Hiking the West Bend Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

I put on my favorite hiking shoes and a pair of gaiters, grinning like a hiker will for the first snowy hike of the year. Each year, my appreciation for the beauty and solitude of the snow season keeps me hiking the trail through winter despite the cold. I woke up to 2017's first appreciable snowfall and instantly changed my plans from heading to the gym to heading to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). The driving conditions were poor due to the weather and it took double the normal drive time to reach the trailhead. But I didn't care. I was going hiking in the seasons first appreciable snow!

My childlike excitement propelled me forward into the snow, and down the trail. I delighted in the opportunity to be the first hiker to tromp through the fresh powder. I usually do my IAT videos by county. This hike, I got so excited I decided to make a video of just this one hike.

Video of my snowy hike.

I started at the Ice Age Trail parking area on Paradise Drive in West Bend and headed north through a forested area. A herd of deer about a quarter mile ahead of me kept popping in and out of view, and saw them again 5 times throughout the hike before I reached Ridge Run County Park. I followed the trail to University Drive, then headed across busy State Highway 33. I took a quick pivot left and and jumped back on trail alongside Culvers before re-entering a forested area (backyards) rich with eskers, kames and kettles. I hiked through the beautiful glacial terrain of the Glacial Blue Hills Recreation Area across Park Avenue and Beaver Dam Road to County Highway D where I began the short Southern Kewaskum Segment of the IAT. But that is another story for another day.

Crossing Park Avenue in West Bend

Along the West Bend Segment of the IAT

Ducks on Silver Creek

The IAT is maintained entirely by volunteers - thank you! Wonderful work.

Silver Creek.

Gorgeous snow covered bridge along the IAT.

West Bend Segment of the IAT.

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

Total Distance Covered -  13 miles (20.9 km) out and back total, the West Bend Segment is 6.5 miles (10.5 km) one way. 

Difficulty - Moderate hills.

Trail Conditions - Snow covered, well-maintained, 20°F (-7°C).

Highlights -  Deer, glacial terrain including kames, eskers, and kettles, and a trail-side Culvers. 

Total Ice Age Trail Miles to Date - Total official trail distance completed to date - 332 miles (531 km).

Amenities - IAT parking in lots on Paradise Drive, Wildwood Drive, and the Glacial Hills Recreation Area in West Bend. Ridge Run County Park, City of West Bend Restaurants (and other services) including a Culvers and Perkins just off trail.

Location - Parked at the West Bend IAT Trailhead Parking on Paradise Drive in West Bend.