March Hike on the City of Lodi and Groves Pertzborn Segments of the Ice Age Trail

Motivated by yesterday's increased temperatures and sunshine, I hiked the City of Lodi and Groves Pertzborn Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail along with the connecting route that joins them. The well blazed trail proved easy to follow through both segments. The March sun and the extra effort on the hills kept me warm. What a joy to spend four hours walking in the sun after so many overcast days. A flock of migrating geese flew overhead signalling spring will soon arrive. Although I didn't see other hikers, the trail portions of the hike were well trodden and easy to follow.


I parked in the Ice Age Trail parking lot on County Road J, and headed east on the Groves Pertzborn Segment of the trail. I warmed up quickly with a 1.3 mile climb uphill, then back down to Bilkey Road. After following the 2.4 mile connecting route from Bilkey Road, to County Road J, to Development Drive, I headed south on Strangeway Avenue, cutting through the Strangeway playground on Prospect Street to the Ice Age Trail. The sun on my back felt good, bringing with it summery thoughts and the promise of springtime.

I followed the trail through the trees bordering a residential area containing newer homes, along the Lakeland Hills Country Club, past Lodi Middle School, and on to Lodi High School. After backtracking to Strangeway Avenue, I followed the yellow Ice Age Trail Blazes through the City of Lodi, south on Strangeway Avenue, then briefly east Sauk Street. The homes became historic as I moved closer to the city center, heading northeast on Church Street, southeast on Prairie Street, east on Lodi Street, then south on State Highway 113, through Veterans Memorial Park, and back to State Highway 113 (Corner Street).

When I reached the portion of the Eastern Lodi Marsh Segment that leaves State Highway 113, I turned to begin my backtrack to the car, taking a few shortcuts along the way. This hike covered the 1.8 mile (2.9 km) City of Lodi Segment, 0.4 miles (0.6 km) of the Eastern Lodi Marsh Segment, the 1.3 mile (2.1 km) Groves Pertzborn Segment, and the 2.4 mile (3.9 km) connecting route between the City of Lodi Segment and the Groves Pertzborn Segment. Backtracking miles included, the hike covered 10.9 miles (17.6 km).

Groves Pertzborn Segment.

Bilkey Road.

County Road J.

Ice Age Trail City of Lodi Segment overlooking the middle school.

Bridge along the Ice Age Trail behind Lodi High School.

Ice Age Trail City of Lodi Segment.

Historic home on the City of Lodi Segment of the Ice Age Trail.

Historic home on the City of Lodi Segment of the Ice Age Trail.

Historic architecture on the City of Lodi Segment of the Ice Age Trail.

Historic downtown on the City of Lodi Segment of the Ice Age Trail.

Approaching the City of Lodi Segment of the Ice Age Trail from the Eastern Lodi Segment.

Artsy views in the City of Lodi.

Artsy views in the City of Lodi.

Artsy views in the City of Lodi.

Historic home on the City of Lodi Segment of the Ice Age Trail.

Historic home on the City of Lodi Segment of the Ice Age Trail.

Historic home on the City of Lodi Segment of the Ice Age Trail.

Old barn on County Road J connecting route.

Views of the surrounding hills on County Road J connecting route.

 

Trail Conditions - Clear country roads with areas of hard-packed ice and snow, and areas of snow approximately 4 inches deep on trails. Sunny with starting and finishing temperatures of 16°F (-8.9°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C).

Distance Covered Today - 10.9 miles (17.6 km).

Difficulty - Easy to moderate, hilly.

Location - Columbia County in and near the City of Lodi. Parked in the Ice Age Trail parking lot on County Road J.

Highlights - Views of old barns, the surrounding hills, historic homes, and the City of Lodi's historic downtown.

Total Official Ice Age Trail Miles Completed to Date - Total official Ice Age Trail distance completed 55.1 miles (88.1 km). Trail 29.2 miles (46.6 km), connecting route 25.9 miles (41.4 km).

Total Additional Backtracking Miles Completed - 53.1  miles (84.9 km).