Merton Segment of the Ice Age Trail

On a cool foggy morning, I set off on the Merton Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). From Centennial Park in Hartland, I hiked east on County Road K, then headed north on Dorn Road. The approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) of road walk along the 5.3 mile (8.5 km) Merton Segment contains areas with tight shoulders and traffic that moves at a pretty good clip, making the road walking portion of this hike less than pleasant. If you do decide to hike this, wear bright colors and take extra care.



I enjoyed the chill in the air and saw plenty of geese on the move. Suddenly it's that time of year. The road walk offered views of some impressive homes. After heading east on Richter Road, stepping onto a bit of trail delighted me. This brief stretch of trail ended at Tamron Drive, and carried me back onto Dorn Road for another quarter mile before finally leaving the roadside. After road walking, it felt good to jump back onto the longer trail portion of this segment. A good bit of the trail portion follows to the multi-use Bugline trail. Unlike the Badger State and Sugar River multi-use trails, the IAT does not overlap the Bugline, it runs alongside and criss-crosses it a couple times. This felt a little awkward, but I hiked it and logged the miles nonetheless.

A gorgeous foggy morning.

Soybeans along Dorn Road.

The Bark River.

The IAT eventually leaves the Bugline trail and heads through a forested area to E. Kilbourne Road. After a brief road walk under an overpass sporting an oddly fascinating collection of graffiti, I approached the Monches Segment. Be warned, the parking area at the trail head on E. Kilbourn Road for the Monches Segment of the IAT has a relatively fresh no parking sign posted by the Sheriff, please plan to park elsewhere. When I reached the Monches Segment, I turned around and back-tracked back to my car.

Along the Monches Segment of the IAT.

Seen from County Road K along the IAT.

E. Kilbourne Road.

E. Kilbourne Road from the Monches trail head.

That's all for now. Let's get outdoors and keep our wild places wild!

Total Distance Covered -  10.6 miles (17 km) out and back total, the Merton Segment is 5.3 miles (8.5 km) one way. 

Difficulty - Easy with a few moderate hills.

Trail Conditions - The road walk is blazed but suffers areas with tight shoulders and fast moving traffic. The trail portion is well blazed and adequately maintained but muddy over one stretch, 51°F (10.6°C).

Highlights -  Gorgeous foggy sunrise, geese flying north, crisp air.

Total Ice Age Trail Miles to Date - Total official trail distance completed to date - 290 miles (464 km).

Amenities - Bugline Trail, restrooms at Centennial Park.

Location - Parked at Centennial Park in Hartland, WI.