The Ice Age trail is a 1600-kilometer scenic trail across the state of Wisconsin in the United States. The trail follows the path of ancient glaciers on the land and covers over 30 counties in the state and connects dozens of rural communities. This is a truly unique way to experience the USA and its lesser-known cultures. Most people section-hike this trail by region, and only 100 people have attempted to thru-hike the trail. They’re known as “Thousand-Milers.” Want to hold this coveted title? Read on!
Northwest Region
In the northwest, you will hike to many lakes, something the midwest is known for, and are the remainder of the glaciers you follow. In the first three segments of this section, you hike to Lake Eleven, Jerry Lake, and many small “kettle” lakes along the Mondeaux Esker segment.
Northeast Region
This is the easternmost terminus, where many thru-hikers begin their journey. Climb to the top of the tower in Potawatomi State Park for breathtaking views of Green Bay and Sturgeon Bay before hopping onto the trail. The next day, you follow the Ahnapee State Trail, which is a converted railway, to the Kewaunee River. This is one of the most scenic areas on the Ahnapee trail. Eventually, this leads you to Lake Michigan, the largest body of freshwater in the world! Walk barefoot along the shore and enjoy the feeling of sand beneath your feet before journeying to Manitowoc for some more dunes.
Central Region
This section begins at Grandfather Falls, the highest waterfall on the Wisconsin River. Traverse hills woods through this section and cut through the “Enchanted Forest,” a fairytale hemlock grove next to wetlands. From here, you hike the Harrison Moraine, which is known to be the most beautiful in the autumn once the leaves have fallen from the trees for the best views. This is also the highest point on the trail, at 600 altimeters.
South-central Region
Get ready for more lakes! In the south-central region, the lakes are abundant. You enter Devil’s Lake State Park in this section and will wander along the shores of Devil’s Lake before coming across the 1.6 billion-year-old purple Baraboo quartzite rock. From here, catch the quick ferry across Lake Wisconsin to ascend into the Gibraltar DCA.
Gibraltar Rock is a flat butte that offers views of the Wisconsin River Valley from the cliffs. Don’t miss it! Here, you also find Lodi, an Ice Age Trail community where you can refuel and find a cup of hot coffee. Much of the trail is still under construction in this region, so be ready to be rerouted and to be part of the inaugural class of hikers through here!
Southeast Region
Start in Whitewater, another Ice Age Community, before heading up the glacial hills covered in ancient oak trees. This area is spotted with kettle depressions, which host unique and diverse pine trees and bird species. Cross boulder fields and eskers through the Niagara Escarpment.
East-central Region
Start this region in the Milwaukee River Segment in Fond du Lac County, where the trail parallels the Milwaukee River. You find the Parnell Esker, a world-famous glacial formation, and finally will end in a reservation near the northern end of this segment. Once you hit the Greenbush segment, stay quiet through the underbrush to try and glimpse some of the rare wildlife that lives here!
Good to know
A few of the Ice Age Trail areas offer dispersed camping but are still establishing the program. Otherwise, hikers stay in communities, at guesthouses, and at distinguished campgrounds along the way.
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