Hiking the Forestville Segment of the Ice Age Trail

 

On a rainy October morning my husband and I hiked the Forestville Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). The Forestville Segment follows the Ahnapee River along the multiuse Ahnapee State trail from the corner of State Highway 42 and County Highway H in Maplewood to Birch Road (County Highway S) in Algoma. This crushed limestone trail runs through Kewaunnee and Door Counties. Built on a transformed rails to trails railroad track bed, the segment is named for the Village of Forestville, with the Forestvivlle Dam County Park near its halfway point. 

Hiking the Ice Age Trail through Dane County

Have you ever returned to the same hiking trail again and again and experienced vastly different hikes? I am forever amazed by the uniqueness of each moment. I've returned to the same bit of trail again and again and found myself immersed into vastly different experiences. I've hiked the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) through Dane county in all seasons. Early one autumn day I hiked the IAT at Indian Lake and watched the mist dissipate from the lake, while I had previously hiked Indian Lake in early spring with my family and witnessed a devastating fish kill. I love the way each season offers unique sights and sounds, each precious in it's own way.

The Brooklyn Wildlife Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Section hiking the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) is my winter treat. At the pace I'm going, looks like I'll enjoy this treat for many winters to come. After parking on Frenchtown Road at the tee made with Pillar Road in Belleville, I began to hike the 2.5 mile (4 km) portion of the Montrose Segment leftover from my last IAT hike before heading into the 3.5 mile (5.6 km) Brooklyn Wildlife Area. As I stepped from the car I enjoyed watching the fat, red moon from the night before setting and heard an owl call.

Montrose Segment of the Ice Age Trail

Astronomical twilight tempered the darkness to a nearly imperceptible extent as I parked at the Badger State Trail parking area on Sayles Trail. Able to see only a tunnel of white heading into a sea of black and the twinkling stars above, I headed south on the National Scenic Ice Age Trail (IAT). This portion of the IAT overlaps with the Badger State trail, a 40 mile multi-use trail that travels from Madison to the Illinois border.

Connecting Route from the Verona Segment to the Montrose Segment of the Ice Age Trail

Snow flurries greeted me as I began to walk the connecting route between the Verona and Montrose Segments of the Ice Age Trail. Although the traffic roars on County Road Pb, the remainder of the walk proved pleasant with little traffic. After parking at the Prairie Moraine County Park on Wesner Lane just off County Road Pb, I walked south on County Road Pb, east on Sunset Drive, south on Borchert Road, and east on Purcell Road to the Badger State Trail. This road walk ranks an easy 2.9 miles (4.7 km), 5.8 miles (9.3 km)  considering of the walk back to the car.

The Verona Segment of the Ice Age Trail

The Verona Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) provides a 6.4 mile (10.3 km) stroll through county parks and suburbia, with convenient places to hop off-trail for a bite to eat. The trail meets up with various other biking and hiking trails along the way, crosses several roads, and follows along County Highway M for a time.

The Madison Segment of the Ice Age Trail

With temperatures just above freezing and no snow on the ground, I headed out for a brief day-after-Christmas walk on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT), tucked into my schedule between the weekend's holiday celebrations. After parking at the Ice Age Trail parking lot on the corner of High Point and McKee Roads, I set off to hike the Madison Segment of the IAT, located in Dane County.

Valley View Segment and Connecting Route to the Madison Segment of the Ice Age Trail

I hiked the Valley View Segment of the National Scenic Ice Age Trail and the connecting route to the Madison Segment on a brisk November morning. The Valley View Segment meanders through woods, prairie, and oak savanna, while the road walk on the connecting route is residential for the most part. Although I had planned to push forward onto the Madison Segment, I decided to back track to the car turned back by the penetrating effect of the cold wind.

Part 2 - Connecting Route from the IATA Headquarters in Cross Plains to the Valley View Segment of the Ice Age Trail

Greeted by snow frosted trees and fields, I returned to finish the connecting route between the Cross Plains and Valley View Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.  This stretch of road offers views of fields, farms, and lovely homes on streets with stone gates announcing stately neighborhoods - Pheasant Point, Grand View, Noll Valley and the like. A week's time made quite a difference as last week's unseasonably warm and sunny start gives way to this week's icy finish.

Connecting Route from the IATA Headquarters in Cross Plains to the Valley View Segment of the Ice Age Trail

After a wonderful season of camping, backpacking, and canoe tripping, signs of winter approach and I find myself back on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). Having walked my last road miles in May, and having enjoyed quieter wilderness over the summer, I had nearly forgotten the feel of a road walk.  Two time IAT section hiker Jared Wildenradt kindly stopped to offer me a shuttle. I caught myself telling him the cars were scaring the heck out of me. He laughed and said you won't eve notice once you've got a few thousand miles under your belt.

Connecting Route between the Springfield Hills to the Lodi Marsh Segments of the Ice Age Trail

Cool temps and overcast skies made for a perfect day to knock out the connecting route between the Springfield Hills and Lodi Marsh Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. After parking at the new Springfield Hills parking area, I rode my bike the 8.1 miles (13 km) to the Lodi Marsh parking area. I hiked back to Springfield Hill, hopped in the car, and returned to Lodi Marsh to retrieve my bike.

May Hike on the Springfield Hill Segment of the Ice Age Trail and the Connecting Route to Indian Lake

Clear skies and a cool early morning temperature of 40°F (4.4°C) made for perfect weather to get in a few more miles on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). Parking just off Ballweg Road at the  IAT access point, I first hiked the connecting route between the Springfield Hill and Indian Lake Segments of the IAT. The  morning shade cooled the connecting route, something to keep in mind if hiking this route during summer. After backtracking to the car, I hiked the Springfield Hill segment.

Connecting Route from Indian Lake to Table Bluff

Fragrant May blossoms and warm weather made the morning perfect for hiking the connecting route between the Indian Lake and Table Bluff Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. If you like rolling hills and red barns, this is the walk for you. On today's walk I got scolded by a killdeer, said "hello" to passing cyclists, and spotted a coyote near Table Bluff Road. The cyclists got me thinking about leaving a bike at the end of future connecting routes to use for backtracking to the car rather than doubling up on the walking.

Spring Hike on the Indian Lake Segment of the Ice Age Trail

Two weeks changes everything. Soft mud now replaces the hard-packed ice and snow trail cover. Caught up in the whirlwind of the first two weeks on a new job and business travel, I've missed the trail. With spring in the air and the weather a bit warmer, my family happily joined me in hiking the Indian Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

March Hike on the Cross Plains and Table Bluff Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Another sunny March day beckoning, I headed to Cross Plains for a walk on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. After so many months of overcast skies, March sun and geese honking overhead provide welcome signs spring will soon arrive. Today's hike covered the Cross Plains Segment, a finish up of the Table Bluff Segment, and the connecting route between the segments.

Lodi Marsh and Eastern Lodi Marsh Segments

The Lodi Marsh and Eastern Lodi Marsh Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail meander along ridges and wind through woods, prairie, and oak savanna. The Lodi Marsh Segment comprises 1.6 miles (2.6 km) of the Ice Age Trail, although to hike the lasso-shaped trail requires 2.1 miles (3.4 km) of hiking as a portion of the trail is a loop, and a portion requires backtracking. The Eastern Lodi Marsh Segment is 3.2 miles (5.1 km) from Pleasant Street to Lodi-Springfield Road and requires a complete backtrack.