Hiking the Greenbush Segment of the Ice Age Trail

Nothing feels better than stepping onto the trail after time away. For the first time since the snow melted in April, I stepped back onto the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). I parked at the trailhead parking along State Highway 67 and started hiking north along a somewhat flat, mucky, narrow trail cutting through the wet morning grass. Now autumn, the chill in the air and the colors starting filled me with true joy. Near mile one, the trail became hilly and I passed the Greenbush Kettle and the Kettle Moraine State Forest (KMSF) Northern Unit Backpack Shelter #5. 


Just north of the shelter, the trail turned, and I passed a hand pump for water. Shortly after this, the trail passed a picnic area with parking. The picnic area offers parking and latrines, noteworthy for those planning to do this hike. Soon after the trail passed the KMSF Greenbush Outdoor Group Camp and crossed Kettle Moraine Drive.  

Fall on the IAT

Cross trails cross the Greenbush Segment of the IAT, sometimes wider and sometimes narrower than the IAT. Keep a sharp eye out for yellow blazes so as not to walk off the IAT in this area. This is a popular area for mountain biking, cross country running and hiking, and I ran into many of each type on my hike.

Beauty everywhere on the IAT

The trail continued up an down the glacial terrain and crossed County Road A. About 2.5 miles north of the group campsite the trail met the side trail to the Old Wade House, a Wisconsin Historic Site. About a half mile north of this the IAT joins with an old stage coach trail along State Highway 23, where bicycle and equestrian trail use is also allowed, and then crosses State Highway 23. Take care when crossing this highway as it tends to be busy with fast moving traffic.

Still some green leaves on the IAT

From State Highway 23, the hilly trail heads up and down more ridges and kettles moving north through stretches of pine and hardwood. The road crosses Ridge Road and County Road S. A mile later the trail arrives at trailhead parking on County Highway P near Glenbeulah.

Map of the Greenbush Segment of the IAT

© OpenStreetMap contributors, https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright

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

Total Distance Covered -  The Greenbush Segment one way is 8.8 miles (14.2 km), and I hiked out and back for a total of 17.6 miles (28.3 km) out and back. 

Difficulty - Moderate due to hills.

Trail Conditions - The trail is well-blazed, well-signed and well-used. Keep an eye out for yellow blazes, as there are cross trails. The trail was muddy and slippery due to recent rain, 55°F (13°C).

Highlights -  The Greenbush Kettle is one of the largest along the IAT. The maples along this section were becoming beautiful shades of red and gold.

Total Ice Age Trail Miles to Date - Total official trail distance completed to date - 420 miles (622 km).

Amenities - Parking opportunities on State Highway 67, and County Highway P, KMSF Greenbush picnic area on Kettle Moraine Drive, KMSF Greenbush Trails on Kettle Moraine Drive, and Plank Road. Starting from State Hwy 67, there is a backpacking shelter (KMSF #5) and the Greenbush Kettle at mile 1, there are latrines and a picnic area with parking at mile 1.5, and the side trail to the Old Wade House is located at mile 4.8.

More Amenities - From the trailhead on County Highway P, a restaurant can be found a half mile to the west. Plymouth is further from the trail, about 4 miles to the east on State Highway 23, but offers grocery shopping, a restaurant and more.

Location - Parked at the parking area on State Highway 67.