Looking for a great winter hike along a scenic trail filled with diverse landscapes? The Ice Age National Scenic Trail, one of only 11 National scenic trails in the United States, meanders through over 1000 miles and 28 counties in the state of Wisconsin. If you’re interested in Earth’s geologic history, you will no doubt be fascinated by the geology of the Ice Age Trail. Sculpted by receding glaciers over 12,000 years ago, the state of Wisconsin is home to diverse landscapes, from hills and bluffs to woodlands and prairies rich with native plants. Midwest residents and visitors from all over the country are fortunate to hike, snowshoe, and even cross-country ski (in some segments!) through the diverse landscapes of this beautiful trail.
Why this blog? My name is Erin – I’ve lived most of my life in the Great Lakes Region, calling northern Illinois home. I have taught Geography, Geology, and Environmental Science for over 20 years, traveling extensively throughout the country, visiting 46 states and 26 national parks, forests, and monuments. Throughout my travels, I have learned to appreciate the wealth of beauty in this region, and am proud to call the Great Lakes region home. The unique geology and beauty of the Great Lakes region provides an adventure for everyone – at every age and stage of life. I am excited to share some of the beautiful places (and adventures!) that this area has to offer!
6 Beautiful Winter Hikes on the Ice Age Trail
Ice Age National Scenic Trail – Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest
1) Whitewater Lake Segment
Located in Walworth County, the Whitewater Lake segment passes through 4.6-miles of hilly terrain including glacial kettles, glacial moraines, and a viewpoint (Lone Tree Bluff scenic outlook) overlooking Whitewater and Rice Lakes to the west. With an elevation gain of 377 feet, this segment is moderately strenuous for some hikers. If you love geology and unique landforms, you will enjoy the high-relief, hummocky topography, eskers, kettles, and kames throughout this segment, all formed by the receding glaciers thousands of years ago. For detailed topographic maps of each segment, you can pick up a copy of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail Atlas (hard copy or e-version) from the Department of Natural Resources Kettle Moraine State Forest Headquarters Office and Visitors Center, located at S91W39091 WI-59, Eagle, WI 53119, or order a copy of the atlas online through the Ice Age Trail Alliance store. Looking for a post-hike meal? Check out Holi Cannoli in Elkhorn. (N7065 U.S. Highway 12, Elkhorn, WI 53121) – authentic Italian, delicious desserts, friendly service!
2) Blackhawk Segment
Located in Walworth County, the Blackhawk segment of the Ice Age Trail extends from Young Rd. to State Highway 12, covering 7.0 miles of a mix of hardwood forests, traveling a long the west side of 14-acre Lake La Grange and the historic Oleson homestead and lime kiln from the mid-1800s. Historically, lime kilns were used to roast calcium carbonate (limestone) to produce quick-lime, which was then used as mortar in construction. Read more about the history of the Oleson homestead and lime kiln here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/kms/history
3) Blue Spring Lake Segment
Located in Jefferson County, this 7.1-mile Ice Age trail segment extends from County Highway Z to Young Rd., featuring varied terrain, hummocky topography, the famous Stone Elephant, an isolated pitted-outwash plain west of Tamarack Rd., and a panoramic views from the top of Bald Bluff and the Stone Elephant, a large erratic boulder resembling an elephant, deposited as glaciers receded from the region. Just north of Young Rd., hikers cross the highest point in Jefferson County, known commonly as Bald Bluff. For those interested in exploring Bald Bluff a bit further, the Bald Bluff Nature Trail can be accessed from County Highway H, on the east side of the road, south of Palmyra. Check out the map of the Bald Bluff Nature Trail .
4) Stoney Ridge Segment
Located in Waukesha County, the Stoney Ridge segment of the Ice Age Trail extends from State Highway 59 to County Highway Z, passing through 3.1-miles of oak forest, a pine plantation, and numerous dry prairies dotted with conservative native plants in spring and summer such as lead plant, butterfly milkweed, asters, goldenrods, big bluestem, and prairie dropseed. This segment passes directly through the headquarters and visitor center of the southern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, located at S91W39091 WI-59, Eagle, WI 53119. Hikers can stop in at the headquarters information center for a trail map or to check out interpretive exhibits on landscapes such as glacial lakes, moraines, and eskers found throughout the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
5) Scuppernong Segment
Located in Waukesha County, this 5.6-mile Ice Age Trail segment travels from County Highway C to State Highway 67 through hilly terrain including hardwood forests and glacial kettles. Just a mile west of the Scuppernong segment are Scuppernong Springs Nature Trail (S59 W36630 Cty Rd ZZ, Dousman, WI 53118) and Ottowa Lake Recreation Area, (S59 W36530 County ZZ Dousman, WI 53118) where visitors can swim, boat, picnic, hike, and camp. Learn more about the Ottawa Lake Recreation Area facilities.
6) Eagle Segment
Last but certainly not least, located in Waukesha County, the Eagle segment of the Ice Age Trail traverses 5.6 miles from State Highway 67 to State Highway 59 through wetlands, wide oak savannas, and restored prairie filled with native plants in spring and summer. This segment includes a unique outcrop of the Niagara Escarpment called Brady’s Rocks. This layer of dolomite extends northeast through Door County, Wisconsin, re-emerging at the eastern end of Lake Erie at Niagara Falls. Brady’s Rocks has a unique history; this dolomite outcrop from the Silurian period was mined in the 1800s by Irish immigrant Michael Brady. This angular shape of the limestone in this outcrop is distinct from its surrounding glacial erratics (large boulders carried, weathered, and deposited by the receding glaciers). During the growing season, Brady’s Rocks has been home to numerous conservative fern species, including the Cliff Brake fern, Fragile fern, and Walking fern which grow from cracks in the dolomite bedrock. Looking for a bite to eat after your hike? Check out Rustix Grill in downtown Eagle (105 Main Street – Eagle, WI 53121) – a casual bar and grill serving burgers, fish and chips, craft beer and cocktails.
While numerous other segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in this area are equally as scenic, diverse, and challenging to hike, the 6 highlighted above are my favorite segments during the winter season. A variety of landscapes, hilly terrain and open prairies, pine stands, boardwalks, and plenty of natural wonders to enjoy.
– Enjoy your hike along these 6 Ice Age National Scenic Trail segments!
