the importance of America’s trails and the value they add to our lives.

 

Graphic by: American Hiking Society

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!

23rd Annual Snowshoe Hike on the Hemlock Creek Segment – Superior Lobe Chapter

Enjoy one of Wisconsin’s best winter activities: snowshoeing and hiking!

Join the Superior Lobe Chapter for their 23rd Annual Snowshoe Hike on the Hemlock Creek Segment.

Grab your friends and family and explore the western edge of the Blue Hills, Hemlock Creek, and Barron County Forest. The forests and gentle rolling hills make for a scenic winter hike. Afterward, warm-up by a bonfire and enjoy light refreshments. Hiking will occur, wearing snowshoes is weather dependent.

Choose from 3 hiking distances:

  • 1, 2, or 5 miles

Event Details:
Date and Time: Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at Murphy Flowage County Park

To RSVP and register, email Bob Held at heldharbor@gmail.com or call/text 715-761-1657 

 

Featured image by: Lysianne Unruh

2024 Dane County Hike-A-Thon

Join the Dane County Chapter on Saturday, June 1, 2024 for the annual Dane County Hike-A-Thon!

 

Choose between two hike options:

  • A 14.5-mile hike going from north to south on the Cross Plains, Valley View, Madison, and part of the Verona Segments
  • A 3-mile hike going from north to south on part of the Madison and Verona Segments

Due to trail restrictions, please leave your furry friend(s) at home (no dogs are allowed on the Hike-A-Thon). See below for hike details!

Either way, you’ll get a T-Shirt, shuttle, refreshments, some swag, and you’ll be contributing to the creation of more trail within Dane County. It is also a great way to celebrate National Trails Day!

 

 

Dane County Hike-A-Thon T-shirt

 

Registration for the Hike-A-Thon is $40/person (tax-deductible).

All proceeds from the Hike-A-Thon will go towards the Dane County Land Protection Fund. The Dane County Land Fund is a fund established to help us permanently protect and manage land for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Dane County. Your donation helps with land acquisition to support the goal of “closing the gaps” between off-road sections of trail.

 

 

*Note: As of 5/31, we only have large shirts left.*

The Details:

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

14.5-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 N. Birch Trail, along the Cross Plains Segment for the start of the hike.
  • Hikers will then walk the Cross Plains Segment, a short connector route, The Valley View Segment, another short connector route, the Madison segment, and part of the Verona Segment, ending at Badger Prairie County Park Shelter #1.

3-Mile Hikers: Meet at the Badger Prairie Park Shelter #1 at 10:30 am for check in.

  • The bus will leave promptly at 11:00 am and shuttle hikers to the OJ Noer turfgrass facility.
  • Hikers will then walk portions of the Madison and Verona Segments, ending at Badger Prairie County Park Shelter #1.

There will be two aid stations along the route with water refills and lots of snacks: Cross Plains State Park parking lot (Timber Lane) and the OJ Noer Turfgrass Facility.

 

                           

Long hike route is highlighted in yellow+red, short hike is highlighted in red

 

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, soda, beer, other drinks, and snacks to refuel after a long hike. 

Make plans to enjoy local businesses in the our Trail Community of Verona and Trail Community of Cross Plains

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:

 

 

 

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

 

Full Moon Hike – Lodi Valley Chapter

Join us for a short walk in the light of the full moon.  The March full moon is often called the Worm Moon to signify the warming earth as in preparation for 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 bring a light as well, 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: Rachel Roberts

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

Candlelight Full Moon Hike – Lodi Valley Chapter

Join us for a special candlelight hike at the Gibraltar Rock Segment on February 24. Hike along an illuminated path up the hillside to watch the full moon. February’s moon is called the snow moon. 

Meet at the Ferry Landing Parking Lot, Hwy 113 Lodi at 7:30 p.m.

Wear appropriate clothing for the weather, sturdy shoes, and bring a light as well, 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: Rachel Roberts