Janesville Segment of the Ice Age Trail

There is nothing like the fragrance of honeysuckle. Smelling of Fruit Loops and roses, no matter how many times I run into it on a hike, it is so fragrant I find myself looking around wondering who would wear so much perfume on the trail. Turns out honeysuckle lines the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) throughout the Janesville Segment. If you love the stuff, check out this segment in mid-May.

Arbor Ridge and Devil's Staircase Segments of the Ice Age Trail

Hikers often say the worst part of hiking the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) is the road walk between the Albany Segment and Janesville. Using the unexpected layer of ice that accumulated on the back roads overnight as an excuse, I delayed getting started on this dreaded road march, and did a bit of trail hiking instead. After parking at the trail-head near the Janesville Schools Outdoor Laboratory, I hiked the Arbor Ridge  and Devil's Staircase Segments of the IAT. The day started out cold with trees and trails laced with snow that melted as the day wore on.