Hiking the Ice Age Trail through Washington County

On a recommendation from a friend, I started section hiking the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) through Washington County, Wisconsin in October during peak leaf colors. The beauty of the kames decorated with gold maples and red oaks against blue skies wowed me. I returned when the snow came to enjoy winter hiking through the Sunburst Ski Area in Kewaskum. The seasons did not disappoint. If you want to hike through some glacial terrain near city amenities with gorgeous colors at leaf change time, check out the IAT through Washington County. 

Milwaukee River Segment of the Ice Age Trail - Part 1, Washington County

On a stiff January morning at the end of a week of below zero temperatures, I hiked the Milwaukee River Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) in Washington County, Wisconsin. The cloudy morning parted and gave way to sun and blue skies, and the thermometer crept above zero long enough to show me the difference between -3˚F (-19˚C) F and +5˚F (-15˚C)  which are, surprisingly, worlds apart. 

Hiking the Southern Kewaskum Segment, Connecting Route, and Kewaskum Segment of the Ice Age Trail

There is nothing like a hike in the snow to make it feel like Christmas. With a holiday bounce in my step, I hiked the Southern Kewaskum and Kewaskum Segments of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) along with the connecting route between them. As I hiked, light snow began to fall. Snow was not in the forecast, an unexpected joy.

Hiking the West Bend Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

I put on my favorite hiking shoes and a pair of gaiters, grinning like a hiker will for the first snowy hike of the year. Each year, my appreciation for the beauty and solitude of the snow season keeps me hiking the trail through winter despite the cold. I woke up to 2017's first appreciable snowfall and instantly changed my plans from heading to the gym to heading to the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). The driving conditions were poor due to the weather and it took double the normal drive time to reach the trailhead. But I didn't care. I was going hiking in the seasons first appreciable snow!

Connecting Route from the Cedar Lakes Segment to the West Bend Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

Crisp, sunny autumn days provide the best hiking conditions. Not too hot, not too cold, not too humid, not too buggy. At dawn on a fine autumn morning, I set out to hike the connecting route (CR) from the Cedar Lakes Segment to the West Bend Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT).  This connecting route stretches 5.5 miles (8.9 km) along the back roads and county highways of Washington County, Wisconsin. While I don't much care for the road-walking experience that makes up nearly half of the IAT, the scenic beauty along this route by far made up for the off-trail hike.

Cedar Lakes Segment of the Ice Age Trail

What is funniest thing about hiking the Cedar Lakes Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT)? I saw no lakes and no cedars. I saw the Polk Kames, kettles, plentiful gold maple leaves, cornfields, US Highway 41, and the Slinger Speedway. The Cedar Lakes Segment of the IAT is a short and sweet segment from the Slinger Segment of the IAT to Arthur Road (Highway NN).

Holy Hill Segment of the Ice Age Trail and Connecting Route to the Loew Lake Segment

Love fall colors, kettles, kames, and hilly glacial terrain in general? The Holy Hill Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) in Washington County, Wisconsin might just be the October walk your looking for. From the Loew Lake Segment the connecting route heads east along Emerald Drive and then north along Donegal Road with some peek-a-boo views of hte Holy Hill basilica between the trees. Along the connecting route I also saw turkeys, an eagle, and plenty of playful squirrels.

Loew Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail

My favorite tree, the maple, appears in abundant supply on the Loew Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). Located in Washington County, the 4.8 mile (7.7 km) Loew Lake Segment of the IAT meanders through a moderately hilly area with a two brief forays (0.2 miles / 0.3 km and 0.4 miles / 0.6 km) onto Emerald Drive. Highlights of the segment include a cool, breezy corridor of pine trees, views from hilltops, plenty of glacial geology, and wonderful views of Holy Hill.

Camping at the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest

The Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, is located on Wisconsin State Highway 60 between Slinger and Hartland, Wisconsin. The park offers a beach, bike trails, camping, and plenty of hiking trails including the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. After another 5-day work week within this lengthy holiday-free span between New Year's Day and Memorial day, we packed up and headed out. We stopped in Hartland on our way into the park for a Cousins sub.