The Ice Age Trail crosses back and forth between Waupaca and Portage counties where the chapter maintains more than 23 miles of Ice Age Trail across six segments: New Hope, Iola Ski Hill, Skunk and Foster Lakes, Waupaca River, Hartman Creek, and Emmons Creek.
New Hope and Iola Ski Hill Segments
- A combined 6.1 miles of trail through high-relief hummocky topography with a Northwoods character.
- You will pass several unique sculptures and wind through the Iola Winter Sports Club
- A 2023 Mobile Skills Crew event completed a reroute off of the ski trails and into the woods
Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment
- 4.4 miles consisting of 3.6 miles IAT and 0.8 miles CR
- Travels a horseshoe-shaped route in the Skunk and Foster Lakes State Natural Area (SNA)
- Features a cluster of five undeveloped glacial pothole lakes
- Crosses the Farmington Drumlin swarms, the most significant swarm of drumlins along the entire Ice Age Trail
Waupaca River
- 4.9 miles consisting of 2.3 miles IAT and 2.6 miles CR
- Highlights include a steep ridge and the scenic Waupaca River
- A small trailside cabin built on private land by the Wisconsin Conservation Corps is available for hikers
Hartman Creek
- 5.5 miles of trail passes through forested, hilly terrain of Hartman Creek State Park
- Showcases one of the largest erratics on the Ice Age Trail
- The trail also enters the Emmons Creek Barrens State Natural Area where there is a semi-open oak savanna and dense patches of wild lupine – the only known larval food for the federally endangered Karner Blue Butterfly
Emmons Creek
- 2.6 miles of oak woodland and savanna areas in the Emmons Creek State Fishery Area
- Accompanied by a white blazed Faraway Valley Loop
- Upon arriving at the south end, you may explore a white-blazed lollipop loop for a total distance of 2.7 miles
Chapter volunteers promote the Trail segments by staffing numerous outreach events, Think Outside hikes, planning seasonal hikes, and hosting an annual fund-raising events.
Upcoming Events for 2024:
- First Day Hike – January 1, 2024 – Iola Ski Hill
- Chapter Open House Fundraiser – February 7, 2024 at Central Waters Brewery. 4-7pm https://www.facebook.com/events/1380985575847075/?ref=newsfeed
- Trailtessa Snowshoe Hike & Winter Camping Workshop- February 17, 2024 at Hartman Creek State Park.
- Registration is Required https://www.iceagetrail.org/event/trailtessa-2024-be-blissful/
- Portage/Waupaca Annual Chapter Meeting – March 2nd, 2024 Central Waters Brewery. Start time 10 a.m.
- Garlic Mustard Work Day – May 4, 2024 at Hartman Creek State Park. Details TBD
- Portage County Cultural Festival – May 11, 2024 at the Stevens Point Area High School. https://www.portagecountyculturalfestival.org/#about
- Garlic Mustard Work Day – May 18, 2024 at Hartman Creek State Park. Details TBD
- Spring Flower Hike – May 19, 2024 at the Skunk Foster Lakes segment. Start time 1pm.
- Midwest Renewable Energy Fair – June 22, 2024 in Custer, WI. https://mreaevents.cventevents.com/event/08c874ee-f65d-49a1-8ca9-0b82fa391d86/summary
- Portage/Waupaca Annual Fall Hike-a-Thon – October 5, 2024 Location TBD
HIKING AWARD: DRUMLIN DRIFTER
- Hike all the segments and connecting routes in Portage and Waupaca Counties
- Complete the online hiking log and submit payment here
- A downloadable form can be found here
Special notes for hikers: Updated 2/10/23
The new re-route of the Iola/Hope Ski trail complete. We’re no longer on the ski-trails. The new trail meanders up and down beautiful humacky terrain and includes a 240′ boardwalk over-looking a beautiful kettle lake. Enjoy new stone steps, rock-walls and other interesting features along the trail. Entrance to the new trail is just west of the Iola Ski Chalet kiosk about 60 feet.
- Temporary Trail Closure(s)
- The Emmons Creek Segment yellow-blazed trail is closed south of Stratton Lake Rd. due to logging operations. To get to 2nd Avenue from Stratton Lake Road, use the white-blazed Faraway Valley Loop trail.
We have additional segment maps available that also have mileages:
- Waupaca River, Hartman Creek & Emmons Creek [PDF]
- Skunk & Foster Lakes, New Hope Iola Ski Hill [PDF]
If you have any questions and/or need more information, please contact us using the links below
Facebook: PortageWaupacaIATA
Instagram: PortageWaupacaIATA Instagram
For more information on chapter activities and/or hiking the Ice Age Trail in this region, contact our volunteer chapter coordinator:
Debbie Krogwold
Email: IATA Portage/Waupaca Co Chapter: PortageWaupacaCoChapter@iceagetrail.org