Hike-a-Thon along the Dells of the Eau Claire Segment – Central Moraines Chapter

Explore the impressive Dells of the Eau Claire Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Join friends, family, and many other Trail enthusiasts for a great time exploring the Ice Age Trail in Marathon County. Help raise funds to conserve, create, maintain, and promote this national treasure.​

Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Dells High Bridge spans 120 feet.  Photo by Chuck Herdeman.

Hike a Remarkable Segment!

Enjoy a spectacular hike along the cascading Dells of the Eau Claire River as it winds though a series of ledges and pools in the mylonite bedrock gorge formed thousands of years ago by the glacial meltwater of the Green Bay Lobe.

For a donation of $25.00 (or more!), you get:

  • Premier, glacier-carved landscape
  • A fun-filled hike (various distances available)
  • Shuttle service to hike start
  • Delicious refreshments
  • A scavenger hunt for kids
  • Interpretive signs along the segment

The remarkable Dells of the Eau Claire Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is worth the jaunt!

The tumultuous Dells of the Eau Claire River eases into a slow flow. Photo by Michelle Corbett.

Event Details:

Location: Parking and event check-in, 177091 Campground Way, Aniwa, Wis, 54408

More information coming, soon!

Support the Ice Age Trail:

Help us raise $5,000 to support the work of the Central Moraines Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance.

  • Alliance-member, suggested minimum donation: $25.00 (a tax-deductible gift) per participant 18 or older.
  • Non-Alliance-member, suggested minimum donation: $25.00 (a tax-deductible gift) per participant 18 or older. Non-members contributing $50 or more will be given a one-year Ice Age Trail Alliance membership.
  • Children age 17 or younger, suggested minimum donation: $10.00

 

Registration information coming soon!

Event Sponsors:

More information coming soon!

Please Note:

  • In the event of severe or threatening weather, for safety reasons, we may need to cancel this event last minute.  If this happens, we will be unable to refund donations.
  • Pets are welcome but must be on leash and under control at all times. Note: Car shuttles may be limited to volunteers willing to shuttle pets.

2023 Dane County Chapter Hike-A-Thon

Join the Dane County Chapter on Saturday, October 14, 2023 for the annual Dane County Hike-A-Thon!

Choose between 2 hike options:

  • A 16-mile hike going south to north on the Montrose Segment and part of the Verona Segment
  • A 5-mile hike going south to north on part of the Verona Segment

See below for hike details!

Either way, you’ll get a shuttle, refreshments, some swag, and you’ll get closer to completing the Mammoth Hike Challenge!

We ask that each Hike-a-Thon participant make a personal gift of $50 per individual or 1st member of a household, $25 for 2nd adult in the household. Children under 18 accompanied by an adult are $10.

All proceeds from the Hike-A-Thon will go towards the Dane County Land Protection Fund, which allows quick action when a land protection opportunity arises, providing funds to pay for critical, time-sensitive costs related to land acquisition, such as appraisals, land surveys, and other fees.

 

The Details:

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

15-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 County D along the Montrose Segment for the start of the hike.
  • Hikers will then walk the Montrose Segment, a short connector route and part of the Verona Segment ending at Badger Prairie County Park Shelter #1.

5-Mile Hikers: Meet at the Badger Prairie Park Shelter #1 at 11:30 am for check in.

  • The bus will leave promptly at 11:45 am and shuttle hikers to the parking lot at Prairie Moraine County Park.
  • Hikers will then walk portions of the Verona Segment ending at Badger Prairie County Park Shelter #1.

There will be two aid stations along the with water refills and lots of snacks: Bosco and Prairie Moraine parking lot.

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 provided by Millers & Sons Grocery, soda, beer, hot apple cider and other drinks, and snacks to refuel after a long hike. 

Make plans to enjoy local businesses in the our Trail Community of Verona. 

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:

  • Miller and Sons Grocery
  • Verona Chamber of Commerce

 

2022 Dane County Chapter Hike-A-Thon

Join the Dane County Chapter on Saturday, October 15, 2022 for the annual Dane County Hike-A-Thon!

Choose between 2 hike options:

  • A 20-mile hike from the Cross Plains Segment to the Verona Segment
  • A 4.5-mile hike on the Madison and Verona Segments

See below for hike details!

Either way, you’ll get a shuttle, refreshments, some swag, and you’ll get closer to completing the Mammoth Hike Challenge!

We ask that each Hike-a-Thon participant make a personal gift of $50 or more per hiker. Children 12 and under are free!

You can also support a hiker! The 3 hikers who receive the most support will receive either a Granite Gear backpack or a World Famous Tent donated by Fontana Sports. Use the registration link to support!

All proceeds from the Hike-A-Thon will go towards the Dane County Land Protection Fund, which allows quick action when a land protection opportunity arises, providing funds to pay for critical, time-sensitive costs related to land acquisition, such as appraisals, land surveys, and other fees.

Cross Plains Segment Anderson Preserve. Photo by Mona Jean Harley

The Details:

All participants will receive a $10 gift card to Fontana Sports, a shuttle from their car to the start of the hike, and refreshments during and after the hike.

20-Mile Hikers: Meet at Badger Prairie Park Shelter #1 at 7:45 am for check in.

  • The bus will leave promptly at 8:00 am and shuttle hikers to the west end of the Cross Plains Segment at Hickory Hill.
  • Hikers will then walk the Cross Plains, Valley View, Madison Segments, a part of the Verona Segment and all associated connector routes.

4.5-Mile Hikers: Meet at the Badger Prairie Park Shelter #1 at 12:45 pm for check in.

  • The bus will leave promptly at 1:00 pm and shuttle hikers to the parking lot at University Ridge Golf Course.
  • Hikers will then walk portions of the Madison and Verona segments.

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 refreshments, door prizes, and exchanging of hiking stories.

Make plans to enjoy local businesses in the our Trail Community of Verona. 

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:

Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Fontana Sports, Corporate Partners, Shop Local

 

National Trails Day Hikes!

National Trail Day, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The Plover River Segment of the Ice Age Trail. (Photo by Cameron Gillie)

National Trails Day is Saturday, June 2nd, 2018 and there is plenty to celebrate along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Hikes That Go the Distance:

Explore new territory.

Waushara County, All Waushara County Segments: “Walk the Waush” Challenge 

Beginning June 1 through August 19th, challenge yourself, family, friends, and co-workers to lace up their walking shoes and walk as many miles as you can in 80 days and explore Waushara County’s beautiful parks and trails. (Bonus: become eligible for awards and prizes!) (Waushara County Chapter) Continue reading