*Trailtessa [treyl-tes-sah], noun: a woman or girl who gets out on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail to experience adventure, freedom and a new way to be.

Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission.

BE YOU: Bold. Audacious. Strong. Adventurous.

You get to choose.

Be any way you want to BE.

We love dogs, but we ask that you not bring them to Trailtessa events.

Registration fee is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, we will consider it a donation to the Alliance.

Saturday, May 17, 2025
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hiking Basics Workshop
Trecker Lodge, Lapham Peak Unit – KMSF (Waukesha County)

Cost: $25
Registration limit: 40 women; ages 16 and up

Perfect for beginners, this presentation equips you with essential day-hiking skills, from packing smart (head nets, duct tape, electrolytes!) to practicing Leave No Trace principles. You’ll also discover the invaluable trio of hiking guides created by the Ice Age Trail Alliance. With this foundational knowledge, you’ll hike with confidence, exploring the Ice Age Trail with ease. It may even spur you toward the ultimate goal: becoming a Thousand-Miler!

Hiking basics and introduction to hiking the Ice Age National Scenic Trail  – topics will be as follows:

• 10 Essentials / Gear
• Navigation/how to read a map/orienteering
• Ice Age Trail resources
• Leave No Trace principles
• Helpful tips to have a successful hike (don’t bail on a hike)

Friday, June 6, or Saturday, June 7 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A Trailbuilding Experience
Moraine Outwash Preserve (Langlade County)

Cost: FREE
Registration limit: 15 women; ages 16 and up

Curious about how the Ice Age Trail is built? This weekend is your chance to find out! Trailtessa is teaming up with an Ice Age Trail Crew event to host a hands-on trailbuilding workshop. Guided by experienced, female, volunteer crew leaders, you’ll learn the four-step tread process essential for creating a sustainable path—and gain a new perspective on the Trail you love. Get ready to dig in, swing a pick mattock, and haul a duff bucket. For the full experience, stay overnight at basecamp and pitch your tent alongside fellow trailbuilding enthusiasts. Sign up for one day or both!

Saturday, June 21, 2025
Celebrate the Summer Solstice – On Your Own Hike

Celebrate the Summer Solstice on June 21 with a hike along the Ice Age Trail! Embrace the start of summer by setting out on your own, sharing the adventure with a friend, or inviting your family. Savor the beauty of the season and the freedom of charting your path on the longest day of the year.

FREE to hike! Please share your delight with us on social media by using these hashtags: #Trailtessa #IceAgeTrail #OptOutside #ForceOfNature #SummerSolsticeHike

Saturday, August 23, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
A Guided Geology Hike
Blue Hills Region (Rusk County) 

Cost: $25
Registration limit: 30 women; ages 16 and up

Geek out with us and dive into the wonders of glaciation at the Blue Hills Felsenmeer, a stunning State Natural Area. This hike traverses through the Northwoods features rocky, gravelly terrain with modest elevation gains—a classic Blue Hills adventure! Expect the hike to be moderate difficulty. Enjoy a hearty post-hike lunch with us in Weyerhaeuser, an Ice Age Trail Community.

Arriving early? Kick off the weekend with a BYOW (Bring Your Own Wallet) social in Rice Lake, another Trail Community, on Friday night. It’s the perfect way to connect with fellow adventurers before hitting the Trail on Saturday.

September 19-21, 2025 (Polk County), OR
October 17-19, 2025 (Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit)
A Backpacking Skills Adventure

Cost: $175
Registration limit: 20 women; ages 21 and up 

Registration opens July 1, 2025!

Backpacking 101: Embrace strength and self-sufficiency. Gear up for a multi-day adventure where you’ll carry a pack and immerse yourself in the Ice Age Trail’s rugged beauty. Hike alongside glittering kettle lakes, through quiet forests, and across winding boardwalks as you hike approximately 25 miles over the course of the trip. No prior backpacking experience is needed—just an adventurous spirit! This experience is open to women NEW to Trailtessa backpacking trips.