Photo Credit: David Lonsdorf

The Hike

The hike starts at the Ice Age Junction parking lot and joins the Ice Age Trail to go south through a ~200-acre restored prairie. This is named the Ice Age Trail Junction Area and is managed by the Dane County Parks Department and provides a visual and physical separation between the cities of Verona and Madison. The Ice Age Trail shares this area with a paved multi-use trail. The trail continues south with some outstanding views through a wooded area and follows to the left at a fork. The segment heads further south and reaches a short spur trail near a maintenance shed that leads west to picnic tables and a kiosk display explaining the prairie restoration program and Upper Sugar River Valley. Several mowed paths will intersect the Trail near the Reddan Soccer Park; continue to follow the Trail straight toward Cross County Road. The Trail turns west and crosses Cross County Road at a marked pedestrian crossing. The Trail enters Badger Prairie County Park and continues southward across a ridge. Hikers will pass through a Dispersed Camping Area and shortly reach the turn-around point at the park’s main shelter.

Event Details

Join hike leader, Rich, on a 4-mile round-trip (out and back) evening hike on the Ice Age Trail on the Verona Segment. The hike starts at Ice Age Trail Junction parking lot located at Hwy PD/McKee Rd and High Point Rd. This is a family-friendly out and back casual hike with some rolling hills. The hike will traverse south to the Badger Prairie County Park main shelter and return back to the Hwy PD parking lot. The segment passes through a combination of prairie and wooded areas.

Tick and mosquito season is upon us. It is recommended that you wear long pants and long sleeves. Please bring bug repellent (or wear clothes soaked in Permethrin). Also bring water and a snack. We should be done by sunset, but just in case, you might want to bring a headlamp or flashlight.

Location

We’ll meet at the parking lot with its entrance on the south side of the intersection of HWY PD and High Point Rd. The intersection has a stoplight and is about 1 mile east of Hwy M. You can find it on Google Maps by searching for “Ice Age Trail Junction Area.” Continue past the two metal sheds to the parking area.