Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Scenic Trail is one of only 11 National scenic trails in the United States. This beautiful trail encompasses over 1000 miles and 28 counties throughout the state, from hills and bluffs to woodlands and prairies rich with native plants. Dane County, Wisconsin lies within the Driftless Region, (comprised of the northwest part of Illinois, southwest part of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the northeastern part of Iowa) with rugged topography. The Table Bluff Segment of the Ice Age Trail in Dane County provides gorgeous views of the Black Earth Creek Valley and clues to the state’s geologic past.
Glacial History of Wisconsin
Sculpted by receding glaciers over 12,000 years ago, the state of Wisconsin is home to a wide variety of scenic landscapes. Midwestern residents and visitors from across the country are fortunate to hike, and snowshoe the diverse landscapes of this beautiful state. You will be fascinated by the geology of the Ice Age Trail and Wisconsin’s unique glacial history.
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Glacial History of Wisconsin – The Driftless Region
The Pleistocene Epoch (also known as the last Ice Age) occurred between 2.6 million and 11,700 years ago. During this period, continental ice sheets covered a large portion of North America. As ice sheets advanced and retreated, melting glaciers receded northward, sculpting unique landforms throughout the state.
Driftless Topography
Unlike the rest of Wisconsin’s gently rolling landscape, you’ll find more rugged terrain throughout the Driftless. Landscapes include bluffs, deep river valleys and steep canyon walls. Furthermore, you can find sinkholes, springs, and the occasional waterfall. The land was shaped by the downcutting of the upper Mississippi River. (Downcutting is a geological process that cuts down the river valley, removing sediment from the river bed.)
Driftless Region Adventures
For more detailed information on this beautiful region of the state, check out Driftless Wisconsin to learn more about Driftless geography. Additionally, check out the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Driftless Getaways Roadmap. This map highlights scenic drives, viewpoints, and hiking trails. Finally, check out this map of the Driftless Region, courtesy of the Mississippi Valley Conservancy.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail | Table Bluff Segment
Located west of Cross Plains, Wisconsin, the Table Bluff segment of the Ice Age Trail can be accessed at 8844 Table Bluff Road. This 4.7 mile out and back segment is considered moderately difficult, with steep, rocky slopes, woodlands, and prairies. From the northern end of the trail and the Black Earth Creek glacial outwash plain, the trail passes through the 73-acre Holmes Preserve.
Once farmland, the Holmes Preserve was acquired in 1992 and restored to native prairie by the Ice Age Trail Alliance. Following the prairie, the trail ascends along a ridge with scenic views of the valley below. Looking towards the southwest, you can see Blue Mounds in the distance. At the southern end of the segment is the Swamplovers Preserve.
Check out the Table Bluff Segment Guidebook for more information on trail access and landscape features. Additionally, the topographic map below shows elevation of the Table Bluff segment. Note the colored elevation scale at right detailing the rugged topography of the Driftless Region. (Image credit: topographic-maps.com)
Ice Age Trail Alliance Headquarters | Cross Plains, Wisconsin
Located in downtown Cross Plains at 2110 Main Street, the Ice Age Trail Alliance Headquarters is a great place to stop to learn more about the Ice Age Trail. Explore trail maps and resources, read about ongoing projects, ways to get involved, or shop for Ice Age Trail maps and gear.
Ice Age Trail | All Trails Maps
You can find detailed information on the Ice Age Trail and the Table Bluff 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
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Notable Native Plants and Fungi | Table Bluff Segment
Ice Age Trail | Animals of the Table Bluff Segment
Nearby Driftless Adventures
For another active adventure in the Driftless Region, consider a ride on the Sugar River State Trail from Brodhead to New Glarus, WI. Check out my blog post from Explore the Beautiful Driftless Region of Wisconsin | Sugar River State Trail detailing this scenic trail.
Enjoy the beautiful Driftless Region of Wisconsin!
-Erin
