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.

Dane County Winter Fun Extravaganza

Event Description

Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Lussier Family Heritage Center and Dane County Parks at the Winter Fun Extravaganza!  The event will be a great opportunity to get outside this winter.  Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers will be at the snowshoe area to help attendees with gear and questions. Alliance members will also have maps, stickers and bandanas for everyone who comes by to say hello.

Here is a list of fun things that will be going on that you can participate in.

  • Sledding – A few sleds will be available at first come, first serve basis.
  • Warming Shelter Fire – We will light up the fire in the warming shelter and be providing s’mores with a donation to our environmental education programs.
  • Snowshoeing – Snowshoe rentals will be $5 a pair to use during the event on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Permit Free Weekend for Cross County Skiing!
  • Bonfire – We will have a bonfire going at the shelter and be providing s’mores and hot chocolate with a donation to our environmental education programs.
  • Snow free play! Use our igloo bricks to build an igloo, make snow people and more!

This is a free event open to the public, no registration is required. This event is weather dependent, check Dane County Parks’ Facebook event page and other social media platforms for cancelations.

Location

Indian Lake County Park

8183 State Highway 19
Cross Plains, WI 53528
Get Directions

Contact

heritagecenter@countyofdane.com

 

*Image credit: Lussier Family Heritage Center, Dane County Parks

National Trails Day Hike, St. Croix Falls Segment – Indianhead Chapter

Celebrate a beautiful day on the Trail with a visually stimulating section (almost five miles) of the St. Croix Falls Segment. Look for two six-inch nautilus fossils embedded in a limestone footbridge and follow boulder-strewn Mindy Creek. Stroll through a nature preserve and park, following the St. Croix River’s scenic shoreline until you arrive at Big Rock Creek, the hike’s turn-around point.

For anyone who doesn’t want to hike the entire distance, volunteer shuttles will be at the Lions Park parking lot to take hikers back to their vehicles.

HIKE DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, June 1, 2024
Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
Distance: 4.6 miles
Hike Start/End Point: Trail Access and Parking at Ray Zillmer Park on Day Road
Shuttles: Trail Access and Parking at Lions Park on St. Hwy. 87

 

 

 

Recommendations:

  • Know your activity tolerance and respect that.
  • Dress for the weather: wear layers, a hat, etc.
  • Bring sunscreen, bug repellant, water, and a snack.

Note: Inclement weather will cancel the hike.

Questions? Please call hike leaders, Cheryl (715-371-0048) or Barb (715-410-8069)

 

Photo credit: Eimile Chelberg

Flora and Fauna Hike, St. Croix Falls Segment – Indianhead Chapter

Fauna and Flora Hike, St. Croix Falls Segment, Indianhead Chapter

Join Barb Delany, Master Naturalist, for a two-mile out-and-back hike along a section of the St. Croix Falls Segment. Learn about the flora and fauna of the St. Croix River Valley during this easy-paced, relaxed hike following the scenic St. Croix River.

HIKE DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
Distance: 2 miles
Hike Start/End Point: Trail Access and Parking at Lions Park along St. Hwy 87, north of St Croix Falls.

 

 

 

Recommendations:

  • Know your activity tolerance and respect that.
  • Dress for the weather: wear layers, a hat, etc.
  • Bring sunscreen, bug repellant, water, and a snack.

Note: Inclement weather will cancel the hike.

Questions? Please call hike leaders, Cheryl (715-371-0048) or Barb (715-410-8069)

 

Photo credit: Ice Age Trail Alliance staff

Family Scavenger Hike, Straight Lake Segment – Indianhead Chapter

Family Scavenger Hike, Straight Lake Segment, Indianhead Chapter

Bring the kiddos and join us for a family-friendly hike along an easy-to-traverse section of the Straight Lake Segment. Keen eyes will spot nature’s little gifts (and yellow blazes!) during this nearly two-mile scavenger hike. Volunteer shuttles will take you and your littles back to your vehicle. Enjoy a special snack, brownies, made by chapter volunteer Corrine “Cork” Lundberg.

This hike is in partnership with the Polk County Social Services Department to help raise awareness for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

HIKE DETAILS:
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
Distance: 1.7 miles
Hike Start: Trail Access and Parking along 280th Ave.
Hike End Point: Park Entrance parking lot (270th Ave. and 120th St.) with shuttles back to the start.

 

 

 

Recommendations:

  • Know your activity tolerance and respect that.
  • Dress for the weather: wear layers, a hat, etc.
  • Bring sunscreen, bug repellant, water, and a snack.

Note: Inclement weather will cancel the hike.

Questions? Please call hike leaders, Cheryl (715-371-0048) or Barb (715-410-8069)

 

 

Photo credit: Kris Van Handel

Post-Resolution Hike – Indianhead Chapter

Reinforce your New Year’s resolutions for a healthier you by exploring a scenic section of the St. Croix Falls Segment. The three-mile out-and-back hike features exposed rock outcroppings, basalt knobs, surface bedrock, and lovely wooded areas. Stroll through St. Croix Falls’ Ray Zillmer Park before reaching the Trail Access and Parking area on Day Road, the hike’s turn-around spot. Follow the yellow blazes back to your car parked along Oregon Street.

HIKE DETAILS:

Date: Saturday, January 27, 2024
Start Time: 1:00 p.m.
Distance: 3 miles
Hike Start/End Point: Roadside parking on Oregon Street (Sunrise Road), St. Croix Falls.
Register: Please email the chapter to let them know you plan to attend: Indianheadchapter@iceagetrail.org

Recommendations:

  • Prepare for a hike or snowshoe depending on the snow depth.
  • Know your activity tolerance and respect that.
  • Dress for the weather, bring water, and carry a snack.

Note: Inclement weather will cancel the hike.

Questions? Please call hike leaders, Cheryl (715-371-0048) or Barb (715-410-8069)

 

Featured image by: Jo Ellarson

Trailtessa 2024: Be BLISSFUL

Be BLISSFUL

February 17, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca/Portage Counties 

Cost: $20/attendee, Girls under 18 are free

Pure Bliss. Embrace all that winter has to offer! Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance at Hartman Creek State Park for a morning hike. Make new friends, warm your hands at a post-hike bonfire, and enjoy homemade, locally-sourced AMAZING soup and bread from female-owned 13 Chairs in Amhurst.

10:00 am – 1:00 pm Snowshoe Hike (lunch included after the hike)

*2-mile guided snowshoe hike along the Hartman Creek Segment. Snowshoes will be available for attendees to use if needed.

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

 

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. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be. Trailtessa events were created in conjunction with the REI Force of Nature initiative.

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

Winter Solstice Hike – Springfield Hill Segment

Join the fun on Thursday, December 21, 2023 to celebrate the Winter Solstice on the Ice Age Trail! 

Details

Dress for the weather. Headlamps and/or flashlights will be needed. There are no bathroom facilities available at the Springfield Hill Segment.

After the hike, enjoy FREE hot cocoa provided by the Dane County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance. All are welcome, including well-behaved and leashed dogs.

Springfield Hill Segment
This segment, a short loop that can be hiked in either direction, highlights the 198-acre Springfield Hill Natural Resource Area. This property consists of steep wooded valleys, glacial kettle ponds, and open meadow. The stunning prairie changes with the seasons and demonstrates what’s possible through extensive and ongoing restoration efforts. The Trail’s route provides outstanding views from atop Springfield Hill, one of the highest points in the area.

Photo by Joe Ulmer. 

21 Hikes During the 9-Day Gun-Deer Season

An Ice Age Trail trailhead sign with a yellow blaze stands in the forefront of a fall colors backdrop.
Looking for an alternative to large gatherings and Black Friday shopping this Thanksgiving holiday? How about a stroll on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail! Photo by Katie Ryan.
The nine-day gun deer hunting season (November 18 – 26, 2023) spans the Thanksgiving holiday, a time when friends and family gather. It’s natural to want to introduce your loved ones to the Ice Age Trail, yet safe hiking options are limited. Keeping this in mind, we have 21 hikes to share with you where deer hunting is not allowed. Most of these options take place in or near Ice Age Trail Communities and are a perfect blend of natural surroundings and urban amenities.

Continue reading

Mammoth Hike Challenge BINGO

Join Monty and the Ice Age Trail Alliance for this FUN Mammoth Hike Challenge event = BINGO at Nineteen09 Wine Bar in Cross Plains.

No registration needed but early arrival is suggested to get a table.

IATA staff and volunteers, along with Monty, will be onsite at 4:00 selling merchandise, answering questions and talking Trail. BINGO takes place 5:00 – 7:00 pm. $5 per card. Prizes every round.

Event Details: 

  • Sunday, October 15
  • 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • BINGO takes place 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Mammoth Hike Challenge TRAIL MAGIC: Nineteen09 will be donating 20% of all sales from Sunday, October 15 to the Ice Age Trail Alliance!

New to Nineteen09? They are a locally owned wine bar, gift shop and event venue in Cross Plains, WI. Enjoy a glass of wine, specialty cocktail or mocktail, along with locally crafted beer in a historic building or if the weather is nice, outside on their beautiful patio. Check out their website to learn more, www.nineteen09.com.

Explore Cross Plains, an Ice Age Trail Community, before heading to Nineteen09 and bingo.

       

 

 

 

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

 

Trailtessa 2023: Be FIERCE 101 Beginner’s Backpacking Trip

Be FIERCE: A Backpacking Skills Adventure

Friday, October 20 – Sunday, October 22
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit

Backpacking 101 requires strength and self-sufficiency as you carry your gear-filled pack on this multi-day trip. You’ll be immersed in rugged beauty, hiking along glittering kettle lakes, through mesic forests, and across winding boardwalks. No previous backpacking experience necessary but expect to hike a total of approximately 25 miles during the trip. Open to women who have NOT participated previous Trailtessa backpacking trips.

Registration limit: 24 women, ages 21 and up
Cost: $150/attendee 

Thank you for your interest. Registration and waitlist are currently FULL and CLOSED. 

 

 

To make this experience the most enjoyable as possible please note the following requirements:

  • Mandatory pre-trip planning workshop will be held virtually (via Zoom) in August (TBD). Details will be made available to all registered hikers.
  • Women ages 21 and older.
  • Able to walk 12 miles a day (2-mile an hour pace), 3 days in a row.
  • Must have gear or access to gear: tent, backpack, hiking boots, stove, etc.
  • An open mind to learn from our backpacking leaders and each other.
  • A commitment to put the necessary time into pre-trip planning and training.
  • Must sign waiver [PDF]
  • No whining, and there will be wine!

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. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be.

Trailtessa 2023: Be CURIOUS

Be CURIOUS: A Habitat Improvement Project

Saturday, September 16, 2:00 – 7:00 pm
Table Bluff Segment, Dane County

Wander through acres of native prairie plants, collecting seeds for future planting projects. Contribute to the on-going maintenance of a biodiversity hotspot in Dane County – a jewel among local habitat restoration efforts – SwampLovers’ Preserve. This 433-acre property perched on the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin includes wetland, prairie, and oak savannah habitat hosting a variety of resident and migratory wildlife.

Join us for an afternoon of togetherness and environmental stewardship on Saturday, September 16. Food and drink will be provided.

Be FRIENDLY. Toast to new and long-time friends with refreshments and snacks after seed collecting.

Registration limit: 40 women and girls
Cost: $15/attendee, Girls under 18 are FREE

 

 

 

 

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

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

Trailtessa Retreats: super fun events designed by women for women.

Discover YOU with plenty of permission to be. BE YOU: Bold. Audacious. Strong. Adventurous. You get to choose to be any way you want to BE. Our Trailtessa events are open to women and girls of ALL ages and abilities.

 

Photo by Amy Lord.

Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Ice Age Trail, Trailtessa, Be Together, Seed Collection, Seed Collecting

Photo by IATA staff.

Trailtessa 2023: Be BRIGHT

Be BRIGHT: Classic Summer Evening Fun has been CANCELLED.

Saturday, July 15, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Janesville Schools Outdoor Laboratory, Rock County

Let your heart be bright, delighting in a classic summer night: a late-setting sun, cricket songs, and pulsing fire flies. Enjoy a guided hike along arboretum paths through beautiful mature forest, prairie, marsh and wetlands. It’s magical under the light of the moon and around a bonfire. Light refreshments will be available.

Investment: $15/attendee, Girls under 18 are free

 

Event registration is closed. 

 

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

 

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. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be.

 

 

Trailtessa 2023: Be BLISSFUL

Be BLISSFUL

February 18, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Hartman Creek State Park, Waupaca/Portage Counties 

Pure Bliss. Embrace all that winter has to offer! Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance at Hartman Creek State Park for a morning hike and/or an afternoon Intro to Winter Camping workshop. Make new friends, warm your hands at a post-hike bonfire, and enjoy homemade, locally-sourced treats from female-owned Gypsy Moon Catering. Registration (non-refundable) fee required for the hike and the workshop.

10:00 am – 1:00 pm Snowshoe Hike (lunch included after the hike)

*2-mile guided snowshoe hike along the Hartman Creek Segment. Snowshoes will be available for attendees to use if needed.

1:00 – 4:00 pm Introduction to Winter Camping Workshop* (lunch included before the workshop)

*Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance and instructor Chris McCart for this introduction to winter camping. Chris is new to Wisconsin but an old-timer in outdoor adventure education! She started a new job as an Assistant Professor of Interpretation at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point this year. Previously, she coordinated the Outdoor Education Program at Black Hills State University, where she taught a variety of outdoor leadership courses, including backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, fly fishing, LNT Outdoor Ethics, rock climbing, orienteering, cross country skiing, and winter camping. Chris loves introducing folks to outdoor pursuits and helping them achieve their goals, whether that is dabbling or diving in! Attendees will learn about gear and what to pack  (including demos and hands on activities), risk assessment, and lots of time for Q&A.

Register for either the hike or the workshop, or both. Registration fee is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, we will consider it a donation to the Alliance. 

  • $20.00 Snowshoe Hike Attendee
  • Free Girls under 18: Snowshoe Hike
  • $20.00 Intro to Winter Camping Workshop Attendee
  • $10.00 Girls Under 18: Intro to Winter Camping Workshop
  • $30.00 Snowshoe Hike AND Intro to Winter Camping Workshop Attendee
  • $10.00 Girls Under 18: Snowshoe Hike AND Intro to Winter Camping Workshop

 

 

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

 

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. Trailtessa Retreats are events designed by women for women. Re-discover YOU with plenty of permission. Be any way you want to Be. Trailtessa events were created in conjunction with the REI Force of Nature initiative.

Thank you Trailtessa partners:
Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Ice Age Trail Alliance, REI CO-OP corporate partner, Mobile Skills Crew program 2017
       

Hunting Season and Hiking on the Trail

A woman and her dog wear blaze orange on the Ice Age Trail in fall.

Photo by Paulette Walker Smith

There can be a lot of details to navigate when you hike the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin’s fall and winter seasons: hunting season dates, trail closures on private property, and public lands where the Trail is open and hunting is also allowed.

Visit our Hunting Season and the Ice Age Trail page to get a full breakdown of all the things to consider.

Here are the main things you’ll want to remember: Continue reading

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

 

Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest Hike – Walworth/Jefferson County Chapter

The Hike:

Kick off the Mammoth Hike Challenge with a 3, 5, 10, 15, or even 20-mile hike through the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest.

You’ll enjoy wooded moraines, kettles, and outstanding views of Rice Lake and Whitewater Lake from atop a steep rise. If you hike the entire distance, you’ll get to preview one of the ever-popular backpacking shelters found along the Trail in this region, the “stone elephant”, and the views from the Bald Bluff Scenic Overlook.

You’ll start hiking along the Whitewater Lake Segment, and depending on how far you decide to go, you may also traverse Blackhawk and Blue Spring Lake segments, ending at the Emma Carlin Trails parking area.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Blackhawk Segment, National Trail Day, Land and Water Conservation Fund

Event details:

Meet at the Rice Lake Boat Launch by 7:45 am at the latest. We’ll start hiking at 8:00 am.

The Walworth/Jefferson County Chapter members (volunteer shuttle drivers) will be waiting at the 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20-mile end points to drive you back to your vehicle, allowing you to hike the distance most comfortable for you (and your hiking companions if you bring them).

If you plan to hike the 20-mile distance, please bring a lunch; we will take a lunch break at the Ole Oleson historic log cabin (Blackhawk Segment).

Regardless of the distance, please pack your own water and snacks, especially if you intend to hike one of the longer distances.

____

Photos by Cameron Gillie of ThePinHoleThing.com

Members-Only Event: Spend a Morning with the Birds!

Join the Ice Age Trail Alliance at Tallgrass Restoration Prairie in Milton for a unique opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna you find on the Trail.

  • Enjoy complimentary pastries, coffee, and juice
  • See birds of prey up close during a Hoo’s Woods presentation
  • Go on a guided prairie hike—learn about plants, restoration activities, and the important role prairies have in nature.

$10/adult, Free for kids 16 and under.

Not a member? Donate to become a member, today! Learn more about becoming a member.

 

 

 

Please bring lawn chairs to sit in. However, due the nature of this event, leave your pets at home.

Location Details:

Tallgrass Restoration, LLC
3129 East County Road N
Milton, WI 5356

Schedule of Events:

10:00 a.m.: Pastries, coffee, juice
10:15 a.m.: Guided Prairie Walk
11:00 a.m.: Birds of Prey presentation by Hoo’s Woods
12:15 p.m.: Guided Prairie Walk

Make a day of it: Since you’re nearby, make plans to visit Milton—an Ice Age Trail Community. The Trail runs through town and passes the historic Milton House Museum.

 

Waukesha/Milwaukee Co. Chapter – Tyke Hike: Hartland Segment

Photo by Christopher White

The Tyke Hike:

Join us on a family-friendly hike to explore Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail on a paved trek along the Bark River! We will explore a tyke-sized portion of Waukesha County’s Hartland Segment. Families with children of all ages are encouraged to attend!

Tyke Hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. Specifically, they can cover up to 1.5 miles over the course of 1-2 hours. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.

Tyke Hike Details:

This hike’s picture book is A Fall Ball For All by Jamie Swenson. We will start our hike at the beginning of the Hartland Segment trailhead. After reading this book, we will hike for approximately 30 minutes at a child-led pace and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration –  stops at the playground are likely! Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable footwear. Bring water.

Location:

The yellow Tyke Hike Signs will guide you to the meeting point at Hartland’s Centennial Park parking lot.

Contact Information:

Questions? Peter will answer them.

 

Get lost in the right direction with us!

 

Long-Distance Hiking Seminar

If you’re considering an Ice Age Trail thru-hike as your next big adventure, or if you’re section-hiking the Trail in weekend jaunts, then this seminar is for you. An all-day, five-session workshop series gets you started on your thousand-mile journey with plenty of advice from the experts.

Session 1: Trip planning, Logistics, and Navigation
Session 2: Meal Planning
Session 3: Gear and Networking
Session 4: Breaking Trail: Movie screening and Q&A
Session 5: Hikers’ Forum – Wisdom from the Trail

Special guests:
Jennifer Pharr Davis will lead meal planning workshop and assist with pack shakedown.
Emily Ford will assist with pack shakedown and participate in the Q&A following the special screening of Breaking Trail.

___

REGISTER HERE (as a stand-alone, one-day event)

OR visit the 2022 ANNUAL CONFERENCE and MEMBERSHIP MEETING webpage and add the Long-Distance Hiking Seminar to one of our conference packages.

___

SCHEDULE of EVENTS:

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Trip Planning, Logistics, and Navigation.
Do you wonder how, exactly, to begin planning your thousand-mile journey? If you feel confused, you’re not alone. The good news: There’s a wealth of resources available, and Alliance staff is eager to demystify them. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the online, interactive Hiker Resource map as well as the helpful details embedded in the FarOut map app for mobile devices. You’ll also get the inside scoop: how to connect with chapter leaders; how to use the Thousand-Miler spreadsheet; the nitty-gritty of resupply, shuttles, and trail angels; and how to use social media to network with other hikers.

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Meal Planning
Jennifer Pharr Davis brings her vast hiking experience – 14,000 miles hiked while exploring trails on six continents and all fifty states – to this session. If anyone knows the importance of fueling a hike with easy-to-prepare, calorie-dense food, it’s Jennifer. She’ll expand your repertoire beyond Trail Mix and freeze-dried meals as she shares her favorite recipes and meal ideas.

11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Pack Shakedown/Inside Scoop

Pack Shakedown: For thru-hikers or those venturing out on multiple-day backpacking trips, this session will help you cut pack weight, carry the essentials, and tailor your gear to best suit your needs. Bring your gear-filled pack and receive the small-group attention you need to perfect your packing system; led by seasoned hikers.

Inside Scoop: For section and segment hikers, this small-group session brings day-hikers together for networking. Learn how others have tackled remote segments, winter hiking, horse flies and ticks, bike shuttles, and more. Meet and make new friends who share your newfound passion.

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Breaking Trail: Movie Screening and Q&A
Emily Ford sets out with a borrowed sled dog to become the first woman and person of color to thru-hike the 1,200-mile Ice Age Trail in winter. As the journey tests their endurance, the duo embraces the unexpected kindness of strangers. Written and directed by Jesse Roesler, Principal and Creative Director at the creative content studio Credo Nonfiction, this film premiered at the 2021 the BANFF Film Festival.

Q& A session following movie screening will be led by Jesse Roesler, Principal and Creative Director at the creative content studio Credo Nonfiction and thousand-miler, Emily Ford.

3:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Hikers’ Forum – Wisdom from the Trail
Wonder what your chances are of meeting a bear, what cowboy camping entails, or how people survive heat and ticks on their way to the coveted Thousand-Miler status? This session is your chance to hear crazy, make-you-want-to-hike-the-trail stories of those who’ve made the journey. Be inspired, informed, and entertained by the stories and fresh perspectives of those who recently completed their thousand-mile adventure.

 

Tyke Hike – Waukesha/Milwaukee Co. Chapter

The Hike:

Join us on a Tyke Hike to explore Wisconsin’s own Ice Age National Scenic Trail! We will explore a tyke-sized portion of the Waterville Segment in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Families with children of all ages should attend!

These hikes give kids the opportunity to explore, discover and participate in natural play. Most hikes include a picture book story and educational materials as well as certificates for children. In addition, service opportunities may be included. They last approximately 1-2 hours and can cover up to 1.5 miles. Tyke Hikes are led by Peter Dargatz, a forest kindergarten teacher and Ice Age Trail volunteer.

Hike Details:

We will hike for approximately 45 minutes and then return. There will be occasional stops for play and exploration along the way. Hikers should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots. Most importantly, bring water.

Location Details:

This hike will start out at the UW-Waukesha Fieldstation, W349 S1480 Waterville Rd, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.

Contact Information:

Questions? Peter will answer them for you.

 

 

 

“Get lost in the right direction” with us!

Mammoth Beauty Celebration!

Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Mammoth Steps, National Trails Day, Lodi Marsh Segment, Dane County
A mother and son enjoy a spring saunter on the Lodi Marsh Segment in Dane County. Photo by Joshua Fager.
Imaginehikers safely sauntering along the entire Ice Age National Scenic Trail from end to end in a single day!

Imagineif they photographed the best features of the Ice Age Trail along the way: the expansive views, tread unfurling ahead, and ephemerals peeking up from the forest floor.

Imaginea snapshot of the Ice Age Trail, in its entirety, as it looks on a single day!

This vision could become a reality with your help.

We have 120 Ice Age Trail segments waiting for you to enjoy, camera in hand and eyes finely-tuned for beauty, as part of our National Trails Day celebration on Saturday, June 6.

Continue reading

Spring’s Woodland Beauties

Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Woodland flowers on the IAT, Refuge in uncertain times, COVID-19, pandemic
Hepatica blooms along the Gibraltar Rock Segment of the Ice Age Trail. Photo by Nazan Gillie.
It’s a pleasant surprise to find small, dainty wildflowers peeking up through rough, brown leaves scattered across the forest floor. Such delicate beauty after a stark, frozen winter. Their emergence is a less a lesson about timing and patience, than it is of hardiness. They barely wait for a thawing earth before they surface and each year, it seems, their hardiness is tested as they endure one last snowy lashing of winter.

As you turn your face to the sun and head out on a hike, be on the look out for these woodland beauties:

Continue reading

Hike Responsibly: 13 Things to Know

Ice Age Trail Alliance, Ice age national Scenic Trail, COVID-19, Hiking Responsibly
Bohn Lake Segment, Washara County. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
The weather is perfect: sunshine, a light breeze, blue sky. It’s ideal hiking conditions. However, our nation is in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic. What’s a responsible hiker and Ice Age Trail enthusiast to do?

Help Flatten the Curve:  

  1. Stay Local. Limit travel to within your community (or county). If you do not live near an Ice Age Trail segment, please enjoy your local county or city parks, or your own back yard.
  2. Let Go. Set aside your Thousand-Miler goal, whether it was to section-hike segments, or to begin a long-distance, multi-day thru-hike.

Hike Responsibly, if You Choose to Hike: Continue reading