Two friends smile in delight after spending the day together hiking the Monches Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Photo by Brad Dagen.
National Trails Day is Saturday, June 1st, 2019 and there’s plenty to celebrate along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Hikes That Go the Distance:
Explore new territory.
1. Chippewa County, Chippewa Moraine Segment: National Trails Day Hike
Celebrate National Trails Day in Chippewa County. Appreciate the beauty of the North woods as trees and flowers unfurl in late-spring. This hike, led by members of the Chippewa Moraine County Chapter, starts at 9:00 a.m. and is about 4-miles in length. Plan to meet new friends, bring your own water, insect repellent, and to complete the hike by noon. (Chippewa Moraine County Chapter)
2. Dane County, Hike-a-Thon: Do Good and Hike!
Raising money is great fun when the Ice Age Trail is part of the equation. Come explore several Dane County Segments of the Ice Age Trail. Bring along friends and family, and at the same time, raise funds to build, maintain, and protect the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Two distances available, 5-miles or 20-miles. It’s as easy as making a tax-deductible gift or collecting pledges of $30 or more ($40 after May 24th). (Dane County Chapter)
3. Sauk County, Devil’s Lake Segment: National Trail Day Hike
Join members of the Rock County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance as they venture away from their usual stomping ground and explore the Ice Age Trail as it travels through another county. You’ll be hiking from the concession stand at the North Shore around to the East Bluff, the South Shore, the West Bluff and back to the where you started. Come prepared to meet new friends and spend the day in beautiful Devils’ Lake State Park. (Rock County Chapter)
4. Walworth & Jefferson Counties, Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest: National Trails Day Hike
Celebrate National Trails Day with a 3, 5, 10, or even 20-mile hike through the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest. Enjoy rolling terrain past trailside kettles make for a satisfying hike along distinct glacial features. Shuttles available to help you determine the distance you want to hike. (Walworth/Jefferson County Chapter)
5. Waukesha County, Monches Segment: A Celebration of Service and Hiking!
The Waukesha/Milwaukee Chapter of the IATA, REI, and Waukesha County Conservation will host a morning of service (removing invasive plants) and then lead a hike on the Monches Segment. Warm-up by pulling garlic mustard (the bane of IAT enthusiasts!) for an hour – it’s addictive; you may not want to stop! Then enjoy a guided nature hike on this beautiful segment with WCC biologist, Julia Robson. (Waukesha/Milwaukee County Chapter)
6. Waushara County, Any/ All Waushara County Segments: “Walk the Waush” Challenge
Saturday, June 1st, National Trails Day, is a good day to challenge yourself to hiking another segment of Ice Age Trail in Waushara County. Beginning May 25th through August 19th, “Walk the Waush” is in full effect! Challenge yourself along with family, friends, and co-workers and lace up your walking shoes. Find out how many miles you can walk in 80 days! Explore Waushara County’s beautiful parks and trails. (Bonus: Become eligible for awards and prizes!) (Waushara County Chapter)
A young family out for a hike enjoys a beautiful sunny day on the Merrimac Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Photo by Amanda Pickart.
Family Fun for Kids of All Ages:
Guided hikes spark curiosity and playfulness.
7. Manitowoc County, Dunes Segment: Be a Nature Princess-Trailtessa Retreat
Calling all mothers, daughters, aunts, grandmas, queens, fairy godmothers, and princesses who believe wearing pink, climbing trees, and getting dirty are all part of a good day’s effort! Saturday, June 1st at 9:00 a.m.: Women and girls ages 3 and above are invited to channel their inner princess. Dust off your boots, and come explore the wild kingdom of the Dunes Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. (Lakeshore Chapter)
8. Southern Columbia County, Lodi Marsh Segment: Mammoth Fun Run and Hike
A family-friendly event designed to maximize fun, togetherness, and glorious trails. A 6k run/hike. Registration is day-of the event and the fee is a suggested donation of $25.00. It’s a great way to celebrate the start of summer. Plenty of sunshine, yummy snacks, and bonus…parent-child competition is encouraged! 🙂 (Lodi Valley Chapter)
9. Walworth County, Whitewater Lake Segment: Kids’ Hike for 3 to 12 Year Olds
Bring the kids ages 3-to-12-years-old for a fun-filled day at the Rice Lake Nature trails. Families are welcome any time between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Guided hikes tailored to kids’ abilities. Each child who hikes will earn a free hiking stick. (Walworth/Jefferson County Chapter)
10. Washington County, Pike Lake Segment: Discovery Days and National Trails Day
A fun event for the whole family! Activities for all ages including geocaching, archery, t-shirt painting, live music, kayak demos, telescope viewing, fishing and hiking. Big City Bluegrass “acoustic music with an old time feel” will be playing at the Amphitheatre. Events sponsored by the Friends of Pike Lake and in collaboration with the Washington/Ozaukee County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. (Washington/Ozaukee County Chapter)