Experience a Beautiful Snowy Hike on the Ice Age Trail | Blackhawk Segment

One of just 11 National scenic trails in the United States, Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail encompasses over 1000 miles and 28 counties throughout the state. The unique and varied terrain of the Ice Age Trail highlights Wisconsin’s glacial history. Trail segments that pass through Kettle Moraine State Forest are among my favorite to hike – in all seasons! Specifically, the Blackhawk Segment in southern Wisconsin provides a beautiful setting for a hike.

Glacial History of Wisconsin

Sculpted by receding glaciers over 12,000 years ago, the state of Wisconsin is home to rolling hills, bluffs, agricultural land, woodlands and prairies rich with native plants, Midwestern 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.

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Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest | Ice Age National Scenic Trail

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, the Blackhawk Segment travels along the west side of 14-acre Lake La Grange. Additionally, the trail passes the historic Oleson homestead and lime kiln from the mid-1800s. The image below shows the Oleson Homestead, north of Highway N at Duffin Road.

Wisconsin’s Post-Glacial Landforms

Kettle: Kettles are round depressions formed by melting blocks of ice.  As glaciers receded, large blocks of ice detached (calved), leaving depressions in the landscape. These round depressions are known as kettles.

Kame: Kames are round hills of glacial sediment (sand and gravel) formed from meltwater streams from glaciers and arranged in layers. Kettles and kames are often found in close proximity.  This is known as kettle and kame topography.

Esker:  Eskers are long, sinuous ridges of glacial sediment (sand and gravel) formed from meltwater streams. Glaciers deposited sediment beneath them as they melted.  These unique features appear snake-like from above, extending for hundreds of meters or even hundreds of kilometers. They vary in size and shape, with some with flat tops and others with sharp ridges.

Blackhawk Segment | Ice Age Trail Atlas/Trail Maps

For detailed topographic maps, 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.

All Trails Maps/App

You can find detailed information on Wisconsin’s many scenic trails on the AllTrails website and AllTrails app. Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type – includes photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews.

• 500K+ trails
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Sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE.

Blackhawk Segment | Winter Hiking Layers

Winter is a beautiful time to hike in Wisconsin!  As we journey through the coldest months of the year, be sure you’re dressed in layers for the comfort on the trail. Explore Cheap & Steep’s Flash Sale – Up to 70% Off Camp, Hike, Bike, Snow and More Gear.

Hiking Packs

For a well-fitting, sustainably made pack for a hike of any length, Osprey packs are my go to. If you’re anything like me, you travel light!  My go to pack for day hikes is Osprey’s Talon 11, with an adjustable hip-belt, two water bottle compartments, and a mesh front pocket with plenty of room for an extra layer and snacks for the trail.

Osprey’s Sportlite 20 is another great option for day hikes. For something a bit larger, Osprey’s Hikelite Daypack includes padded hipbelt pockets and plenty of storage space. Check out Osprey’s Packfinder to find the pack that will best fit your frame and activity.

Ice Age Trail in Spring!

The Ice Age Trail is also beautiful in the spring season as spring ephemerals emerge.  If you’re interested in exploring more of the Kettle Moraine Forest, read on for more information in my recent article: Kettle Moraine State Forest | 3 Beautiful Spring Wildflower Hikes. 

Kettle Moraine State Forest | 3 Top Spring Wildflower Hikes

Kettle Moraine State Forest is the place to see wildflowers in the Great Lakes region! Check out three of my favorite spring hikes in southern Wisconsin.