We will hike out approximately three miles on this segment to Hwy CC and back. A State Park day pass or sticker will be needed. You may find hiking poles 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well. 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:
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:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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Photo by Unknown
Twilight Trail Hike – Scuppernong Trails and IAT
Hike:
Join us as we hike a portion of the Scuppernong Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This segment goes through the Scuppernong Trail System. Our hike will feature a member of the Kettle Moraine State Forest Friends Group who’ll share additional insight into this area and the Southern Unit of the State Forest. No need to sign up, just show up!
Details:
This hike starts at the Scuppernong Trailhead and is approximately 3 – 4 miles long. Hikers will start on the Ice Age Trail and loop back to the parking lot via the Scuppernong Trails. The terrain along this segment is particularly hilly as it travels through pine plantations and hardwoods. Bring water and remember to dress appropriately for the weather. Leashed dogs are welcome and must be cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well.
Location:
The Scuppernong Trailhead parking lot is located off of Hwy 67 north of Eagle, WI. Look for the IAT event sign as you approach this hike event.
Photo by Ali Stanczyk
Hike:
Hike the entire Waterville Segment with us and check out the progress on this section of trail! Many improvements have occurred here over the last three years. Recently constructed trail replaced most of the dangerous, nearly one mile road walk. Our chapter volunteers also improved the safety of this segment by rebuilding the old boardwalks and bridge. Additionally, two Dispersed Camping Areas (DCAs) were added. Currently, a stone wall highlighting historical building practices from the area’s Welsh immigrants is nearing completion. We’re not done! Your hike leader, Jeff, will fill you in on the details.
Details:
This hike is approximately 5 miles long and has easy to moderate terrain. You may find hiking poles 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Please bring water for your dogs as well. 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 in the parking lot of the First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa. We will leave some vehicles there and carpool to the The UWM at Waukesha Field Station (Google map). Please do not park in the Wildlife in Need Center parking lot (first driveway). Proceed north to the second driveway for the Field Station parking area. We will begin our hike from the UWM at Waukesha Field Station (website), where a short spur will connect us to the Waterville Segment.
Contact:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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Photo by Nader
GREAT NEWS, HIKING FANS! THIS HIKE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD. WOO-HOO!!
Twilight Trail Hike – Eagle Segment & Brady’s Rocks
This summer, the Friends of the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit will partner with our Chapter on our Twilight Hikes in the KMSF-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 KMSF-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 some of the Eagle Segment’s northern portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This part of the segment includes the Brady’s Rocks white-loop trail. The Brady’s Rocks area is home to several rare species of ferns and snails, and visitors should stay on the trail to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem.
Details:
This hike starts at the the Brady’s Rocks Ice Age Trail trailhead east of the Eagle Segment and is approximately 3.25 miles long. We will then head south on IAT to the prairie, turn around, and hike a loop return on DNR access road to the IAT up the hill and back to the parking lot. This portion of the trail is mild and easy walking. 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 Brady’s Rocks Ice Age Trail trailhead parking lot is located off of Hwy 67 north of Eagle, WI. Look for the IAT event sign as you approach this hike event.
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.
Photo by Unknown
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 3-5 miles in length.
Details:
Meet at the Scuppernong Hiking Trails parking lot on the north side of Hwy ZZ. We will hike north on the Ice Age Trail and have the option of returning on one of the Scuppernong Trails. Distance will vary depending on which trail you return on.
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.
Location:
Meet at the Hwy 67 Trailhead parking lot.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Mike.
Photo by Gerald H. Emmerich Jr.
Twilight Trail Hike – Waterville Segment
Great news, hikers! The Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance is back with the Twilight Trail Hikes series; 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 of the Waterville Segment begins at the UWM at Waukesha Field Station (website), where we will experience a beautiful prairie walk. From there we’ll connect to the Waterville Segment and hike on to the drumlin located at the recently acquired WDNR property and return.
Details:
This is an easy, approximately 4 miles long hike. 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:
We will start at The UWM at Waukesha Field Station (Google map). Enter the Field Station private driveway entrance on the east side of Waterville Road, which is approx. 0.40 of a mile south of USH 18 (and just north of the Glacial Drumlin Bike Trial) and proceed about 0.20 of a mile east on the private driveway until you reach the Field Station (second) driveway. Please do not park in the Wildlife in Need Center parking lot (first driveway). Proceed north to the Field Station parking area. GPS Coordinates for the private driveway entrance on Waterville Road are: 43.01605 degrees N, 88.44262 degrees W, and GPS Coordinates to the Field Station driveway are: 43.01628 degrees N, 88.43919 degrees WLook for the IAT event sign as you approach the hike event.
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.
The Hike:
Explore the National Ice Age Trail with us! This month we will be hiking the Monches Segment. This segment connects with the Loew Lake Segment to the north and the Merton Segment to the south. Located near the Waukesha/Washington County Line, the Monches Segment of the IAT traverses a mature maple forest and parallels the Oconomowoc River. It features spring and early summer woodland wildflowers.
Details:
This hike is approximately 3 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 the First Presbyterian Church of Ottawa parking lot. We will leave some vehicles there and carpool to the The UWM at Waukesha Field Station where we will begin our hike.
Contact Information:
Email comments or questions to either of your hike leader, Jeff.
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Come out for a short evening stroll on this Dane County Parks property that is part of the Table Bluff segment of the Ice Age Trail. The trail has some gentle, rolling hills and an expansive section of land restored to native prairie. A portion of the trail does loop through a section of woods. This 1.5-mile hike offers a grand view toward Blue Mounds (on a clear day).
About a 6-mile round-trip (out and back) hike on the Ice Age Trail from north side of Verona to Woods Rd (end of Madison segment). The hike starts at Ice Age Trail Junction parking lot located at Hwy PD/McKee Rd and High Point Rd. The hike will traverse north and west to University Ridge Golf Course and return back to the Hwy PD parking lot. This surprisingly remote feeling segment passes unobtrusively through a scenic golf course and residential neighborhoods. You’ll be able to read several interpretative signs about the presence of glaciers in the area, and hike on trail that snakes through wooded and prairie areas.
IMPORTANT NOTE: No dogs on this one. Dogs are not permitted along the trail through University Ridge golf course, so please leave the furry friends at home for this one.
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 The Spruce/Evgeniya Vlasova
The Workday:
Join us for a Seed Collection Outing at the Hartland Marsh with the Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Land Restoration Specialist, Steve Pence! We will be collecting shooting star seeds that will go into the Ice Age Trail Alliance Seed Bank for future restoration projects. This ephemeral spring wildflower once was found growing abundantly throughout open, moist woods and rocky slopes. Unfortunately, shooting stars have suffered declines in both their numbers and natural habitats. The Alliance’s seed collection program is part of their land restoration efforts to re-establish and increase native plants found along the trail.
Work Details:
All tools and training will be provided. Wear long pants and sleeves, work gloves, and sturdy shoes. You will be healthier and happier by bringing a water bottle and insect repellent. If time allows we will continue clearing invasives from the area. Please complete a National Park Service Volunteer Agreement. Download Agreement.
Location Details:
Meet at the Hartland Marsh’s Cottonwood Wayside parking lot.
Contact Details:
Questions? Contact Pat at gpwit1976@gmail.com
Next week the Hartland Library will welcome author and photojournalist Cameron Gillie for a presentation on his book, Around Wisco: Hiking the Ice Age Trail! Members of our Chapter will also be there to share information about the Ice Age Trail Communities. Don’t miss it!
Contact Information:
Questions? Contact the Hartland Library at (262) 367-3350.
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.
Hiking the National Trails with Melanie McManus
Travel writer and memoirist Melanie McManus returns to the Hartland Public Library for a program about hiking the National Trails. Ms. McManus has previously visited the Library for her Ice Age Trail memoir Thousand-Miler: Hiking the Ice Age Trail and her travel book 100 Things to Do in Wisconsin Dells Before You Die. She will discuss her writing and hiking life, and answer questions from the audience.
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.
We can always use extra help with mowing duties. Nearly 25 miles of Trail needs to be mowed and/or trimmed several times throughout the spring, summer, and fall months. We supply the equipment, including the trailer, but a vehicle with a hitch is necessary. If you think you may enjoy running a brush mower or trimmer and have a few hours to spare, please consider this volunteer opportunity. The time commitment depends on the weather and how much rainfall we experience.
Interested volunteers should email Mike Drehobl to be part of this amazing crew. Mike will get back to you with all of the necessary details.
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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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 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.
