Hiking the Mishicot Segment and the East Twin River Segment of the Ice Age Trail

On a windy February morning, I hiked the Mishicot and East Twin River Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) and the connecting route that links the segments. With piercing wind gust up to 39 miles per hour, I put on a balaclava and pulled a large rain jacket over my fleece as a wind shell. After cinching up the hood of the rain jacket around my balaclava, I began the hike. 

Starting at Randolph Street (East County Road V), I followed the IAT South on Woodlawn Drive for one block. I turned west on Washington Street walking past Mishicot's High School and then heading southwest through a residential area. After crossing the East Twin River, I headed west/northwest through Village Park along the river taking in views of the dam and the covered bridge. When I reached the covered bridge, I crossed the East Twin River heading northing on Rockway Street though a mixed residential and business area crossing Randolph Street (East County Road V) at the Mishicot Historical Museum. 

Trail Town: Mishicot, WI Population 1442

East Twin River from Village Park

The Mishicot Historical Museum

Mishicot Water Tower View from Oak Street

Covered Bridge between the Mishicot Village Park and Rockway Street

View of the dam on the East Twin River and the covered bridge from Mishicot Village Park

I followed Oak Street to the North to join Pit Road. Pit road is signed private, but is open to IAT foot traffic.  I followed Pit Road north and west to a yellow blazed footpath into a wooded area where I hiked briefly along the top of a wooded esker and then followed the trail down to County Highway B. After crossing the highway, I rejoined the footpath following the trail west and north, west again and north again along the outer edges of farm fields where I completed the 2.9 mile (4.7 km) Mishicot Segment of the IAT. The fields through this stretch had some rough spots, and I imagine it would be quite muddy if the ground hadn't been frozen.

Walking along the top of the esker on the Mishicot Segment of the IAT

Heading out of the trees towards farm fields

Following farm fields along the Mishicot Segment of the IAT

It's so windy the snow is covered with dust from the muddy fields

A gorgeous farmstead in the distance

More along the Mishicot Segment of the IAT

Beautiful roots along the Mishicot Segment of the IAT

After leaving the Mishicot Segment of the IAT, I began the short 0.7 mile (1.1 km) road walk to the East Twin River Segment of the IAT. I headed north on Princl Road for about 0.2 miles, and turned northwest at Rockledge Road for another 0.5 mile walk towards the East Twin River. I stopped to admire the view of the river. Soon it was time to hike the East Twin River Segment of the IAT.

Leaving the Mishicot Segment of the IAT to start the road-walk to the East Twin River Segment.

Along the connecting route.

Horses standing in the wind along Rockway Road

View of the East Twin River from Rockway Road along the connecting route.

Road-walking along the connecting route.

After crossing the East Twin River along Rocklegde Road, I headed down into the ditch to join the East Twin River Segment of the IAT. The steep and icy slope inspired me to stop and put on micro-spikes. It turned out to be a good idea as the segment consisted for the most part of ice hiding under a dusting of snow. Even when other areas are not icy, the trail tends to contain hard-packed ice and snow due to excessive foot traffic.

I followed the East Twin River Segment 1.3 miles (2.1km) to the North through a few sheltered cedar stands and many less sheltered hardwood stands. The hardwoods creaked and groaned as the wind gusted. The trail crossed, and then followed the East Twin River. The relatively easy terrain offered no steep sections, but ice can make a normally easy trail challenging. I stopped briefly at a nicely placed bench along the trail overlooking the river and took in the view of the giant Thompson Family Maple while eating a homemade granola bar.  

Cedars along the East Twin River Segment of the IAT

Crossing the East Twin River

The East Twin River Segment of the IAT

The Thompson Family Maple

After about 0.6 miles, I passed a DCA (designated camping area) along the East Twin River Segment. These tend to be small spots easily seen from the trail available to thru-hikers for overnight camping. There are no fire rings, toilets, or picnic tables at DCAs. Just a small spot big enough for a small tent just off the trail. After a short 20 minute walk along this segment, I emerged at Hillview Road, a short walk along the road across the river and to the IAT parking area brought the days hiking goal to an end. 

I turned back and repeated the hike in reverse back through the creaking trees, then the dusty farm fields, and finally the Village of Mishicot. That's all for now, let's get outdoors and keep our wild places wild!

Map of the Hike

Total Distance Covered -  4.9 miles (7.9 km) one way.

Difficulty - The Mishicot Segment is moderate due to a little bit of steepness coming down the esker and alot of slippery ice to deal with throughout the off-road portion. The East Twin River Segment is easy. The connecting route along the roads is easy. 

Trail Conditions - The connecting route traverses country roads, started out 24°F (-4°C).

Highlights -  Views of the East Twin River and the Thompson Family Maple along the East Twin River Segment. Views of Wisconsin farmsteads, the Mishicot Historical Museum, the covered Bridge and the dam on the East Twin River along the Mishicot Segment.

Total Ice Age Trail Miles to Date - Total official IAT trail distance completed to date - 506.7 miles (811 km).

Amenities - Parking at the Mishicot Village Park, and an IAT parking lot Hillview Road. Mishicot amenities include a post office, some bars and local eateries, a laundromat, Dollar General, and a historical museum.

Location - Parked at the Mishicot Village Park.