Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine Forest is comprised of five main units, encompassing over 56,000 acres in southeastern Wisconsin. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail, one of only 11 National scenic trails in the United States, travels through Kettle Moraine State Forest. This beautiful trail encompasses over 1000 miles and 28 counties in the state of Wisconsin, with fascinating geology and remant landforms that tell the story of Wisconsin’s unique glacial history. The scenic Monches segment of the Ice Age Trail in the Loew Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine Forest showcases this unique post-glacial terrain – it does not disappoint!
Glacial History of Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a fascinating geologic past! Sculpted by receding glaciers over 12,000 years ago, the state is home to varied and beautiful landscapes. From hills and bluffs to woodlands and prairies rich with native plants, Midwestern residents and visitors from across the country are fortunate to hike, snowshoe, and even cross-country ski (in some segments!) through the diverse landscapes of this beautiful trail.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Kettle Moraine State Forest | Loew Lake Unit
The Kettle Moraine State Forest Loew Lake Unit is located at 989 Emerald Drive in Hartford, Wisconsin, 53027. Visit the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website for more information on recreation, trail conditions, and maps for the Loew Lake Unit.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail | Monches Segment
The Monches Segment of the Ice Age Trail is a feast for the senses, especially in spring. From March through early May, the forest floor is littered with spring ephemerals emerging after the long winter season. I’ve shared my photos of the most notable wildflowers I’ve observed along this stretch of the Ice Age Trail.
Monches Segment | Spring Wildflowers of the Ice Age Trail
The Ice Age Trail is a popular destination to observe Spring ephemerals. In Wisconsin, native spring wildflowers, or ephemerals (named for their short-lived appearance each spring) appear between March and May before the leaf canopy has filled out. They are here for us to enjoy only for a few short weeks before they fade away, making room for summer wildflowers. Both the Ice Age Trail and Kettle Moraine State Forest are top destinations for spring ephemerals in southern Wisconsin.
Along the Ice Age Trail, ephemerals emerge from leaf litter, at the base of trees, and in clusters throughout the forest floor. One of my favorite parts of spring is hiking the woodlands and prairies of Kettle Moraine State Forest in search of these tiny fleeting plants. The photos below were taken along the Monches segment of the IAT in mid-April.
Spring Ephemerals of the Monches Segment
Monches Segment | Ice Age Trail | All Trails Maps
You can find detailed information on theIce Age Trail and the Monches Segment on the AllTrails website and AllTrails app. Search 500,000+ trails by state and trail type – includes photos, maps, and detailed trail reviews. To explore the AllTrails app, sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE.
- 500K+ trails
- 90M+ members
- 1.8B+ miles logged
- 2.9B+ kilometers logged
- 14 languages supported
Holy Hill Segment | Ice Age Trail
If you continue North on the Ice Age Trail, you’ll reach the beautiful Holy Hill segment, traveling through the grounds of the Holy Hill Basilica. From the Monches segment, hike north across Donegal Road north 6.8 miles to the basilica grounds. The northern end of the Holy Hill segment is County Highway E. I recommend a visit to Holy Hill, either by car or via the Ice Age Trail. It is gorgeous in any season!
Kettle Moraine State Forest | Spring Hikes
Spring is a gorgeous season to hike the Ice Age Trail. For more information on scenic spring hikes in Kettle Moraine State Forest’s Southern Unit, read more in my article, Kettle Moraine State Forest | 3 Beautiful Spring Wildflower Hikes.
Get out there and enjoy the beautiful Ice Age Trail!
-Erin
