Hiking the Ice Age Trail Through Waukesha County

Along the IAT through Waukesha County, I crunched through prairies and forests over ice and snow. I found the promise of warmer days in the scent of soil thawing. I thrilled at spring's first Dutchman's Breeches. Rustic wooden bridges carried me over the scenic Bark and Oconomowoc Rivers as the leaves turned to gold. The IAT through Waukesha county presented its magesty in all seasons. 

Monches Segment of the Ice Age Trail

On a hot, muggy morning I set off the hike the Monches Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). I found it strange that although it is officially autumn now, temperatures are warmer than most of this year's  summer temperatures. I set off from Highway Q at the Carl Shurz Memorial.

Merton Segment of the Ice Age Trail

On a cool foggy morning, I set off on the Merton Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). From Centennial Park in Hartland, I hiked east on County Road K, then headed north on Dorn Road. The approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) of road walk along the 5.3 mile (8.5 km) Merton Segment contains areas with tight shoulders and traffic that moves at a pretty good clip, making the road walking portion of this hike less than pleasant. If you do decide to hike this, wear bright colors and take extra care.

Hartland Segment of the Ice Age Trail

With the canoe tripping and summer camping trips behind us, I dusted off my hiking poles and headed to the Hartland Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). I parked mid-segment at Nixon Park in Hartland, Wisconsin and headed south. I followed the IAT's yellow blazes south along Maple Avenue (Highway E), and then followed the IAT into the Hartland Ice Age Marsh. The chill in the air felt good. Golds and reds painted a leaf here, another there. Berries replaced flowers. A flock of geese passed overhead.

Delafield Segment of the IAT

I felt the warm April sun and delighted at the smell of  bacon frying as I walked through downtown Delafield, a charming historic trail-town along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). I found downtown Delafiled to be a wonderful spot to relax and click a few photographs. The new route along the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial River Walk (in place of walking along Main Street) proved equally delightful. The river walk provides a stretch through a marshy area as well as a walk through history with the war memorials along the Bark River.

Lapham Peak Segment of the Ice Age Trail

The Lapham Peak Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT) is not far off the beaten track, and along much of trail the rumbling of traffic is heard in the distance. Part multi-use trail and part footpath, this segment carries the hiker through forested areas as well as restored prairies, with the majority of this segment within sight or earshot of civilization.

The Waterville Segment of the Ice Age Trail

On a gray March morning, I parked at the UW Waukesha Field Station and stepped from my car to hear sandhill cranes for the first time this year.  As I stepped from the car to hike the Waterville Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT), I noticed the signs. Unauthorized parking from sunset to sunrise is not permitted at the field station. Shortly after I began to hike, the sun  slid over the horizon. Problem resolved. With the Glacial Drumlin trail and IAT meeting at the field station, the area at the field station tends to be very busy with dog walkers. I felt happy to head South to the IAT for a quieter walk.

Scuppernong Segment of the Ice Age Trail and Connecting Route to the Waterville Segment.

Since the temperatures hovered near freezing, I waited for the downpour to slow to a light rain, before heading up the Scuppernong Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). By the end the hike, a brand new day had appeared with blue skies and sunshine for miles. Geese flew north. Their cacophony disarmed me after the miles of silent winter hiking, a welcome clamor nonetheless bringing with it the promise of springtime.

Eagle Segment of the Ice Age Trail

After parking in the Ice Age Trail trailhead parking area on State Highway 67 just north of Eagle, Wisconsin, I headed up the Eagle Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). An owl hooted as I hurried down the trail trying to warm myself against the cold. 

Stony Ridge Segment of the Ice Age Trail

Snow fell softly as I hiked the Stony Ridge Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. A cold, quiet day, I had the trail and my thoughts to myself, but did see campers at the backpacking shelter.