#wisconsin ice age trails

[bibliophilicwitch]

Ice Age Trail - Skunk & Foster Lakes Natural Area, Wisconsin

[castielspelvis]

Okay that’s probably too many but I love them. Part 2 of autumn in the Kettle Moraine State Forest area 2022. lol.

Last year we went a week too early and didn’t have as much luck with the leaves.

📸: @castielspelvis

[weirdlilhiker]

Some of my favorite moments from the Monches segment of the ice age trail!

[beautyinwisconsin]

The ice age trail segment by a rest area on I39. It went under the interstate.

There was an attempt to take a photo of the waushara county sign.

Waushara County, wi

Summer 2023

[placeswordsdreams]

Ice Age Trail, Wisconsin

[breaking-the-chains]

[lesterpubliclibrary]

Ice Age Explorer Pack by Lester Public Library Via Flickr: Available at the Lester Public Library, Two Rivers, Wisconsin

[deanschlichting]

Ice age trail, Kettle moraine state Forest, Sheboygan county, Wisconsin

[wausaupilot]

Thru-hiking the Ice Age Trail: Why some hikers become ‘thousand-milers’ in Wisconsin

Hiking the entire Ice Age Trail has exploded in popularity since the 2010s

By Colleen Leahy– Wisconsin Public Radio When a hiker decides to go on a thru-hike on one of the Triple Crown trails — the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, or Continental Divide Trail — it’s a big undertaking. They have to pack everything they need in a backpack for the five to seven months it typically takes to hike thousands of miles across North America.   But what about a smaller trek?…

[travelella]

Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Baraboo, Wisconsin, USA.

[bibliophilicwitch]

Ice Age Trail - Plover River Segment, Wisconsin

[kaiyves-backup]

It’s weird to me as an adult to learn that The Glacier actually has a name (the Wisconsin Glacier or the Laurentide Ice Sheet).

Growing up, even in science class, we always learned that it was The Glacier that descended from the Arctic in the Ice Age and scraped sundry dirt and debris off the surface of New England as it went.

It was The Glacier that had melted and, at what had been its southernmost edge, left behind a tremendous clump of that dirt and rock in the middle of the sea, which had become the Long Island we lived on. (Some other parts of the clump moraine became the islands of The Sound and Cape Cod, but those were in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, so New York State textbooks didn’t consider them as important.) The chunks of ice and rock that had fallen from The Glacier had left behind the kettle ponds and giant erratic rocks we sometimes stumbled across on hiking trails.

The land under The City was older, though, and The Glacier had left scratch marks on the rock outcroppings of Manhattan that we climbed all over on visits to Central Park. And if we took a compass bearing on those scratches, we would find it matched other scratches left by The Glacier’s retreat on bedrock all across the Northeast and Canada, all the way up to the Arctic. (Where there were other glaciers today, but not The Glacier.)

And we would never, ever find dinosaur bones in our backyards, because our island hadn’t existed until The Glacier had come and gone, and by that time the dinosaurs were long gone and there were already people. The cave paintings of Lascaux we saw in art class were older than the land we walked on.

“When these were painted,” Mrs. G told us, “Long Island was under The Glacier.”

(You can read a more formal explanation here.)

[dcfairwi]

The Ice Age Trail In Wisconsin Is Now A National Park Unit http://dlvr.it/T24cYJ

[drtylerbuckley]

Discovering Natural Beauty: The Best Midwest Hikes

The Midwest is often overlooked when it comes to outdoor adventure, but it's a region filled with natural beauty and stunning landscapes. From rolling hills to dense forests and picturesque lakeshores, the Midwest offers a wide range of hiking opportunities. In this article, we'll explore the best hikes in the Midwest, showcasing some hidden gems and well-known favorites that will entice both beginners and experienced hikers.

The Midwest's Hidden Gem

While the Midwest may not be synonymous with hiking when compared to the Rockies or the Appalachian Mountains, it has its unique charm. This region offers a quieter, less crowded alternative for those seeking to connect with nature. One of the Midwest's hidden gems is the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois.

Garden of the Gods Wilderness: Located within Shawnee National Forest, the Garden of the Gods Wilderness is a surreal landscape of ancient sandstone formations that have been sculpted by the elements. The "Camel Rock" and "Indian Head" formations are iconic features of this wilderness area. There are multiple trails, including the Observation Trail, which offers panoramic views of the breathtaking rock formations and lush forests.

Hiking Adventures for All Levels

The Midwest boasts hiking trails that cater to hikers of all skill levels, making it an ideal destination for beginners and families. Here are a couple of hikes that are perfect for those looking for a leisurely outdoor experience.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan: The Lakeshore Trail is a scenic route that runs along Lake Superior's shoreline. This relatively easy 42-mile trail offers mesmerizing views of colorful sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. You can choose to hike shorter sections if you prefer a day hike or a weekend getaway.

Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Wisconsin: The Ice Age Trail offers a unique hiking experience, passing through landscapes shaped by glacial activity. With over 1,000 miles of trail, you can select shorter sections for a day hike or tackle the entire trail if you're up for an adventure. The trail showcases picturesque kettle lakes, glacial drumlins, and lush forests.

Exploring Diverse Landscapes

One of the Midwest's most compelling features is its diverse landscapes, offering a wide range of hiking experiences. Whether you're into lush forests, rolling hills, or pristine lakeshores, the Midwest has it all.

Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio: Known for its stunning rock formations and waterfalls, Hocking Hills State Park is a natural wonder. The park offers various hiking trails to explore, such as the Ash Cave Trail, Conkles Hollow Trail, and Old Man's Cave Trail. These trails wind through lush, dense forests and lead to breathtaking overlooks and caves.

Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: This park is home to 13 miles of well-maintained hiking trails, each showcasing the park's unique geology. The namesake "Starved Rock" is a sandstone butte with captivating views of the Illinois River. The park's canyons, waterfalls, and dense forests make it a fantastic destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Must-Visit Midwest Hiking Trails

If you're eager to explore some of the most popular and iconic hiking trails in the Midwest, consider adding these to your bucket list:

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota: While primarily known for its paddling opportunities, the Boundary Waters also offers a plethora of hiking trails. The Powwow Trail and Angleworm Lake Trail are fantastic options for hiking in this remote and pristine wilderness area.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota: While technically located in the Great Plains, the Badlands are often considered part of the Midwest due to their proximity. The park features several striking trails, such as the Notch Trail and Castle Trail, which lead hikers through a surreal landscape of eroded buttes and colorful layers of rock.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri: This park is known for its crystal-clear rivers and lush forests. Hiking trails like the Ozark Trail and Rocky Falls Trail allow you to explore this enchanting environment, with opportunities to cool off in the pristine rivers.

The Midwest is not only a region of vast plains and farmlands; it's also a hiker's paradise waiting to be explored. From hidden gems like Shawnee National Forest's Garden of the Gods Wilderness to diverse landscapes in places like Hocking Hills State Park and Starved Rock State Park, the Midwest offers a variety of hiking experiences. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, there's a trail in the Midwest that's just right for you. So, put on your hiking boots, grab your backpack, and embark on an adventure to discover the natural beauty of the Midwest's best hikes.

[placeswordsdreams]

Ice Age Trail, Wisconsin

[lateseasonwildflow3rs]

Ice Age Trail-Eagle Segment, Wisconsin 2022