Milwaukee River Segment of the Ice Age Trail Part 2 - Fond du Lac County

Hiking in January's bitter cold without a trace of snow on the ground feels a bit like walking down a sandless beach. Your feet long for what's missing. In place of the satisfying crunch of snow underfoot, frozen grass and leaves crackle. Occasionally thin ice snaps. As I hiked the Milwaukee Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) in Fond du Lac County, the clouds drifted in and the day turned gray. Snow on the hike would have been beautiful. The sky had other ideas, saving the snow for the drive home.



The Milwaukee River Segment of the Ice Age Trail starts near the Sunburst Ski Area in Kewaskum and heads north to the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area in the Kettle Moraine State Forest Northern Unit. The Kettle Moraine Area with it's beautiful glacial features provides Wisconsin with a real treasure, these beautiful rolling hills. I love to hike the Kettle Moraine Area in all seasons. When I hike in winter, I bring trekking poles, and always pack microspikes and gaiters should ice or snow come my way. This gear allows me to take a steep downward slope without fearing the ice.

An icy morning along the IAT.

The portion of the Milwaukee River Segment that travels through Fond du Lac County begins just north of Kettle Moraine Drive and crosses a few roads while heading north through the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. A hilltop opening with views of kames and the sunburst ski area is a highlight along the trail, and is conveniently outfitted with a bench. Backpacking shelter #2 is located near the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area along the IAT.

Clouds staring to slowly arrive.

View of the Sun Burst Ski Area from the Milwaukee River Segment of the IAT in Fond du Lac County.

Map of the Milwaukee River Segment

I love the rolling glacial hills of the Kettle Moraine, and thoroughly enjoyed them on this hike. If you want to see glacial geology and enjoy a nice hike within range of Milwaukee, check out the IAT through the Kettle Moraine State Forest. That's all for now, let's get outdoors and keep our wild places wild!

Total Distance Covered -  The portion of the Milwaukee River Segment that runs through Washington County is 4.8 miles (7.7 km) one way, 9.6 miles (15.4 km) out and back. 

Difficulty - Moderate - beautiful rolling glacial hills.

Trail Conditions - The trail is well-blazed and highly used. Ran into a number of hikers a on the trail, 10°F (-12°C).

Highlights -  The rolling hills and the scenic view that looks towards the Sunburst Ski Area in Kewaskum.

Total Ice Age Trail Miles to Date - Total official trail distance completed to date - 349 miles (558 km).

Amenities - Parking and toilets at the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area. Parking along East Moraine Drive in Kewaskum. Camping at Shelter #2 along with toilet and fire pit.

Location - Parked at the Mauthe Lake Recreation Area (Wisconsin State Parks/Forests vehicle fee area).