Take a hike during National Trails Day

Staff | May 27, 2016

Celebrate National Trails Day Saturday, June 4, by hiking along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, the 1,000-mile footpath across Wisconsin that highlights a landscape sculpted by glaciers in the state more than 12,000 years ago. Local portions of the trail include Walworth and Jefferson counties.

Two free events on June 4, open to all, are sponsored by the Walworth/Jefferson County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance:

Join hikers from the local IAT chapter to hike up to 20 miles of this ruggedly scenic trail. Hikers will leave from the Rice Lake parking area near the boat ramp off the north end of State Park Road in the Whitewater Lake Recreation Area at 8 a.m., and finish mid-afternoon at the Emma Carlin trailhead on County Highway Z between Palmyra and Eagle.

A shuttle car will be available at road crossings to transport tired hikers doing fewer miles back to the starting point. Bring snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy at the 10-mile point: the historic Oleson Cabin on Duffin Road. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes and bring adequate water and a cell phone.

For details, contact Andy Whitney at 262-949-0286.

“Mammoth Tracks,” special hiking events for families and kids, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the tables near the playground at the far end of the Rice Lake parking area, located off the north end of State Park Road in the Whitewater Lake Recreation Area.

Older kids can follow the rocky Ice Age Trail over the hills to the lookout or trek to the creek. Each hike is about two miles. Guided hikes will begin every half hour from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The first few children in each age group to complete a hike will receive a hand-finished hiking stick.

Toddlers can explore their own special mini-trail at their own pace.

For more information, contact Barb Converse (262) 473-7304.