About the Chapter
The Blue Hills Chapter, which creates and maintains the Ice Age National Scenic Trail through Rusk County, formed in 1992. Most of the Ice Age Trail through this area was designed and built in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Our members continue trailblazing with ongoing Trail maintenance projects and construction of new Trail routes.
Contact Us
For more information on chapter activities and/or hiking the Ice Age Trail in this region, visit our Facebook page Blue Hills Chapter-Ice Age Trail Alliance (1) Facebook (zscaler.com) or contact our volunteer chapter coordinator:
Cory Wiese, BlueHillsChapter@iceagetrail.org
Trail Conditions
Trail Adopters were out on 4/15/2024 and checked all of the Blue Hills segments. There are still a few step-over trees that need to be cleared on the Southern Blue Hills segment. Overall, the trails are in good shape but there are several wet/muddy areas as we expect in spring.
Trail Angel Shuttles
Please email bluehillschapter@iceagetrail.org and put “Shuttle Request,” for the subject. Please include the following information: Number of people, date and time that the shuttle is needed, the location for the pick-up and drop-off points. Please consider providing a week’s notice. All of our shuttlers are local volunteers.
Segment Details
Northern Blue Hills Segment (Guidebook p. 48-49; Atlas Map 11f)
The old logging road heading south from the major forestry road approximately 2 miles south of Bucks Lake Road is often muddy and may be flooded at times. This road is about 0.6 miles long. At the end of this road you turn right onto the old Chippewa River and Menominee rail bed. The bridges on this rail bed are getting old and are being evaluated for safety. One bridge has been removed and the others may be removed soon. Crossing the creek is not problematic except during spring runoff and heavy rains.
There is an alternate route for those who do not feel like crossing the beaver dam just north of where the access trail from Stout Road (RU 6 in the guidebook) meets the IAT. This route includes the blue-blazed access trail, but is not marked north of Stout Road. Contact the chapter for instructions (BlueHillsChapter@iceagetrail.org).
Folk art in the Southern Blue Hills Segment. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
Southern Blue Hills Segment (Guidebook p. 50-51; Atlas Map 12f)
The Town of Strickland has widened Old 14/Bass Lake Road by the IAT trailhead (RU13 in guidebook) allowing for some roadside parking. The first 2.0 miles north of Old 14/Bass Lake Road are on private land, please stay on the trail. You may be on candid/trail cameras. The IAT passes through the Czekalski farm about 1.6 miles north of Old 14/Bass Lake Road near (north of) RU13 in guidebook. This is private and active pasture; you may see/encounter cows and the dairy air. Note that the trail art (a large metal wheel with skulls attached) is along the IAT.
Upcoming Events
Trailbuilding Opportunity in Barron and Rusk Counties: May 15 to May 19
Hemlock Creek Segment: Help upgrade the Trail near the popular Murphy Flowage Recreation Area. Replace deteriorating bridges and boardwalks, refresh signage, and maintain tread.
Get Ice Age Trail Crew Event Details and Register
Trailbuilding Opportunity in Rusk County: October 2 to October 6
Photo by Dave Caliebe.
At last, it’s time the Dreamer Route became reality. The Chapter is excited to host Ice Age Trail Crew events beginning October 2024. Join tread and corridor clearing crews for the first of many events to craft a new route through Rusk County to spotlight geologically significant landscape features of the region. Get a sneak peek of some of the features along the proposed route.
Get Ice Age Trail Crew Blue Hills Event Details and Register.