Cedar Lakes Segment of the Ice Age Trail

What is funniest thing about hiking the Cedar Lakes Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT)? I saw no lakes and no cedars. I saw the Polk Kames, kettles, plentiful gold maple leaves, cornfields, US Highway 41, and the Slinger Speedway. The Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT is a short and sweet segment from the Slinger Segment of the IAT to Arthur Road (Highway NN).

Along the Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT, I hiked through stands of serene maples, young and old. I hiked alongside and through cornfields. I felt gratitude towards the landowners allowing the trail to pass through their property. I enjoyed the kames (conical glacial hills) and kettles (glacial depressions). 

Kame top along the Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT.

Another kame along the Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT.

Glorious autumn sun along the Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT.

Along the Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT.

Slinger speedway along the Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT.

Slinger Speedway along the IAT.

At the end of the segment, I turned back to flip-flop back to the trailhead. On the flip-flop, I took the white-blazed side loop which basically makes a wide circle around a field, then rejoins the IAT. The stroll back through the maples felt amazing with the warm sun peeking through the trees. When I returned to the trailhead, the sheriff came through patrolling. This is the first time I have seen a sheriff patrolling IAT trailhead parking.

White-blazed side loop.

Along the Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT.

Along the Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT.

Overall the Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT is a relatively short hike with some gently rolling hills made especially pleasant by the fall colors. The third of the segment that follows Cedar Creek Road is pleasant enough for a road walk, as traffic flowed at minimal levels at the time of the walk. I imagine race-times at the Slinger Speedway make the road walk more daunting. 

Map of the Cedar Lake Segment of the IAT.

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

Total Distance Covered -  The Cedar Lakes Segment is 2.8 miles (4.5 km) one way, 5.6 miles (9 km) out and back. 

Difficulty - Easy to moderate.

Trail Conditions - The trail is well-blazed and highly used. Ran into a number of hikers a on the trail, 65°F (16°C).

Highlights -  Gorgeous maple trees, views of the Polk Kames, Slinger Speedway, and autumn colors.

Total Ice Age Trail Miles to Date - Total official trail distance completed to date - 309 miles (494 km).

Amenities - Slinger speedway, and Little Switzerland.

Location - Parked at Polk Kames Ice Age Trail Area trailhead on Arthur Road (County Highway NN).