Connecting Route from the Cedar Lakes Segment to the West Bend Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Crisp, sunny autumn days provide the best hiking conditions. Not too hot, not too cold, not too humid, not too buggy. At dawn on a fine autumn morning, I set out to hike the connecting route (CR) from the Cedar Lakes Segment to the West Bend Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT).  This connecting route stretches 5.5 miles (8.9 km) along the back roads and county highways of Washington County, Wisconsin. While I don't much care for the road-walking experience that makes up nearly half of the IAT, the scenic beauty along this route by far made up for the off-trail hike.


I headed east/northeast on County Highway NN (Arthur Road) from the trailhead parking area at the Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT. Traffic moves fast along County Highway NN, but the shoulders provide a wide walking area. The colors of cotton candy filled the sky, pink and baby blue. After a little over 3 miles, I turned east onto County Road Z as the sun began to rise.

Along County Highway NN near County Road Z.

Along County Road Z, Cedar Lake County Wayside Park provides an opportunity for a restroom break is needed. Just past the park, I heard gunshots, and felt glad to be wearing a blaze orange hat, although realistically no one would or should be shooting across roadways. One of the highlights of the hike is the view of Little Cedar Lake from County Road Z. I walked a bit over a mile along County Road Z before turning left  and beginning the short but steep climb up Scenic Drive.

Little Cedar Lake along County Road Z.

Autumn trees along Scenic Road.

After a bit over a mile, I headed east on Paradise Drive until reached the trailhead parking area for the West Bend Segment of the IAT. Highlights along Paradise drive included watching a half dozen turkeys, including one tom that walked out on a tree limb overhanging the road from the embankment hill along Paradise Drive. When I reached the trailhead, I flip-flopped and backtracked back to the Cedar Lakes Parking area.  

Along Paradise Drive.

Time to flip flop back to the start.

Turkey along Paradise Drive.

Horses along Scenic Road.

Along Scenic Drive, curious horses came to the roadside to check me out. When I got back to Little Cedar Lake, the clear blue sky provided a gorgeous contrast to the autumn leaves. A truly beautiful day for a walk through the Wisconsin countryside. Blue skies, sunshine, cool, and dry. Hiking doesn't get much better than this.

Little Cedar Lake.

A gorgeous autumn day along County Road Z.

One of the Polk Kames in the distance along County Highway NN.

Along County Highway NN.

As I walked along County Highway NN, I began to see the hills and Polk Kames along the horizon. Before long I'd reached the mammoth crossing at the trailhead at the Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT.

Getting closer to the Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT along County Highway NN.

Back to the mammoth crossing!

Map of the CR from the Cedar Lakes Segment to the West Bend Segment of the IAT.

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

Total Distance Covered -  11 miles (18 km) out and back total, the Connecting Route from the Cedar Lakes Segment to the West Bend Segment is 5.5 miles (8.9 km) one way. 

Difficulty - Moderate hills.

Trail Conditions - Connecting route is unblazed. The portion along County Highway NN has fast moving traffic but the shoulders are wide. The portion along Scenic Road and Paradise Drive has very narrow shoulders. 30°F (-1°C).

Highlights -  Turkeys, beautiful homes, and gorgeous maple trees along Scenic Drive and Paradise Drive. Views of Little Cedar Lake along County Road Z, views of the Polk Kames and autumn colors along County Road NN.

Total Ice Age Trail Miles to Date - Total official trail distance completed to date - 315 miles (503 km).

Amenities - IAT parking in lots on County Highway NN (Arthur Road) in Slinger and Paradise Drive in West Bend. Port-o-Potty at the Cedar Lake County Wayside Park on County Road Z.

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