Connecting Route between the Clover Valley Segment and Whitewater Lake Segment of the Ice Age Trail

On a glorious, sunny December day, I hiked the connecting route between the Clover Valley and Whitewater Lake Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This connecting route runs 5 miles (8 km) through Walworth County near Whitewater, Wisconsin.







Plenty of birds and squirrels came out to play. The quiet roads along the route were nearly free of traffic, and the warm sun felt good in contrast with recent cold weather.

Hawk and prey.

Starting from the IAT parking area along Island Road, this connecting route follows Island Road to the east and then north. Then, after heading east on Anderson Road the route continues east on Clover Valley Road. The connecting route then follows Clover Valley Road to the south past an artesian well. This water source, hand dug in 1895, still runs today. Clover Valley Road then heads back to the east to pick up the trailhead for the Whitewater Segment where the IAT heads into the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

View along Island Road.

Sunrise along Anderson Road.

 

Artesian well hand dug by Adam Channing in 1895 and still providing running water today.

Old barn along Clover Valley Road.

Veggie cart along Clover Valley Road.

When I arrived at the trailhead for the Whitewater Lake Segment, I turned around and hiked back to the Clover Vally Segment trailhead. Overall, this pleasant route presents easy walking through the Wisconsin countryside with minimal traffic. The views of Kettle Moraine beckon as the hiker draws closer to the Whitewater Lake Segment. As far as road walks go, I really enjoyed this one. That's all for now - get outdoors and keep our wild places wild!
 

Map of today's road walk from the Clover Valley Segment to the Whitewater Lake Segment of the IAT.

Total Distance Covered -  10 miles (16 km) total, 5 miles (8 km) one way. 

Difficulty - Easy with light hills on Island Road and Clover Valley Road.

Trail Conditions - Traffic along this road walk traffic is minimal. 46°F (6C), sunny.

Highlights -  A hawk catching its prey, quiet country roads, old barns, and a glorious sunrise.

Total Ice Age Trail Miles to Date - Total official trail distance completed  230 miles (367 km).

Amenities - Artesian well along Clover Valley Road with a water source and seating area.

Location - Parked at the IAT trailhead parking area on Island Road at the Clover Valley Wildlife Area.