The Dunes Segment of the Ice Age Trail

 

Want an easy fall hike along a wooded footpath near the amenities of a trail town? The Dunes Dunes Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) provides exactly that. The Dunes Segment is a fairly flat, short 2.7 miles (4.3 km). Starting from the Mariner's Trail, the Dunes Segment crosses Highway 42 (Memorial Drive) and heads towards the Aurora Medical Center. The IAT nearly circles the complex, then follows a footpath through the Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve. I enjoyed my time admiring the gold and red autumn colors along the Dunes Segment of the IAT on an idyllic, crisp fall day.

The Dunes Segment of the IAT is bookended by the Manitowoc Segment to the south and the Two Rivers Segment to the north. Starting from the Manitowoc Segment at the corner of Taylor Street and Memorial Drive, I crossed at the crosswalk heading north along Taylor Street, passed the Aurora Medical Center, took a left on Lake View Avenue, and followed the yellow IAT blazes through the lawn around the Aurora Medical center and through a small garden. I followed the IAT across a small bridge and followed the yellow blazes north to the IAT trail head sign at the northeast corner of the Aurora Clinic parking area. 

One of many benches along the Dunes Segment of the IAT

Ones of the bridges along the Dunes Segment of the IAT

Following the yellow blazes I entered the Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve and passed through areas of woods, meadows, and marshy areas. Footbridges and boardwalks covered wet areas. The footpath started out muddy and became sandier as I walked northeast. The easy segment had no hills, a well-maintained and clearly blazed trail, and plenty of benches for rests. Before long I found myself at the corner of Columbus Street and 12th Street, thus ending my time on the Dunes Segment of the IAT.

That's all for now, let's get outdoors and keep our wild places wild!

Map of the Dunes Segment of the IAT

Total Distance Covered -  2.7 miles (4.3 km) one way.

Difficulty - Easy.

Trail Conditions - The trail traverses sidewalks and lawn near the Aurora Medical Center, and a wooded footpath though woods and meadows along the remainder of the hike, 51°F (11.6°C). 

Highlights -  Views of Lake Michigan the end of segment that meets the Manitowoc Segment of the IAT.

Total Ice Age Trail Miles to Date - Total official IAT trail distance completed to date - 483 miles (773 km).

Amenities - Parking at the Aurora Health Care Clinic and on Goodwin Road. The trail segment ends at two rivers which provides local amenities.

Location - Parked at the Aurora Health Care Clinic.