June Hike on the Gibraltar Segment of the Ice Age Trail

While hiking the Lodi Valley / Baraboo Hills Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail last winter, I decided to save a couple special miles to hike with my family. The Gibraltar Segment offers gorgeous views from the hills overlooking Lake Wisconsin. It also leads to the  Merrimac Ferry crossing on Lake Wisconsin, which happens to be a required portion of the 1,000+ miles to have officially hiked the Ice Age Trail.



A sunny, cool June Saturday morning made for the perfect opportunity to head back to Lodi Valley area. We took our time hiking and enjoyed seeing deer, turtles, and many varieties of butterflies and wildflowers. Our daughter particularly enjoyed the Merrimac Ferry crossing.

Gibraltar Segment of the IAT

Turtles at Wayside Park

Merrimac Ferry

Wild Flowers

Gibraltar Segment of the IAT

Our daughter loving the ferry ride.

After our hike we enjoyed lunch at the Log Cabin Family Restaurant in Baraboo. Although I don't eat sweets, I enjoyed looking at the pretty pies in the case, and my family seemed to enjoy their desserts. Then my husband scouted out river conditions for a future paddle on the Baraboo, while our daughter enjoyed some playtime at one of the parks near the river. Before we knew it the day ended. We're looking forward to heading back that way to paddle a few miles of the Baraboo River. That will be another story for another day.

 

Trail Conditions - Well maintained and easy to follow. Sunny and 65-75°F (18-24°C). If you take kids on this hike be careful where the trail crosses State Highway 113. Cars whiz by fast.

Difficulty - Easy to moderate level of difficulty - small hills.

Location - Parked at Wayside Park just off Wisconsin State Highway 113 near the Merrimac Ferry Crossing.

Highlights - Views from the hill overlooking Lake Wisconsin, free ride on the Merrimac Ferry.

Total Official Ice Age Trail Miles Completed to Date - Total official Ice Age Trail distance completed 82.5 miles (132 km). Trail 43.9 miles (70.2 km), connecting route 38.6 miles (61.8 km).

Total Additional Backtracking Miles Completed - 71.8  miles (114.9 km).