Hiking Walworth and Jefferson Counties on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The hills, eskers, and kettes of the Southern Kettle Moraine area drew me in. I hiked over slippery ice, through rain and fog, and on days with frigid temperatures...I couldn't get enough. The quiet enveloped me. Winter in Southern Wisconsin is truly a magical time.

Blackhawk Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Bundled up in a down parka and fleece, I headed out on a cold January morning to explore the Blackhawk Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. After parking at the Highway 12 trail head near Whitewater Wisconsin, I headed down towards Lake La Grange where the trail opened up through a relatively open area. I put on Yak Trax over water proof trail runners and used trekking poles to prevent falling on the hard-packed ice.

Whitewater Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Looked forward all week to the weekend photographing the scenic vistas along the Whitewater Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). Thought I'd get some excellent sunrise photos, and arrived early to make it happen. As things go, the weather had other ideas. Overcast skies made for a gray morning. That said, this lovely stretch of trail thrills the senses even on the grayest of days.

Connecting Route between the Clover Valley Segment and Whitewater Lake Segment of the Ice Age Trail

On a glorious, sunny December day, I hiked the connecting route between the Clover Valley and Whitewater Lake Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. This connecting route runs 5 miles (8 km) through Walworth County near Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Clover Valley Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

The Clover Valley Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT)  runs 1.6 miles (2.6 km) through the Clover Valley State Wildlife Area near Whitewater, Wiscosin in Walworth County. After several good snowfalls followed by a good bit of rain and temperatures above freezing, a glorious sunny day appeared. With the sun came an opportunity to step through icy water and melting snow.

Connecting Route Storrs Lake Segment to Clover Valley Segment of the Ice Age Trail

The connecting route (CR) from the Storrs Lake Segment to the Clover Valley Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT)  runs 9.3 miles (15 km) along country roads. With a careful eye, small arrows along the route at most turns can be spotted.