Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail is one of only 11 National scenic trails in the United States. This scenic Wisconsin trail encompasses over 1000 miles and 28 counties meandering through the state. The Blue Spring Lake Segment in southern Wisconsin is a beautiful hike in any season.
The varied terrain of the Ice Age Trail highlights Wisconsin’s unique glacial history. 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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Blue Spring Lake Segment | Ice Age Trail
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.
Blue Spring Lake Maps
The Ice Age Trail is well signed throughout, including detailed segment maps with mileage, parking areas, restrooms, shelters, and overlook areas.
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
- 90M+ members
- 1.8B+ miles logged
- 2.9B+ kilometers logged
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To explore the AllTrails app, sign up for a Free 7-day trial HERE.
Outdoor Gear Recommendations
Need help choosing a hiking pack for a day hike or trail ride? Looking for an addition to your hiking wardrobe? Below I’ve shared my personal recommendations for clothing and gear that is comfortable, well made, durable, and functional.
Blue Spring Lake | Scenic Ice Age Trail Beauty
While numerous other segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in this area are equally as scenic, diverse, and challenging to hike, the Blue Spring Lake Segment is one of my favorite for scenery during the winter season. Enjoy a variety of landscapes, the hilly terrain, open prairies, and pine plantations of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, and plenty of natural wonders to enjoy.
Devil’s Lake State Park and Ice Age Trail Segment – Baraboo, Wisconsin
For other scenic hikes on the Ice Age Trail, be sure to check out the Devil’s Lake segment, passing through Devil’s Lake State Park in Baraboo, WI, just a half hour north of Madison. Read more in my blog post linked below:
Enjoy your hike on the beautiful Blue Spring Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail!
– Erin