A hike on the Ice Age Trail can be as simple as an after-work jaunt on a suburban segment or as challenging as a once-in-a-lifetime thru-hike. Show
Regardless of the scope of your next Ice Age Trail trek, reading up on the following topics can help ensure your experience will be fun, safe and rewarding. Respect Private PropertyIt is imperative, both for the current Ice Age Trail and its future, that hikers respect private property. Private landowners all along the Trail host segments on their property, and the Ice Age Trail would not exist without their cooperation and support. Many segments are hosted as part of a “handshake agreement” that is revocable at any time by the landowner.
One irresponsible hiker can, unfortunately, cause an entire segment of the Trail to be lost. Please remember that hiking the Ice Age Trail over private property is a privilege, not a right. Where Would You Like to Hike?When planning a hike on the Ice Age Trail, two of the most common questions are “Where should I go?” and “What will I find when I get there?” The best way to answer those questions, and many more, is to consult the Ice Age Trail Guidebook and the Ice Age Trail Atlas. Both books are written and published by the Ice Age Trail Alliance. All proceeds help build and maintain the Ice Age Trail. To order, visit our store. Be sure to also check out our online Trail map. This tool provides a snapshot of the Ice Age Trail route, parking areas and places to camp. Another good resource to look at is our Recommended Hikes. There you’ll find popular segments across the entire Trail for both day hikes and backpacking. Before Leaving the HouseYour best hikes begin with a little research and planning:
What to Wear
SafetyAlways use common sense and take precautions when you’re on the Trail:
Hunting SeasonsThere can be a lot of details to navigate when you hike the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin’s fall and winter seasons: hunting season dates, trail closures on private property, and public lands where the Trail is open and hunting is also allowed. Visit our Hunting Season and the Ice Age Trail for details. Hiking with DogsThe general guideline for hiking with dogs on the Ice Age Trail is that the dog should be leashed (8-ft maximum length) and under control at all times. In some areas, dogs are prohibited entirely; in others, they must be leashed by law. Specific regulations for each segment are listed in the Ice Age Trail Guidebook. Invasive Species ImpactEach year IATA volunteers and partners fight invasive or non-native plant species along the Ice Age Trail corridor and throughout the state. Without these efforts, the non-native plants, animals and pathogens can displace native species, disrupt ecosystems and harm recreational activities. Controlling invasive species is difficult and getting rid of them is often impossible. Anyone who spends time in the outdoors is a potential vector of undesirable plant material. To minimize the introduction and spread of invasive species, hikers should:
For more information visit the DNR’s Invasive Species page. How long would it take to hike the whole Ice Age Trail?Most people take eight to 12 weeks to hike the Ice Age Trail.
How much of the Ice Age Trail is complete?How much of the trail is complete? More nearly 700 miles of the Ice Age Trail is currently blazed and open for public use. The Trail is made up of more than 100 segments, which vary in length from just over 1 mile to nearly 15 miles.
Is the Ice Age Trail continuous?Backpacking. The 1,000 mile Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a continuous footpath through diverse landscapes that follows the features that mark the furthest advance of the last glacier in Wisconsin. Learn more at the Ice Age Trail Alliance website.
Do I need a permit to hike the Ice Age Trail?A National Park Pass is not required to enjoy the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Some public lands such as state and county parks located along the Trail may charge entrance fees. Camping registration, permits, and fees may also be needed.
|