Albany Segment of the Ice Age Trail

Upon my return to the Albany Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, unexpected snow and colder temperatures greeted me. I expected quiet, but the sounds of numerous birds, particularly through the Albany Wildlife Segment greeted me. Owls, turkey, geese, sandhill cranes, red-winged blackbirds, and numerous songbirds continuously filled the air with song. A mink crawled up from a swampy area behind a home near bridge 13, took one look at me, and scrambled off the trail.



As the day progressed, the snow stopped falling and quickly began to disappear. The Little Sugar River ran high with rain and recently melted snow. I walked about 4 miles (6.4 km) before turning around to walk back to the 4th Street parking area in Albany, WI. Despite grey skies, the last Saturday of winter turned out to be a great day for an easy walk on the Ice Age Trail.

Sugar River State Trail / Ice Age Trail

View from the trail.

Little Sugar River.

Albany, WI.

Map of today's hike.

Trail Conditions - Light snow and 32°F (0°C). 

Total Distance Covered  - 8 miles (13 km) out and back.

Difficulty - Easy and flat.

Highlights - Saw a mink, ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, and my first blue birds of 2016.
 
Location - Parked at the Sugar River State Trail parking area on 4th Street in Albany, WI.

Total Official Ice Age Trail Miles Completed to Date - Total official Ice Age Trail distance completed 150 miles (241 km).