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.Â
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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.
The Ice Age Trail has great signage throughout the trail, 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.
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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 trail highlighted above is one of my favorite segments 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.Â
Winter Hiking Layers
Weather is ever-changing in Wisconsin! As the weather turns colder, be sure you’re dressed in layers for comfort on the trail. Enjoy up to 70% Off at Steep & Cheap’s Black Friday Sale. Explore Fall Gear & Apparel up to 60% Off. Jackets & Layers Up To 65% Off
Hiking Packs
For a well-fitting, sustainably made pack for a hike of any length, check out Osprey’s Winter Sale – Up to 40% Off + Free Shipping. Through December 1, 2025. If you’re anything like me, you travel light! My go to pack for day hikes is Osprey’s Talon 11. I have faithfully carried this pack for 10 years. The Talon has an adjustable hip-belt, mesh front pocket, and two water bottle compartments with plenty of room for snacks and an extra layer inside.Â
Osprey’s Sportlite 20 is the perfect lightweight pack for 5-10 mile hikes. For something a bit larger, Osprey’s Hikelite Daypack includes padded hipbelt pockets and extra storage for snacks and extra layers. Check out Osprey’s Packfinder to find the pack that will best fit your frame and activity.
If you’re interested in 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 here:Â Hike the Bluffs of Baraboo, WI | Devil’s Lake State Park.
Enjoy your hike along this beautiful segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail!
 – Erin
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