Hiking the Connecting Route from the Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment to the New Hope-Iola Ski Hill Segment

Waupaca County will forever be known to me as a land where dogs chase hikers down the road. I started the connecting route between the Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment to the New Hope-Iola Ski Hill Segment after I parked in the DNR parking area on Gilman Road. From there I hiked south on Gurholt Road. 

Hiking the Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment of the Ice Age Trail

 

On a clear February morning, I parked at the Skunk and Foster Lakes State Natural Area along N. Foley Drive in Scandinavia, Wisconsin. I exhaled long, white streams into the frigid air, and zipped my down jacket all the way up to my chin. I pulled my hood up over my hat. It was time to begin my section hike of the Skunk and Foster Lakes Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IAT). 

Hiking the Hartman Creek Segment of the IAT and Canoeing the Waupaca Chain O' Lakes while Camping at Hartman Creek State Park

Hartman Creek State Park is the perfect launch point for hiking the Hartman Creek Segment of the Ice Age Trail and canoeing on the Waupaca Chain O' Lakes. The park is located west of Waupaca on Hartman Creek Road, south of State Highway 54 and north of State Highway 22. Arriving just after dark on a Friday evening, we set up camp looking forward to a weekend of outdoor fun.