We will get the chance to do a week or 10 days on the IAT this summer and I would love to correspond with anyone who's done any part of it and has any advice or recommendatoins pro or con. Feel free to PM me if you want to keep it off-board, and thanks so much!

Jane in CT, WI-bound

We will get the chance to do a week or 10 days on the IAT this summer and I would love to correspond with anyone who's done any part of it and has any advice or recommendatoins pro or con. Feel free to PM me if you want to keep it off-board, and thanks so much!

Jane in CT, WI-boundLucky you! This is a trail I'd love to do sometime. Glacial geology fascinates me. Be sure and give us a report when you get back.

For those of you who didn't know (like me):

http://www.iceagetrail.org/

Congrats to you GsingJane and thanks for the link Saimyoji. I'd never heard about this trail. Sounds wonderful.

the ice age trail its been one onf my favorites. the first time i hiked it was when i was 12.

Well we are back from our five days on the IAT and this will be my (abbreviated) trip report. Wow, all I can say is... it's different! At this point, I'd say that unless you live in WI or really nearby, the IAT isn't something to travel specifically to do. It's probably about where the AT was, say back in the 1960's or 70's, in terms of it being a bunch of relatively short segments connected by looooooonnngg roadwalks.

We started out at the northern edge of the "north" unit of the Kettle Moraine. This is the interestingly glaciated portion of Wisconsin and truly beautiful. The hiking, especially for those of us used to the AT, is unbelievably easy. The treadway is soft earth or small gravel stones for the most part, and it's rolling or flat rather than jagged or steep in any section. There are all sorts of cool geologic formations, like kettles, eskers, drumlins, and other neat stuff.

Because the hiking was so much easier than I'd thought it would be, we wound up moving through the entire Unit in 3 days rather than the 5 I'd "budgeted." This was okay... it gave us time to do some off-trail exploring, to the Wade House, the Ice Age Museum, and the Parnell Observation Tower (all of which were much, much worth it). We stopped at a private campground in West Bend, WI and spent the last full day of our hike day-hiking from there (finishing the Glacial Blue Hills segment and also re-visiting the Camp Silver Brook property, which I attended as a girl many moons ago). Altogether with detours the hike was about 45 miles but you could easily have completed the entire Kettle Moraine section in 2 days (that's 31 miles).

Pros: the trail is incredibly well-marked. There are even mile markers! It's beautiful, lots of open meadow walking with glorious wildflowers and birds galore. There are NO natural water sources, but there are wells and pumps located say every 5 miles. We never filtered once. The state park campground we stayed at the second night even had showers, so it was a very "civilized" hike at that. The people at the IAT conservancy are really helpful and gave me lots of help in figuring out the logistics (although the reservation system was incredibly hard to use).

Cons: you have to reserve and pre-pay to stay in the shelters! Which are grungy, gloomy and depressing. The one we stayed at had garbage ALL over and a smoldering fire (this in a time when they've had virtually no rain since May and things are dryer than tinder). We saw one small school group and otherwise, not one other backpacker. However, this may be explained by super-abundance of mosquitoes. They were intense. Rain forest intense. It was one of the reasons I didn't mind all the road-walking, because otherwise you had to hike in your rainsuit. So whether you go to this section or not, I would definitely advise skipping the late July period because you will not like the bugs at all.

We didn't wind up going to some of the more northern sections, mainly due to the difficulty of arranging rides. Wisconsin is a big state!

All in all, the IAT is a very cool, yet decidedly different, walk in the woods. When it starts getting a little more connected, it's going to be awesome.

Jane in CT

Jane,

Thanks for the information on the IAT. I was unfamiliar with this trail, until I read your post.

I enjoyed your report. It sounds like your family had a good time.

Thanks, Roland. We did have a good time, it was a real adventure being long distance hikers on a trail that isn't really ready for prime time long distance hiking yet. It has given me an incredible new respect for the pioneer AT hikers back in the '60's and '70's, and it's also really caused me to appreciate what we have on the AT. (Also it makes me want to get back out on the AT all the more, but then almost everything seems to do that....)

Jane in CT

I had heard of the Ice Age trail but only learned at the ATC Conference that it's one of the National Scenic Trails overseen by the National Park Service (http://www.nps.gov/iatr) so perhaps there's hope for some funding for completion.

But don't hold your breath.

Roland nice trip report.
Personally I have never made it over to the IAT because I have this love affair with the AT. But you are right the AT has come a long way. My first hike on the AT was in 74 in the Smokies and picked up Ed Garvey's book on his AT hike. In 75 I hiked Springer to Damascus, VA for a planned thru hike. I didn't make it back on the trail until 1990 and what a difference. The AT had become a social event for those that can't or wont stand still. Trail names, shelter journals and everyone with a common goal or at least interest.

BTW, leaving in about 4 hours to finish my journey. 175 miles to go in Maine. Can't wait.

Roland nice trip report.
Personally I have never made it over to the IAT because I have this love affair with the AT. But you are right the AT has come a long way. My first hike on the AT was in 74 in the Smokies and picked up Ed Garvey's book on his AT hike. In 75 I hiked Springer to Damascus, VA for a planned thru hike. I didn't make it back on the trail until 1990 and what a difference. The AT had become a social event for those that can't or wont stand still. Trail names, shelter journals and everyone with a common goal or at least interest.

BTW, leaving in about 4 hours to finish my journey. 175 miles to go in Maine. Can't wait.

WalkingStick75,

I think you intended to address your post to Jane. That's ok, I understand; I turned 50 this week. :D

At first glance, I thought you might be the WalkingStick in Lynne Whelden's video. Your profile set me straight.

Life's responsibilities has a way of getting in the way of our dreams. Congratulations for returning to the Trail, to finish your dream. Have a great hike!

The Ice Age Trail of IAT is a hidden gem that I feel the hiking community does not really know about. True, alot of sections are not completely linked yet, but the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation (IAPTF) is steaming ahead and every year add to the trail. Sections in the Western part of Wisconsin are more unpopulated and rugged. I live a few minutes from the Southern Kettle Morraine section which is used quite a bit, yet a good place to do day hikes. The IAT as it is refered to here in Wisconsin will be a great trail once completed.

Turtle, have you done any extended trips on the IAT yet? How were they?

Jane

The Ice Age Trail has been my training gronds for the AT. One of the disadvantages of living in WI, 1200 above sea level, but the the terrain is beautiful. I do agree that availability of shelter is very limited on the IAT making it difficult to put together a longer hike without spending money on B&B's or motel/hotel. But it is a gem, and we are working on it. The area that you hiked is considered the "cadilac" portion of the trail. So glad to have you visit.

Thank you Zeke! You are right, it sure was lovely. I do have some idea of what goes into making a ld trail (am very involved in the effort to put together a Shoreline Greenway Trail along Long Island Sound here in CT) and my hat's definitely off to you guys. It is a hard, hard job.

I will caution you, unless you are a super-hiker, maybe cut your mileage estimates by 30-50% from your IAT training when you do hit the AT, at least at first. What I found the most shockingly different on the IAT was the condition of the treadway... you can march right along, taking in the views, enjoying yourself, whereas on the AT if you look up for more than 5 seconds, you'll likely trip and fall down. Things just take a whole lot longer on the AT, or at least so we've found in NY, CT and MA so far.

Take care,

Jane in CT

p.s. I'm from Tosa originally, and spent lots of time in West Bend as a kid, mostly at Camp Silver Brook... we stayed two nights at Lake Lenwood and it was a hoot!

Hey all,
I'm from Wisconsin originally and had my eye on ths trail for awhile.
I figure when I retire I will return to ramble among my roots, rediscover the state. So the road-walking won't be the worst thing in the world for me.

A friend of my still-in-Wisconsin brother caught hiking fever and set out on the IAT.
His short journal is here:
http://www.trailjournals.com/dewman/

Wisconsin in the summer is a beautiful place, with many small towns.

Wisconsin in the summer is a beautiful place, with many small towns.

and taverns on every corner :D

Jan, what part of Wis. are you from. I lived in Madison yrs and yrs ago.

and taverns on every corner :D

Jan, what part of Wis. are you from. I lived in Madison yrs and yrs ago.

And every crossroads.
Milwaukee to start, then Madison, then CrossPlains/Black Earth, then Mazomanie and kept moving west through the state.

I miss it ... in August.
:D

oh yes, lost of memories from wisconsin....i miss not being able to drive up there every weekend....since i live in georgia.

Ewker, I'm originally from Wauwatosa (which isn't as rural as it sounds, it's a suburb of Milwaukee). I wonder if anyone on this board ever spent any time at Camp Alice Chester? Maybe Northern Hills?

I also spent some very fun years in Madison, from 1975-80 Undergrad) and then 1982-85 (law school, less fun). You?

Jane in CT, former cheesehead

I am glad to hear from other cheeseheads and former cheeseheads on this site. The Ice Age Trail as afore mentioned does have its easy trailway parts that get used quite a bit like in the Northern Kettle Morraine and southern kettle morraine sections However, if local Wisconsinites wish to get a taste of what the AT is like; please hike the IAT at Devils Lake. The trail has a circut around the lake and with a mile or two side route can be hiked from Parfeys Glen. The elevation gain with rugged ups and downs is like the AT and can be done in a day. My wife and myself hiked with our full packs this section to get a feel for the AT (it has been a few years since we hiked the Smokeys) without actually going there. The benefit is the camping within the park and the attractions at Wisconsin Dells (including the Ho Chunk casino) are nearby.

Also of note, that the northern Kettle morraine area has been for years one of the primary places for glacial research. I was for a short time a geology student and we would have researchers from all over the world come to see textbook examples of 'recent' glaciation. Terminal morraines, eskers, drumlins and kames are abundant. In fact just outside Dundee, WI only a mile or so from the Henery Reuss Glacial Interpretive center is a textbook moulon kame of Dundee mountain that is world fameous.

[quote=gsingjane;460060]Ewker, I'm originally from Wauwatosa (which isn't as rural as it sounds, it's a suburb of Milwaukee). I wonder if anyone on this board ever spent any time at Camp Alice Chester? Maybe Northern Hills?

I love Northern Hills. Went there from the time I was 9 until I couldn't go anymore. That is where I got my roots in backpacking. Started out by going on a 3 day, then 5, then 7, then to the Porcupine Mts 5 years in a row. We would read each night aroung the campfire, one trip we read a book on the written about 2 characters walking the PCT. That is when I knew that someday I would become a long distance hiker.

Born and bred in Milwaukee; couldn't take the snow shoveling any more :p and moved to Nashville ten years ago. Been pickin' an' a-grinnin' ever since.:cool:

I learned to cross country ski on the Ice Age and other trails in the KEttle Moraine Forest complex. Cross country skiied the Ice Age Trail with a couple of friends from Greenbush, thru Mauthie Lake campground, to Kewaskum (near West Bend) over a long weekend a number of years ago. Great friends, great time.

Go Packers!!!:banana

Born and bred in Milwaukee; couldn't take the snow shoveling any more :p and moved to Nashville ten years ago. Been pickin' an' a-grinnin' ever since.:cool:

I learned to cross country ski on the Ice Age and other trails in the KEttle Moraine Forest complex. Cross country skiied the Ice Age Trail with a couple of friends from Greenbush, thru Mauthie Lake campground, to Kewaskum (near West Bend) over a long weekend a number of years ago. Great friends, great time.

Go Packers!!!:banana

Hey, look at all the chesseheads on WB.
All you Milwaukee/wauwatosa-ites - where did you go to school?

I loved the Devil's Lake/Baraboo area -the closest thing we had to muntain terrain.
:)

Messmer HS (loved those patent leather shoes ;) ); UW-Milwaukee: undergrad and grad school (MSW 83).

only school I went to was an elementary school in Madison..told ya it was a long,long time ago

forgot to mention that I spent a wonderful night (haha) in jail in Hudson Wisconsin for hitchhiking on the interstate

In the winter '89(February), I hitch hiked across the country from North Carolina to California and along the way(quite a bit out of the way), I stopped outside of Milwaukee to set up my old North Face Westwind tent not far from the lake. It never got above zero degrees and it was cold! I remember just two things from Milwaukee: Those two weird glass green-house pyramids and the frigid cold.

Question to anyone who's working on or around the IAT now, I am somewhat tempted to enter the so-called "38 Mile Night Fun Run" to be held on the IAT on June 7-8 (I'll be about about two months post my spring marathon and have always wanted to give the ultra a whirl). Has anyone ever done it or know anything about it? I am gong to go on their website and also look around some ultra sites for some more info, but often people here have tips to share as well....

Jane in CT (Tosa East grad, 1975, UW '80, UW Law "86)

Door county has a part of the IAT too...though a large part of the trail goes over a bike path that was a rail to bike conversion. Good hiking can be had on Rock Island, and as it is hard to get to we shared the Island with the ranger and one boat camper....virtually the Island was to ourselves in late August. To get to it you have to take the ferry to Washington Island, and then another boat ride from Washington Island to Rock Island. The remote campsites were great set back on the beach with unspoiled views of Lake Michigan.

Brookfield East grad 91', UWM grad 96' Had lived in Tosa for 3 years

IAT in the North Woods is very complete - as is a section in Chippewa County, along with most of the Western Section (St. Croix onward).

My personal favorite is down near Madison near Devil's Lake. Large open meadow hikes in between towering bluffs. Beautiful :)

The IAT in kettle moraine is very nice . . . but it is not nice in all areas. I did a section in northwest Wisconsin this summer, we were going through swamps and bogs, navigating through clear cuts (thanks National Forest Service). The blazes where very non existent in many places. Including one spot where there was a blaze on a dead tree in the middle of a swamp. We get out to that point, and there are no further blazes just a wall of very thick Douglas Furs. Had to battle through the thicket and then do some random bushwacking till we found a old fire road that eventually hooked back up with the trail. Not saying it wasn't fun, just saying it isn't much of a trail in places.

If I wanted to break in and "hook" a newbie backpacker, on this Trail, what would be an easy 3-day section, with interest? Ya think the Kettle portion? This would be June-July - I'm thinking mosquitoes might be an issue. Comments?

I have run the Ice Age Trail 50 mile run a number of times and enjoy it more & more each time that I am there. I would highly recommend giving it a try. Wisconsin is a beautiful state with a gem for a trail.

Lee - St Louis

Jan - the Northern Kettle Moraine section I mentoned above took us two days to ski. The trail extends both north and south from there, so you could easily put a 3-day trip together. Not sure about the shuttle arrangements, though. The Southern Kettle Moraine also has some nice trails. http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/Org/land/parks/specific/kms/kmsumap.pdf. One access point is Eagle, WI a few miles south of I-94 (between Milwaukee and Madison). There used to be an outfitter in Eagle, but, again I'm not sure of shuttle arrangements. A contact point might be the Nordic Ski Club out of Milwaukee. A lot of members ski these trails in the winter and might know more about the IAT, distances, interesting sights, shuttles, etc. Another contact that might offer shuttles is the Bike Doctor in Dousman, WI (I believe) close to the Southern Kettle Moraine trails. It's a bike shop that's located on a rails-to-trails path that goes between Milw/Madison, but I believe they do shuttles. Anyway, I hope this helps.

and, yes, plan on mosquitos. not the knock you down and drag you away type, but they will be out in abundance.

So I was perusing eArThworm's great resource website, Books for Hikers, today and came across this terrific page:
http://booksforhikers.com/the-trails/ice-age-trail/
So now I'm a few bucks lighter.

I ordered this soon-to-be book (with photos by Bart Smith!):

Smith, Bart, et al. Along Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0299226646?ie=UTF8&tag=fromolearthw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0299226646)http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fromolearthw-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0299226646 Madison, Wisc.: University of Wisconsin Press, to be published May 2008.

and found this gem used on Amazon for 39 cents (plus $3.99 shipping, LOL)
Reuss, Henry S. On the Trail of the Ice Age: A Guide to Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Reserve and Trail for Hikers, Bikers, and Motorists. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0962707910?ie=UTF8&tag=fromolearthw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0962707910)http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fromolearthw-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0962707910 Sheboygan, Wisc.: Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, 1990.

Now, what do I do with these ...urges?
;-)

Jan-
I am thrilled to respond to this thread. I have been hiking on the Ice Age Trail most of my life, and for the past 2 years I have been doing trail maintenance on the Kewaskum segment and on various other parts of the trail with their Mobile Skills Crew (trail building crew). I love this trail. There are some longer road walks but this trail can and has been thru-hiked. I also personally know that everyone at the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation will bend over backwards to find people shuttles, trail angels, and logistics on where to stay.

Last September I hiked through the North Kettle Moraine. The mosquitoes were overwhelming because we just had a large amount of rain. If I were you I'd bring a head net anytime from June-September just in case. They are not always bad and with a head net they don't really bother much at all.

My favorite parts of the trail are the North Kettle Moraine (It can be complete in 2-3 days), the trail through Rock County specifically the new Devil's Staircase segment the Mobile Skills Crew completed last year, and the Devils Lake area which is spectacular. Also the trail is great in the Chequamegon National Forest in Taylor County.

One note though, there are many ticks along most of the trail. This is a good tail to always have long pants handy and gaiters or you can tuck your pants into your socks to keep them from getting near your skin.

Compared to the AT the terrain is easy. In some places there are ups and downs but they don't last long. There are several people that work with the IAT that have thru-hiked or section hiked all of the AT including one of the oldest women to complete the AT (untill her record was later broken).

Anyway, if I was not going to be on the AT from March-August I would offer to shuttle or help with logistics in anyway I can. If you want me to give you some people to contact from the IAPTF who can help you let me know.

Thanks for the great thread about a great trail.

Bearpaw88
GA>ME 2008:D

[quote=Jan LiteShoe;521246]So I was perusing eArThworm's great resource website, Books for Hikers, today and came across this terrific page:
http://booksforhikers.com/the-trails/ice-age-trail/
So now I'm a few bucks lighter.

I ordered this soon-to-be book (with photos by Bart Smith!):

Smith, Bart, et al. Along Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0299226646?ie=UTF8&tag=fromolearthw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0299226646)http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fromolearthw-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0299226646 Madison, Wisc.: University of Wisconsin Press, to be published May 2008.

and found this gem used on Amazon for 39 cents (plus $3.99 shipping, LOL)
Reuss, Henry S. On the Trail of the Ice Age: A Guide to Wisconsin’s Ice Age National Reserve and Trail for Hikers, Bikers, and Motorists. (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0962707910?ie=UTF8&tag=fromolearthw-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0962707910)http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=fromolearthw-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0962707910 Sheboygan, Wisc.: Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, 1990.

FYI, you will find any old book like the one by Henry Reuss very out of date. Only rely on info from the new Companion Guide. (in which I did do the field research for the Kewaskum Segment)

Bearpaw88

If I wanted to break in and "hook" a newbie backpacker, on this Trail, what would be an easy 3-day section, with interest? Ya think the Kettle portion? This would be June-July - I'm thinking mosquitoes might be an issue. Comments?

Thanks Bearpaw.
What say you about the above request?
Or, go north to Door county?

Jan- No matter where you go there will be some mosquitoes. I think a good three day section would be either the North or South Kettle Moraine. The South section is easier terrain than the North if your concerned about that. If you want something more remote with more pine trees and "North Woods" atmosphere try hiking through the Chequamegon National Forest Ice Age Trail segment. I think that might be more of a four day hike. Also some people forget this, if your backpacking on the Ice Age Trail you are allowed to stealth camp on state and IAPTF owned land. They should mention that in the companion guide. However I am not sure if that is also true in the National Forest.

Also some people forget this, if your backpacking on the Ice Age Trail you are allowed to stealth camp on state and IAPTF owned land. They should mention that in the companion guide. However I am not sure if that is also true in the National Forest.

The above quote is incorrect. Bearpaw may be thinking of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulation stating that long-distance hikers on the Ice Age Trail are allowed to stay at State Park campgrounds, even when full.

In broad terms, backpacking opportunities along the Ice Age Trail are limited to trailside shelters (which must be reserved ahead of time) in the northern and southern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest (southeastern Wisconsin), and dispersed trailside camping in northern Wisconsin where the Ice Age Trail passes through large tracts of county and national forest land.

The best sources of information on the Ice Age Trail (including trailside backpacking and car-camping options) are the Ice Age Trail Atlas and the Ice Age Trail Companion Guide. Fully revised editions of both books will be released in April and available at www.iceagetrail.org (http://www.iceagetrail.org).

The Ice Age Trail has a ways to go in terms of providing opportunities for long distance hikers to rival those of the AT, CDT and PCT. We are working hard in that direction. That's not to say the Ice Age Trail is not worth a visit right now...Wisconsin is a remarkable place and the Trail offers both a fascinating tale in terms of glacial history and some truly wonderful hiking and scenery. If you'd like some tips on planning a visit, including options for backpacking, call the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation at 800-227-0046.

The above quote is incorrect. Bearpaw may be thinking of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulation stating that long-distance hikers on the Ice Age Trail are allowed to stay at State Park campgrounds, even when full.

In broad terms, backpacking opportunities along the Ice Age Trail are limited to trailside shelters (which must be reserved ahead of time) in the northern and southern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest (southeastern Wisconsin), and dispersed trailside camping in northern Wisconsin where the Ice Age Trail passes through large tracts of county and national forest land.

The best sources of information on the Ice Age Trail (including trailside backpacking and car-camping options) are the Ice Age Trail Atlas and the Ice Age Trail Companion Guide. Fully revised editions of both books will be released in April and available at www.iceagetrail.org (http://www.iceagetrail.org).

The Ice Age Trail has a ways to go in terms of providing opportunities for long distance hikers to rival those of the AT, CDT and PCT. We are working hard in that direction. That's not to say the Ice Age Trail is not worth a visit right now...Wisconsin is a remarkable place and the Trail offers both a fascinating tale in terms of glacial history and some truly wonderful hiking and scenery. If you'd like some tips on planning a visit, including options for backpacking, call the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation at 800-227-0046.

Welcome to White Blaze IAPTFer.
:welcome
Thanks for the above information.
I'd like to check this trail out some this summer, being a cheesehead at heart.

A West Bender here. I love the Ice Age Trail and have hiked several short legs of it. Getting a "complete" trail is a worthy goal of the organizers and eagerly anticipated.
I don't mind the shelters. When the boys and I went last spring, there was still snow on the ground and the shelters provided elevated benches for sleeping. The seclusion, instead of being alienating, was more than welcome, especially for someone who lives in Milwaukee.
This is an open invitation to anyone who gets this way: send me your info PM and maybe we can hook up to hike part of the trail together.

oops, "works" in Milwaukee!

The above quote is incorrect. Bearpaw may be thinking of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources regulation stating that long-distance hikers on the Ice Age Trail are allowed to stay at State Park campgrounds, even when full.

I guess I misunderstood. Tim M. mentioned it at the last MSC project and I was under the impression that they passed a new "law" that anyone doing a 5 day or longer backpacking trip could camp on state or IAPTF land.

WOW, I am glad to see more interest for the Ice Age Trail...it is nice to hear from others who like me contribute to the trail and wish to see its completion...I think once done alot more thru hikers for it would follow as well as supporting businesses. The IAPTF has a ways to go yet, but hopefully we can get it done!!!

Amazing, the Ice Age doesn't even get it's own forum! It is one of the National Scenic Trails, you know!

Anyway, I'm a new guy here and I plan on hiking somewhere between 250 and 300 miles on the IANST this summer. Was hoping to get in a weekend hike 2 weeks ago but life intruded.

I live pretty close to the trail and my wife and I are always willing to provide a bed and shower to stinky hikers, maybe even a meal or two!

Let's get the IANST it's own forum, it deserves it.

Ice Age: I find out better and more wonderful things about the Ice Age Trail every time we go hiking/camping. I have a picture of two of my sons on our February "adventure" in the Kettle Moraine southern unit (near Eagle): you'd think they were in the Rockies!

Amazing, the Ice Age doesn't even get it's own forum! It is one of the National Scenic Trails, you know!

Anyway, I'm a new guy here and I plan on hiking somewhere between 250 and 300 miles on the IANST this summer. Was hoping to get in a weekend hike 2 weeks ago but life intruded.

I live pretty close to the trail and my wife and I are always willing to provide a bed and shower to stinky hikers, maybe even a meal or two!

Let's get the IANST it's own forum, it deserves it.

Ice Age - :welcome to White Blaze.
When is your hike?

As a lapsed cheesehead, I vaguely remember Kewaskum - what section of the Trail is it near?

I've also ordered the new book, and I think it just shipped! Woohoo!
I'll be up that way mid-June for a family reunion. Might step out for a section.

Jan: Kewaskum is suburb of West Bend.

Jan: Kewaskum is suburb of West Bend.

... keep talking....
:)


(and, thanks)

Jan, this is my interpretation of one part of the Ice Age Trail:
At the southeastern part of the state, the trail runs through the Northern and Southern Units of the Kettle Moraine. Geologically, I think the Units are continuous but politically they are not. Which means that you have to hop on and off the trail several times while traversing this section.
The Northern Unit starts somewhere between Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, so if you draw a line from the southern tip of Lake Winnebago east to Lake Michigan, you cut through it.
The southern end of the Southern Unit is harder to pinpoint but occurs somewhere along Interstate Hwy 12 between Elkhorn and Whitewater. The actual kettle moraine, as opposed to "The Kettle Moraine" runs into McHenry County, Illinois.
I haven't hiked it yet so I'm not certain, but I believe the Ice Age Trail heads west from the Southern Kettle Moraine. I've day hiked the trail out at Juneau County but am not an expert on it. Check out this site for more info: http://www.nps.gov/iatr/planyourvisit/maps.htm.
Also, we will e glad to meet up with you when you get back this way, ya hey!

Thanks for the welcome!

I'll be section hiking different parts of the trail over the course of the summer. I want to do the North and South Kettle Moraine forests and the area between them all in one go, and I'd like to hit that 88 mile section in northern WI too. The rest will be 2 and 3 day hikes just to get away from the hubbub.

I hiked a lot of the N Kettle Moraine last summer trying to get in shape for a long trip I took in the Flat Tops Wilderness in CO. Hopefully there are fewer mosquitoes this year!

Ice Age: your idea is great. There is an organization dedicated to the upkeep and expansion of the IAT (Google that) but a forum like White Blaze would be a great advancement. Can you do that? I can't since I have neither the time nor the experience.
Also, we should all keep in touch, especially with the ex-patriot Cheeseheads who want to get back here to do the trail. I'd be more than happy to help with advice, knowledge, and resupplies as needed.

Gee mkman, you are giving me too much credit. All I was thinking is that the Ice Age Trail should have it's own area here at WB like the other National Scenic Trails do.

I also think it would be cool if the IANST had it's own WB-style site, but I don't know if there would be enough interest to keep it going.

I do plan on assisting in some trail-building and getting active in my local chapter of the IAPTF this summer, I'm just waiting for classes to end so that I have some time to dedicate to it.

Ex-patriot cheeseheads...

Love it!
;-)

For those of you who didn't know (like me):

http://www.iceagetrail.org/

Add another one to the "to-do" list...:confused:

Ice Age: send me a private message when you're done with school. Are you at Moraine Tech?
Jan: I'm originally from Illinois so I'm a "processed cheesehead."
Boar: to do what, go to the link or hike the Ice Age Trail? You'd be in for a treat if you do the latter.